I wouldn't say that I was a recluse exactly, but compared to my fellow superheroes I didn't get out too much. Between all of my training, side projects and working with Ted and Serling, I spend most of my time in the Mountain or in one of Ted's labs. New York City is where I showed up the most, and the people there were jaded enough that they got used to me pretty quick.
The same couldn't be said for the town of Bailey, New Hampshire. As I stood just off the beaten path near a shady copse in the town park, there were a few people milling about giving me questioning looks. None had approached me, seemingly a bit too nervous to talk to the large, armored grey man just standing around. Though that may have also been because I wasn't the most intimidating person there.
"They should be here soon." Superman said as he scanned the surrounding area. "I still don't see them though."
[If these New Gods have a Motherbox, they may choose to arrive via Boom Tube.] Rommie remarked, pausing in her puttering around the copse to beep at Superman.
He looked at the sphere before glancing at me, and I said, "They might be teleporting in. Since Batman got off on the wrong foot the last time, they probably want to have a bit more control of the situation."
It had taken Batman a few days to get everything together for this meeting. Not so much the meeting itself (the two New Gods were in the phone book after all), but setting up a reasonable cause for how we would know who they were. Once everything was in place, Batman went to meet with them after one of Mister Miracle's shows but had run afoul of his manager Oberon instead. Some things were said and some looming was done, so when the two New Gods walked in on them… yeah, it didn't look good. Long story short, they didn't care for Batman and were distrustful of him. So, rather than talk to them himself, he suggested that they meet with different members of the League.
Which is why Superman was here. I had suggested that the League send someone that was… similar in nature to the New Gods, and that narrowed the list down to Superman and Wonder Woman. And since the latter was busy with UN matters at the moment, that left the former. Rommie was here as we figured she'd like to meet some of her fellow New Genesians and ask for a ride home. And I was there for my meta-knowledge and to translate Rommie if needed.
They had agreed to meet us in a park near their home. A little more public than I was expecting, but I was sure they had a reason for it. For the moment though, I couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable. I looked to Superman- no, never mind. I just needed to wait till they got here.
"See any threats?" Superman asked out of the blue, his eyes sweeping back and forth.
"Ah, no," I replied. "Why do you ask?"
"Because you stand perfectly still when you're stressed."
I looked at Superman and blinked. "What?"
"You usually move like an organic human," He continued. "But when you're focused on something you stop making all the normal micro-movements that people normally do. You've been like this since we met up."
"Oh, it's nothing. It's just been a while since I've had people give me weird looks."
"That doesn't explain before we got here. We've been on patrol before and you haven't acted like this." He arched an eyebrow. "Something you want to talk about?"
I looked at him for a long minute, mulling over just what to say. Eventually I asked "Do… you know how many people died in Biayla?"
The man went still and he stared at me evenly. "Why don't you tell me?"
I blinked as I stared at him. "Superman, I'm not being rhetorical, I'm genuinely asking because I don't know. I've been trying to get news about it, but Biayla's not reporting anything for obvious reasons. I didn't actually see anyone die." Everything I had attacked during my assault had been some piece of hardware or another. Even the people in the tank had been alive (if keeling over from overheating) when I pulled them out. Theoretically the crew in the other tank I took down could have gotten out on their own. But all things considered…
Superman's expression briefly changed to surprise before it shifted to something softer. "According to Batman, there were sixteen fatalities."
I looked down. I wasn't expected him to tell me that there were, by some miracle, no deaths at all. But hearing it didn't feel great either. "Thanks. I needed to know that."
"…Do you regret it?"
I looked back up at him, my brow furrowed. "…I wish things had been different. Some of those people that died probably didn't deserve it. And a few probably left a family behind. I… should be aware of consequences of what I did, at the least."
Superman stepped towards me. "That is a… thoughtful way to look at it, but you didn't answer my question."
I sighed before I gave the man a look. "So, I guess we're doing this, huh?"
He arched an eyebrow, but I saw the hint of a smirk. "I merely asked why you were so tense. You were the one who started taking about your latest mission."
"It just occurred to me that you might know the answer to something that had been bothering me." I said as I gestured. "Look, if you have something to say, we can talk about it. But can you please just say what's on your mind rather than ask leading questions?"
He raised his hands. "I just want to know if you're alright."
I stared at him for a moment before I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Sorry. I'm being difficult." I was silent for a long while, staring off down the street. Finally, I gave a small laugh and shook my head. "It's not that big of a thing. It's just… you're the most iconic superhero. Ever. Odds are that anytime someone thinks of the word superhero, they think of you."
He didn't say anything, so I continued as I stared to pace a bit. "It's hard not to think about a situation and ask yourself, 'What would Superman do', especially now that I'm a superhero myself. And I never really expected to live up to that standard." I stopped and looked back at him. "But it still doesn't feel good to have confirmation. And with you here it's hard not to think about that."
Superman frowned. "Regardless of my own feelings on the matter, you shouldn't hold me as some kind of gold standard to superheroing. I'm just doing my best, as I'm sure you are."
I hummed. "Thanks for that, but I'm still a little disconcerted. Mostly because how... accepting of the whole killing thing I am. You know, I used to feel kinda bad about those Psions I killed during my escape, but now…" I trailed off.
"From what you said, that was in self-defense, shortly after you gained your powers." Superman countered. "By comparison, this was the first time you've made the active choice to use lethal force."
"No." I said, "Amazo."
"…We never confirmed that the android was self-aware."
"Doesn't really matter." I said. "In that moment, when I consumed it… I didn't care if it was alive or not. I was just so angry for what it did... even if I knew it was sapient, I still would have killed it. And as time's gone on, it's been getting easier not to think about it. I… don't know what that says about me."
"Have you told Black Canary any of this?"
"Black Canary could have asked." I sighed. "I've been going over the whole thing in my head, ever since Biayla. If I could have, should have done it differently. And you know what? In spite what I've just said, if put in that situation again… I would still do it. I'm the one responsible for those kids. If I'm not willing to do everything I can for them, what good am I?"
Superman was silent for a long moment. Then he walked over to me, and put a hand on my shoulder. "Jacob, I'm not going to condemn you for what happened. I don't like that you were put into that situation to begin with, and I don't like the outcome, but I don't doubt your intentions. You wanted to save your team, and you're willing to accept the consequences of doing so. So long as you hold on to that desire to be the best you can, you can still be the hero you want to be."
In spite of myself, I felt a smile cross my lips. "Thanks, Superman."
[I believe in you too!] Rommie exclaimed. [You can achieve whatever it is you set out to do!]
I looked over… and stopped as I blinked. "Rommie, what are you doing?"
[You said to be inconspicuous.] The sphere replied as she hid behind a nearby picnic table. Or at least tried to, considering she was much larger than it.
"…I think you can find a better hiding spot."
Rommie looked at me for a long moment before she rolled over to a nearby bush. She settled behind it, her bulk clearly showing from behind the leaves, [Have I decreased my perceptibility?]
I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Try again."
Rommie then rolled behind a tree that wasn't even half her width. [Will this obfuscation do?]
"Oh my God how are you a Scout Class?!"
Superman chuckled, and after a moment I couldn't help but snort myself. I let out a breath to relax a bit. Maybe I could-
There was a loud thump behind me, and my various internal sensors went wild with strange readings. I turned in time to see two figures walk out of the telescoping portal of light and energy. "Hmp. You really do have a New Genesphere," The woman said as she strode up to me.
For the first time in a long while, I had to tilt my head up to look someone in the face. "Wow they build them bigger where you come from."
Big Barda replied with an arched eyebrow, partially covered by the great helm she wore. The seven foot tall woman was covered head to toe in armor, a sort of grey hexagonal scale mesh underneath several pieces of yellow plate on her chest and waist. She had braces and greaves that matched her plate, and a crimson cape draped over her shoulders. She cut a suitably impressive figure, as expected for a woman who commanded the Furies.
Standing a short distance behind her was Mister Miracle, clad in his full red and gold body suit. His green, high collar cape provided an interesting contrast to his wife. He gave me a look before he said, "And I believe that where we came from is the topic of discussion for today. Though I am afraid I'm not familiar with you…"
"Machina." I provided. "I was part of the team that first found Rom- the New Genesphere."
Superman stepped forward. "I hope you don't mind him being here. Machina is briefed on what we're discussing today, and is one of our experts in alien technology."
I'm… really not, but thanks for the vote of confidence.
Barda looked at me for a moment before she turned to Superman. "How do you know about us?" Barda said forcefully, her eyes boring into his. "We came to the planet because it was an isolated backwater, so you knowing who we are is… concerning." The way she enunciated that last word made it clear how she typically handled led things that concerned her.
Superman calmly replied "We have several Green Lanterns, and the Lantern Corps is aware of New Genesis and Apokolips." He said, using explanation that Batman had come up with. "After certain recent events, our Lanterns got permission from the Guardians to access some of their records on notable New Gods. The League then did cross referencing with our own database to see if we had any potential matches, and you came up."
It was a relatively believable explanation, at least for anyone who didn't know how the Guardians operated. In truth, I wasn't entirely sure that the Guardians would be forthcoming with info on the Fourth World. I always got the impression that they liked to politely ignore its existence altogether. Still, it was unlikely that the two in front of us would know any better either.
Mister Miracle hummed. "I see. So this was a recent development then." His eyes flickered over to Rommie, who was still 'hiding' behind a tree. "Though I can guess, what exactly brought the New Gods to your attention?"
Superman looked to me, and I took over. "On a recent mission we discovered that one of the nations on this planet seems to be getting technology from an extra-terrestrial power. Considering one such bit of technology was Rommie here, and that she herself has identified the culprit, it's pretty clear that Apokolips is trying to make a play for Earth."
Barda cursed in a language that that would have made my hair stand on end if I was still capable of it, and Rommie actually rolled back a little. When she finished the woman turned to her husband and said "I knew this peace was too good to be true. We need to leave as soon as possible."
Mister Miracle however held up a hand. "Clearly they don't know that we're here yet, so we have time." He looked to me. "Do you know what Apokolips is after? What their plan is?"
"Aside from general conquest of the planet? No." I replied. "And to be honest, I'm just inferring that from what Rommie told me and what we know of Darkseid already. Look, I know this is likely disruptive for you lives here, but we need to ask for your help. If only to borrow Motherbox for a few minutes."
Mister Miracle glanced down at his waist, at the device attached to his belt. It was a simple grey box the size of a large Walkman, covered in New God circuity, just like how I remembered from the comics. "I assume you mean to contact New Genesis," before looking back at me. "That is your intention, correct? Because I don't think it will go as well as you think."
"I'm not expecting High Father to send an army our way, but any kind of assistance would be appreciated."
Mister Miracle and Barda looked at each other before looking back at me. "New Genesis and Apokolips are in a state of 'peace'," Barda said. "They have to be very careful when it comes to overt action or the treaty will be broken."
"And kidnapping a New Genesian native and throwing her to some allied third party doesn't count as 'overt action'?"
"No." She replied flatly. "It's a machine. Its memories could be altered relatively easily. Apokolips is toeing the line, but they haven't crossed it yet. "
Superman stepped forward. "Is there any action they will take? I have been told that the New Genesians are a peaceful people, but surely they would have some response to knowing that our world is under threat?"
Barda pressed his mouth in a thin line. "High Father… would appreciate the intel, at the very least. But depending on the exact level of threat to the planet and said planet's ability to defend itself, he may do nothing. Apokolips has been doing this like this for millennia, and there are countless proxy battles and covert action that hold his attention at any moment. He'll have to be convinced of this planet's strategic worth before he commits resources to it."
Mister Miracle paused before he turned to his wife. "Then maybe we should convince him."
She turned on him in surprise. "What? Scott, you can't be serious."
"Don't you like this planet?" He countered. "It's been quite well to us."
"Well, yes, but I liked it because of how quiet is was." She insisted. "With Apokolips's attention now here, I doubt it will stay that way. Source, we haven't even been to New Genesis in over a century!"
As the two talked, some of my more exotic sensors started picking up faint energy readings. At the same time I felt something… tapping on me. Not physically, but in a way that felt familiar.
"A good time to visit then." Mister Miracle replied before his tone softened. "Come on, Barda, don't we owe it to the place that has been our home to at least ask?"
The woman waffled a little before she caught the smile that her husband was giving her, and let out a sigh. "Ah, I hate it when you do that."
"Do what?" He asked innocently.
"Charm me into caving." She said roughly, but there was a hint of a smile on her own face. She then looked at me. "Alright, we'll talk to High Father. Anything specific you want to ask?"
I gave a start. "Huh? Oh, sorry, excuse me for one moment." With that, I turned my head towards the rectangular box at Mister Miracle's waist. "You going to keep poking at me, or are you going to buy me dinner first?"
In response I heard a feminine voice laugh, the quality of which was, dare I say it, motherly. [Apologies. You are the first machine spirit I have encountered on this world. I hope you do not fault me for taking a look at such an interesting specimen as yourself.]
It was hard to describe how… smooth the communication was. Like Rommie, it wasn't a voice so much as intent and tone parsed into words. Compared to the New Genesphere though this had much more subtlety and texture to it. "Well, traditionally you say hello before you look quite so thoroughly, but I'll let it slide."
Mister Miracle looked at me in surprise. "You can understand Motherbox?"
[Indeed he can, and much better than the other base machines on this world.] She said, the tone equal parts interest and curiosity. [I do hope that you have been taking care of our wayward New Genesphere.]
[He has!] Rommie excitedly rolled over next to me. [Prime Machina has shown me much about this world! He has introduced me to other machine spirits! And he has given me a personal name!]
Motherbox laughed, a mixed tone of amusement and caring. [Good to hear, little one. I know she would be happy to know that you are doing well.] I wasn't who she was referring to, but I then felt her attention return to me. [Oh, I should be more proper for a Prime. I am Motherbox. Happy to meet you.]
I hummed. "And to you, but while I appreciate Rommie's respect for me, I'm not a Prime. We don't have that kind of hierarchy here on Earth."
[True, I would know if otherwise. Still, I can see why the little one would think of you as a Prime. You have a strong Aspect towards machines, it would make you seem much stronger and more advanced to a machine spirit who cannot see the depth. Not to say you are not strong, in your own way. You remind me a great deal of Motherbox.]
The way that she said that told me she wasn't talking about herself. A difference in tone and intent, specific to the one she was referring to. "Is… she focused on technology too?"
[Yes, she's responsible for rapid prototyping and manufacture, as well as systems integration. I believe the little one is of her lineage.] I felt a slight tingle as she took another 'look' at me. [Though I could not say what your Paradigm is. Your nature is very strange. Many tiny insignificant minds working together seamlessly to form a greater one. And that Aspect that runs through them… Oh, Motherbox would be very interested in you.] Moxtherbox's tone turned inquisitive. [But, if I may ask, why do you commune vocally?]
I opened my mouth to respond before I stopped, and my jaw clicked shut. I hadn't had a lot of practice doing this, but… [It is a preference of mine.] I 'said', my body chittering in a certain rhythm as I did so. The vocalization wasn't necessary, but it felt right. [I was originally organic before I became this.]
[…Very strange.] She intoned.
"Machina?" Superman asked questioningly.
I looked at him with an apologetic look before looking back at Motherbox. "Sorry, but I should stay audible for everyone else. And we do have other matters to attend to."
[Of course.]
I looked up at Barda. "Sorry about that. Ah, I'm sure that the League would want to have an actually meeting to exchange information and discuss details. If not in person, than by some other form of communication."
She nodded. "Very well. We should take care of this as quickly as possible." She glanced at the sphere next to me. "Which means if we have any extras traveling with us, they should come now."
I turned to Rommie, and felt a small bit of regret that she would be leaving so soon. "Well, there you have it. I hope you had a good time here, but I guess-"
[I wish to remain!]
I stopped short. "Wait, what?"
[I've seen only a fraction of what this bountiful world has to offer, but it is so fascinating!] She exclaimed. [There's so many different kind of technology and organics and cultures and things I know not anything about! And the Great Enemy seeks nefarious things with regards to it! I must stay to see and protect it all!]
Motherbox chuckled. [She is curious, as is befitting of the Scout Paradigm.]
I looked to the pair of New Gods. "Uh, is that alright? Is she allowed to stay here?"
The two looked at each other before Mister Miracle said "It's been a while, but last I knew, Scout Paradigms have the option of choosing their patrol locations, so long as they're not countermanded by someone of higher rank. Someone may come for her at some point, but for now she should be fine."
We talked a little more before the New Gods said their goodbyes, and I caught a glimpse of an idyllic-looking plaza through their Boom Tube before it closed and they were gone. Superman turned to me. "I think you handled that quite well," He said, a hint of amusement in his tone.
My mouth quirked. "Sorry, I didn't mean to take the lead so much."
"It's fine. Besides," he turned to lead us back to the Zeta Tubes. "I have the feeling you'll be doing that a lot in the future."
=====A=====
A/N: Meant to get this out sooner, but sickness held it back a few days.