Chapter 55 - Unyielding General Kneels to None - Part 4

Earth-DOD DC base

"General Swanwick, we've detected a few ships descending from the Kryptonian mother ship. Three ships, each heading in different directions. Sir, one of them appears to be heading to Metropolis," informed an analyst.

"Superman, come in. The Kryptonians have made their move. We're detecting three ships descending to Earth. One is heading to Metropolis," General Swanwick relayed to a communicator Superman had given him.

"Understood, General. We're seeing the deployment of those ships on our end too. The Justice League will coordinate to intercept all three ships," responded Superman through the communicator.

"Understood. Share your group's deployment plan, and I'll instruct our soldiers to cooperate with your group, the Justice League," the General acknowledged.

"We will be dividing our forces into three distinct units to intercept each of the three ships," announced Superman. His voice steady and filled with confidence amidst the rising tension. "I will lead the first team to Metropolis, accompanied by Batman and Flash. The second team, consisting of Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl, and Green Lantern, will intercept one of the other ships. Finally, Hawkman, Aquaman, and Cyborg will form the third team, tasked with intercepting the remaining ship."

As Superman communicated with the General, Batman on the side in the hall of Justice, studied the trajectory data displayed on the screen of their base. "According to their current path, we can predict where they're going. If I am right about their targets, only we of the League can go to those spots," Batman said, completely focused. "But there's something else... the ship heading to Metropolis is different from the others. The uniqueness of Metropolis lies in it being your territory, Superman. Without that, I doubt the Kryptonians would show any interest in the city."

Upon hearing this, Superman displayed a hint of concern, an idea forming in his mind. "So you're suggesting that... there's a chance it's been sent specifically to provoke me into confronting them by endangering the city's citizens," he said, his voice growing tense. The idea of innocent lives at risk due to him weighed heavily on his conscience.

Batman didn't respond to Superman but, continued "General," he turned to the communicator to address their military ally, "I suggest that you concentrate your deployments in Metropolis. We need your soldiers to protect and, if necessary, evacuate the citizens to a safe location. While, we, the Justice League, will handle the occupants of the ship heading to Metropolis."

There was a pause on the line before the General's gruff voice came through, "...Understood. I'll send my troops out to coordinate with your team. Keep me posted with any updates. Out." With that, the line went dead, the General's words lingered in both DOD base.

After ending the call, he immediately conveyed his orders for the deployment of his soldiers to Metropolis, his stern commands echoing throughout the military base.

"I can't believe those freaks are organizing. Justice League, what a corny name," one soldier remarked with a sarcastic tone, his words echoing in the Department of Defense control center. The room, typically bustling with activity, fell into a momentary silence, the soldier's words hanging heavily in the air.

The General and his team were recently informed about the formation of a heroes' joint front called the Justice League. They learned about it during a discussion with Superman about the current threat. Initially taken by surprise, they soon welcomed the idea, recalling the effectiveness of this group during the last invasion.

"Uncalled for, soldier. While they may not be under our control, they are individuals who have fought alongside us, risked their lives just as we have on the front lines when it mattered the most," General Swanwick responded calmly, his gaze steady on the soldier.

"Permission to speak freely, sir?" asked the soldier, his tone a touch respectful. The General nodded, signaling him to proceed.

"Sir, with all due respect…they are nothing like us. We are HUMANS. We made the choice to join the army and serve our nation, and we follow the chain of command. Leaving Batman, who is a human like us, aside, the rest are either aliens or, pardon my term, freaks. For argument's sake, let's set aside the non-human factor and consider them as men and women like us. I have nothing against them rising to arms to fight the good fight. But why do it in masks and under aliases? Why not register as a soldier?

Also, Sir, what happens if one day these heroes decide they know better and attempt to take over? Who can stop them? The general public may call them heroes, but Sir, to me, these people, who are answerable to no one and possess superpowers, are intimidating. And now, they are organizing, moving as a group? Individually, we might be able to overpower one or two, but if they learn to coordinate, what then?

Furthermore, it's clear that the enemies who just threatened us belong to Superman's race. They are super individuals who can fly, shoot lasers from their eyes, and have incredible strength. Although we possess Kryptonite weapons, I'm not certain we have enough. We didn't ask Superman to surrender himself to these Kryptonians out of loyalty after all he is the hero who fought alongside us and has won public admiration over the years. But what if he suddenly feels a renewed sense of kinship with the Kryptonians and joins them while we are in battle? After all, they are his people," the soldier questions, his voice growing hoarse from his passionate speech.

The room fell silent, each person taking in the soldier's words. While some believed in the good that the heroes brought, they couldn't deny the potential threat these very heroes could pose. They found themselves assessing their current ability to defend against these people if they turned rogue.

After a moment, the General spoke, "While there is merit in your statements, we cannot judge a person or a group with a crime they haven't committed…yet. Nor can we discriminate against them simply because they are different. We mustn't always expect the worst from people like them. Yes, they operate beyond the system, but they have proven through their actions that they respect it. Over the years, they've individually shown and proven that they deserve the benefit of the doubt and have earned people's trust and admiration. They have made homes and relationships here amongst us and have been protecting us.

Moreover, during the last invasion, we saw how hopelessly and hilariously outgunned we are against threats from the sea of stars. We need people like them. It's a good thing that they are creating a joint force. The last invasion was only won through their combined efforts. Yes, they are powerful, but each has their weaknesses that we are aware of and have contingency plans for, if - and this is a big IF - the time ever comes to use them. So, Soldier, show them respect, because they have earned it. But don't worry, we have contingencies. Now, let's get back to work. We have a war to win!" the General concluded with gusto.

The room buzzed with renewed activity. Despite the concerns raised by the soldier, they all understood the importance of the heroes' role in their struggle. The soldier, though still harboring his concerns, saluted the General and went back to his duties. All he could do was trust in the General's words.