"I've been studying the historical archives too. My favorite is Who watches the Watchmen ... who is the ultimate Authority, or Arbitrator?"

"Miss Walters, it is my belief that in the end we will have to trust the People to make the right choices and abide by them. After all, if we aren't doing this for them then why are we doing this? For our own selfish vision? For Power? I think not. We have had arguments on what to do from time to time, but we all agree that we are creating a society that will no longer need us - that our stewardship is finite."

"Will there be a World War? I don't think so. I think we are creating an interdependant web of political, cultural, and economic ties that make war unlikely. You really should look at our research some time. Our plans were implimented with a great deal of thought."

"Mind you, the impetus to do bad things for the Greater Good has been there. We are imperfect vessels for what we hope will come, but we work with the mindsets and the souls we have, not the ones we wish we had. I like to look at our long list of accomplishments as indicators we are doing the right things."

"We don't know what the new future will bring. We know the horrors that will come if we do nothing, and we believe that action is perferable to holocaust."

Ulric puts a finger to his chin.
"I should check in with Matthew. Care to come along?"

Looking to Lorean,
*Could the Maid be sedated and kept in an unshielded room? I think the quandry she has placed us in needs some discussion.*

To Cody,
*Cody, I think at this time our efforts would be better placed hunting down Harold. He may know of other pawns and be able to help us unravel her network.*

Lorean responds to Steve, "I will create a door, but for the moment it is open there will be a breach in containment. There's nothing I can do about that, my energy is stretched too thin to create a shield within a shield." She pauses for a moment, "If you can capture Harold, I would feel comfortable with dropping the shield on Matthew and the Bridge, I could then hold the shield on the sphinx indefinitely. The alternative is that I can create a hologram of you inside the brig."

Steve replies,

"OK then. A hologram it is."

"That sounds like a good idea. I prefer getting a little distance to all this mindstuff.", she points at the papers on the table. "Right now I would just react emotionally and thats a place I'd rather not to be. Maybe you can tell me more about this Superman, I'm really curious about him."

Lorean creates the hologram of Steve in the brig. It's a little strange seeing the Steve in the bridge but also seeing him doing exactly the same things in the brig. As he appears the prisoner looks up at him and blinks, but shows no other reaction, "No, I don't have any idea where I am, why don't you tell me about it. It might give me a better perspective of the situation." (She isn't lying, but there is something about what she said that is not quite right.)

*****

On the bridge Lorean picks up the stack of papers, "These will be in your rooms in the cabinet for when you want to look at them, there is no rush though."

As they start walking in the general direction as Matthew, Ulric begins plumming the depths of his memories on the subject.
"Remember, I am from this timeline, so what I know has been gathered from the archives. Still, the story of such a being interests me."

"Superman was created in 1938 as a powerful being with a strong moral compass. He is the last son of a dying world who was sent by his parents to Earth. He was raised by two farmers in your Kansas and became a Reporter for a newspaper, the Daily Planet. He maintains a secret identity/alter ego - Clark Kent."

"In times of danger, or need, Clark Kent takes on the mantle of Superman to save lives and right wrongs. He is very strong, flies, has X-Ray and Heat vision and is very resistant to damage," he adds with a grin, "unless its magic. His strength, control and bravery are legendary."

"He is most noted in my mind for never taking the expedient route to get things done. He would never sacrifice even one life to save millions. He would try to save them all. He is never corrupted, or, except for the case of Clark Kent, never deceptive. Even other heroes consider him to be the most honest and forthright. It is a heavy burden he bears."

"In almost every instance, he is loved and admired by the people of the city he protects, Metropolis. Superman is also known as the Man of Steel and the Man of Tomorrow."

"There is much more, of course. Superman flies through space, has a vast complex in Antartica called the Fortress of Solitude, and then there is some silliness in typical to the genre, which I feel detracts for the overall story of the Last Son of Krypton."

"In many ways, Superman is a lonely figure; more powerful than any of his peers and concious of the weight his decisions carry. His loneliness is somewhat abated by his long time collegue and girlfriend, Lois Lane. There is also his cousin, SuperGirl, who he mentors and with him are reminders of their lost civilization."

Steve(H) holds up his hands and says,

"Whoa, whoa, let's everyone calm down. We're all novas, we need to get along."

(At the moment Steve is wearing his 'earnest youthful enthusiasm' expression.)

Joani carefully listens to Ulrics word, not only out of curiosity but also because she liked listening to him. The President was even more impressive from up close than from the broadcasts she had seen. As he mentioned Supermans powers she couldn't help but pause for a moment. Just as Ulric finished his description of that fascinating character she said

"I can't tell you if I have ever heard of him before, but from your description you gave I have basically the same powers. Do you think I could actually be like him. I don't mean to be insolent but I feel very strong connected to him, though he is purely fiction." For the first time since she was freed of the parasite she almost beamed with energy and high spirits.

"Do I think ..." Ulric muses.
"I think you have limitless potential ... Joani. I think you have come through a horrible ordeal with a great deal of spiritual strength and elan."

"I would warn you, though. The righteous path is often the hardest. We are a species based on compromise and self-preservation. What you want goes against much of that - but,"
Ulric stops and looks into her eyes, which was made easy because their heights were so similar.
"But I think you could do it if that is what you knew in your heart you had to do."
With a grim seriousness,
"Are you sure you want to go down this road? It will be lonely, with few companions who truly understand you. The iconic image I have of Superman is a person staring off boldly into the future, but standing alone."

"So yes, I believe you can do it. I am less sure if I would wish this fate upon you."

There is a generational difference between the two people and Joani can see a great deal of wisdom in Ulric's eyes. There is definitely the true spark of belief in her, but also a sense of sadness and caution.

Steve continues, saying earnestly,

"OK, Ms... ah... Maid. I can tell we've gotten off on the wrong foot here. It's not really anyone's fault, you thought we were bad guys. Maybe you did some things that retrospectively weren't a good idea."

"You've gotten kind of a raw deal here to. You see, in our future the best known guy with your powers was... is... will be... was a guy by the name of ScarCrow. Really nasty piece of work that one. Seriously into murder, rape, torture, all basically for the fun of it."

"Then Ms. Walters turned up, and, well, I think it'd go a long way to reset the tone here if you could see fit to say what the deal with her is. I mean, who is she really and why do you act so different now than you did with her?"

She gives Steve a look, eye to holographic eye, then laughs. "We have certainly gotten off on the wrong foot. Had I known what you were about, perhaps I would have petitioned to join you instead of creating my little show. Oh, yes, Ms. Walters was quite a find. I will dearly miss being able to walk around in her skin. As for the difference in behavior, how better to remain hidden than to hide in plain sight. No one would ever suspect such a woman to have a coherent thought much less be scheming for world domination." She grins and then giggles like an airhead making quite a convincing show of it.

Becoming serious once again she continues, "I didn't exactly intend to become your prisoner, though I did prepare for the eventuality. I had intended to spy you out and gain some further insight to your setup, nonetheless, we are where we are, so the question becomes, What next? I have a body now, though not one I would chose for permanent habitation, and I will give up any claims to Ms. Walters, but by my nature, I must have a body and though I can see how you would consider what I do somewhat unpleasant, but understand that for me it is a matter of survival. Though I can apologize for what I do, I will not cease doing it, because that would cause me to cease."

Joani couldn't tell why, but she believed him, she had to believe him. Even though she understood the extend of this decision she also knew that she wouldn't be alone. Her fortress would be her new friends. She nodded slowly as their eyes met and felt it was her destiny.

"I hope I can live up to the expectations, but just thinking about it invigorates me. I feel more confident thanks to you, though I'd still like to know where I come from to better understand why I am what I am."

Steve blinks and says,

"Wow, was she really like that before? And we can probably help you with that whole body thing. Our healer could fix up the brain dead."

"Then we go forward," Ulric says without hesitation. "How do we go about introducing you to the world as SuperGirl? Its not going to be something the rest are too comfortable with, but there are ways around that. Now, what city do you want to start out with. After all, learning to be a super hero isn't going to be easy. We have to find a way to that allows the authorities to endorse your actions, or at least ignore them."

"Many steps indeed," he says in an upbeat tone.

Once they get to Matthew's room Ulric waits for Lorean to let them in. To Joani,
"I think Matthew will appreciate the news that the Mastermind behind this conspiracy has been taken down. All we need to do for him is locate this Harold person and he can return to Earth."

Lorean's voice comes from the wall, "I will open the door, but Joani, just so you are aware, Matthew does not realize he is not on Earth, he hasn't be let in on the secret. You are one of a very select few."

Once she goes silent the door opens and Matthew looks up expectantly and his butler rises as if to escort you in. When Matthew sees Joani she stand like any gentleman would before coming to greet you both. "Mr. President, thank you again for the accommodations, they have been most satisfactory. May I have the introduction of this lovely lady?"

The prisoner gives Steve an interest look, "That is an interesting notion. I would not be opposed to that, so long as you understand that I will not be relegated to a substandard accomidations. I've been accustomed to the very best until now, and even this body, adequate as it is, is beginning to frustrate me. What more can you offer?"

Ulric stands aside and motions to Joani,
"Of course, Herr Satterfield. This is Miss Joani Walters. I believe you are familiar with her as the agent in New York City. Like you, she was part of the conspiracy, though in a very different capacity. She has been instrumental in helping us capture the Mastermind behind all these difficulties - which is good news for you. Once we wind up Harold, you should be able to go home and start your new career."

Matthew smiles broadly again and takes Joani's hand and kisses it. "Pleasure to meet you." Turning back to Ulric, that is excellent news sir. I have begun my studies already, a servant brought me several texts that should be most helpful in learning my new role, and I can assure you, that you will not be disappointed."

Joani courtsies and smiles at Matthew instead of answering. She takes a seat and waits for Ulric to make the next move. In the meantime she tries to assess the situation in case of an emergency primerily putting the Presidents safety on top of the list.

"I didn't much do as being at the right place at the right time." She smiles friendly to encourage Matthews sense of security.

"Good to see you are already working on this. I have a question to pose to you. How does the legal body react to the activities of those of a non-Governmental nature acting openly to the benefit of the Common Good."

Seeing that Matthew may need some clarification,
"Let's say a random Special citizen stops a train from going off the tracks because of faulty rails, or stopping a dam from collapsing. Not activities that break the law, but certainly activities the government in some way is responsible for. How would you respond in an offical capacity?"

Matthew looks thoughtful, "Well there is precedent for such citizens who do something like say, pulling a child from a buring building to be given commendations. I believe in America they even have a tradition of giving a person the Keys to the city for a sufficiently heroic act."

Steve replies,

"Well, with no notice at all, I've got no clue what we can offer as for specifics. I know in general lots of the brain dead get that way by being young and thinking their immortal, and in the future there's a lot of them so the odds are in our favor. Oh, and a real Healer can heal, like, anything. But..."

"Oh!". Steve starts and then frowns, then blinks.

"You mean a nova body. Ah... I'm really surprised you ever thought that was a good idea. No, wait, that's not common knowledge is it."

"OK, the thing is if you're telling the truth about not having a body at all..."

Steve waits for acknowledgement.

"...then you've got a problem. Maybe you've been around along enough to notice you've gotten smarter or something? Well, Novas adapt. That's just one of the things we do."

"Shoot a nova once and he's not going to become bullet proof. Twice? Odds are still against it. But do it often enough and sooner or later he's going to get a defense. That's true with pretty much everything. Drugs. Injuries. There's lots of cases where nova combat types learn healing because they get hurt a lot."

"Immunity to mental stuff isn't all that common because exposure to mental stuff isn't all that common, but it's one of the easier things to learn. You were on Walters for a year, and betting your life every day that she wouldn't figure it out. A day? A week? Odds are greatly in your favor. I've got no clue what they are in a year, but I'm a gamboling man and I wouldn't bet my life on those odds whatever they are."

"5? 10 years? Day in and day out? Smart money says sooner or later she hits that ball."

In response to Steve, Omar continues. "Did you wonder why we were the ones to come in here? Yes, you are smart enough to realize that aren't you. That is why usurping us, would fail." Omar gave her a mocking smile. "I will ask you again. Do you know where you are right now?"

She frowns in thought. "You are telling me that a nova host will eventually eject me. That makes some sense, and I did feel Ms Walters struggling a bit more toward the end there. Very well, I will accept what you say, but if a nova host does become available via accident or what have you, I expect to receive it." She looks over at Omar and smiles pleasantly, "No, since you have me shielded in some way, I am afraid I do not know where I am, not that it matters. All that really matters is that we are having this nice little chat."

"Indeed." Omar says straight-faced. "However, even with all the intelligence you gained as a Nova, you are still at a disadvantage. You see..." he paused to think of the best way to say it. "...you still think like someone from the early 20th century."

She smiles warmly, "So share with me your knowledge and wisdom that I might become an enlightened being such as yourself." (Again, she is not lying, but there is an undertone to her words and actions.)

(To everyone) *She doesn't believe we are superior. She's convinced she's much better. For the short run that's a good thing, we can use it. It's how she got caught after all. The one thing we shouldn't do is brag, telling her I'm lucky or you're immune to mental stuff will just be a factor in her plans in the future. This especially includes talking about Lor. This one is never going to be convinced she isn't better.*

Sending back to everyone: * She has become arrogant and narcissistic. That is a weakness and a danger. She may not listen to anything that conflicts with her reality. That includes the fact that someone might in fact be on equal, or superior footing. We need to find her cohorts. Once we do, then we can show her how wrong she is.

Omar chuckles. "You said you were smart. How is it that someone who has a supposedly superior intellect needs to ask for illumination?" Omar sat back and looked over his shoulder at the other two.

Omar says to the other two with a big grin and in a mocking voice. "She has no idea what is going on does she? She is like a kid trying to understand what the adults are doing."

She frowns at Omar, "I said I am intelligent, more so than anyone I've met so far, not that I am omniscient. I do not have the benefit of future knowledge to draw on. Your data would be very valuable to me, after all look what You have managed to accomplish in just a few years."

Omar looked over his shoulder at the others and laughed. "She still doesn't get it."

He turns around and faces her. "You have shown us that you are neither wise enough or mature enough to be trusted with knowledge of future events. Tell me...why should we give an arrogant, narcissistic criminal any of that information?"

Ulric nods.
"We will have more questions like this come up in the future, as Specials are less likely to remain in the shadows. We will have to become public soon enough. With the public realization of Specials in their midst will come public and legal worries. It is a postitive step if Law Enforcement looks upon the actions of Specials in a positive light."
"Likewise, we need some Specials to lead the way in public behavior. It helps greatly if the actions of these ... Paragons is seen in a confident public light."

Ulric leans against a wall and rubs his forehead.
"Of course, we are going to also have the actions like those of our Mastermind. She had callous disregard for the lives she disrupts and the damage she causes. We had some luck in catching her this time, but we can't rely on luck. In the future we are going to need the cooperation of both Law Enforcements and the Paragons to deal with these forces arrayed against the public good."

Eyeing both of the young novas,
"We are going to need both of you. Your life paths are different, but your goals - the protection of the Public Good - are the same."

She continues to smile up at you from the floor. "So you will not share then? That's a pity, I had hoped we could come to an understanding that would be mutually beneficial. There is enough of the world for many of our kind to have a piece, but if you won't share your toys, then perhaps they will have to be taken away."


*****
Matthew nods in agreement to Ulric's words. "That is what I want to be a part of, and I look forward to the day we can do it openly. In the meantime I will do all I can to uphold your vision sir."

"I would feel very honored if you gave me the chance to do something for the Public Good. What you told me earlier was inspiring enough and I don't believe in coincidence - there is a reason for all this and I'm more than willing to play my part in this" she stood up and put some distance between the men standing there ready for action. She had missed out too much already and whatever her past was - the future was even more important to her.