They are the greatest of heroes. Their ranks have changed many, many times over the years, but their dedication to the Earths, the universes safety has always been tantamount in their credo. They are the greatest of the great , the best of the best, and always have been, and always will be our best and first line of defense! They are the Justice League of America,

# 271

Promises and regrets

By Ralph L. Angelo Jr.

Superman lands lightly on the moons airless surface, as his feet send up small puffs of moon dust. His hand reaches the air lock controls, as a half dozen different scanners and security systems go over his form instantly.

The door opens, and Superman enters the Watchtower. Nearby, in the shadows, and watching silently, a dour faced figure contemplates his next move, as his long black cape hangs silently about his dark form.

Superman turns towards the hidden figure and speaks "Hello Batman, are you going to stand in the shadows all night?"

Batman steps forwards, face to face with his friend and fellow JLAer.

"No Superman, I was just giving you a moment to relax yourself before I started to speak to you."

Superman turns and begins to walk, Batman falls in beside him, shoulder to shoulder.

"You could have taken the transporter you know," Begins Batman.

"Flying here from Earth gave me more time to think. I'm not changing my mind , Batman. My days as a member of the JLA are over. I cost us to much this time around."

He turns to face Batman as they continue to walk through the softly lit corridor.

"How are they?" He asks with obvious concern.

"As well as can be expected. Firehawk is back on her feet, though weakened from her ordeal. She'll need some time to heal. Plastic Man is with J'onn at the moment, I'm sad to say there's no progress there to report. Red Tornado is another story."

"What does that mean?" Asks Superman quietly.

"Well, when Steel was prepared to go over our android member, he made an astounding discovery."

"Which is?"

"Superman," Batman pauses between words, then faces the man of steel before continuning,"there's a man in there."

Supermans jaw drops, as we switch our attention to another part of the Watchtower, where several members sit at a long table in the Watchtowers cafeteria. Wonder Woman, Supergirl, Green Lantern and the Flash sit somberly, each holding a cup of coffee or tea.

"I can't believe the way this mission went." Mumbles Green Lantern, while staring into his coffee cup.

"We went to war , Kyle. It has to be expected. Though we deny it to ourselves, this is not always a game of larger then life adventure." States Wonder Woman matter of factly. "Losses do happen."

"Wonder Woman," Kyle begins, "Believe it or not, I've had more then my share of loss in this business right form the start. I may be at this a lot less time then you, but I've become a seasoned professional very quickly, and I know about loss. I lost my girlfriend on practically my first mission to a government sanctioned psychopath."*

*Major Force in the early issues of Kyles run as a GL.

"I-I didn't know Kyle. I am truly sorry."

"Hey guys," Blurts out the Flash, " lets not fight amongst ourselves here, okay? With Aquaman leaving, and now Superman as well, plus my own powers being cut down, well we're in a mess. And poor Plastic man, he's in the worst shape of anybody."

"Flash is right,"Begins Supergirl, "We have to be positive about all this."

"What's there to be positive about S-girl? Things are looking bad for the League at the moment." continues Kyle Ranier.

"And they will get better, as they have in the past, Green Lantern. The League will endure." Sighs Wonder Woman.

"I wonder how J'onn is doing with Plastic Man?" asks Supergirl, obviously trying to change the subject.

Across the Watchtower, J'onn J'onzz the Martian Manhunter, stares through a massive apparatus at the torn and tattered form of the comatose Plastic man.

"Here me , my friend." Thinks J'onn , directing his telepathic probe at the prone form before him. "You can and will come back to me, to the League. You have proven your worth, and are a true Justice Leaguer. We all await your return."

J'onn walks away from the machine, his thoughts now his own. "His stretching power is akin to my shape shifting ability. He should be able to reform his damaged flesh. His trauma has been great, but he has the power to overcome it."

J'onn moves around the lab, working quietly, all the while trying to resuscitate the wounded hero with periodic bursts of telepathy aimed at a comatose mind.

Back in the cafeteria, Firehawk enters the room in her no longer secret identity as Lorraine Reilly. She limps in, leaning heavily on a crutch. "Hey guys, I think we all forgot something today." She smiles.

"What's that ?" Answers GL glumly

"The wedding." Snaps Wonder Woman quickly.

"Oh hell." grumbles Green Lantern as he jumps to his feet, "That's right, today's the day."

"And we have to go, too. They're our friends." Speaks Supergirl.

"You are right Supergirl, honor demands we show our friends, Hawkman, and Hawkgirl the respect our appearance at their wedding will accord them." Announces Wonder Woman.

"Then it's settled, lets go get ready." Answers the Flash , and all present disperse to their own rooms, to get ready for the wedding of the century!

Nearby, Superman and Batman walk into the infirmary, where Red Tornado lies.

"So there's a man under that android-like exterior? Superman inquires.

"Yes, and no one knows who it is. We haven't tried running the image of his
face through the various agencies, for fear of compromising his identity."
Answers Batman somberly. "Steel's idea, not mine."

"I don't believe that's always been the case, do you?"

"No Superman, I don't. We know that years ago, the Red Tornado was an
android. But with the forces he's been involved with in his career, who can
truly say when that changed?"

"What's his condition, Batman?"

"He's not comatose, but he has been asleep, since we arrived back here. He was banged up heavily, some minor broken bones, and some trauma to a few internal organ, but he should be coming around soon enough. From what the others say, he should make a full recovery, whoever he is."

Superman turns to face Batman, their reflections splaying off the glass window separating them from the infirmary. "He's the Red Tornado, and a Justice League member. We have to respect his privacy. That's obviously his wish."

"But you're not anymore, are you Clark? So why should your comments about anything league related be taken seriously?"

"Here it comes." Thinks Superman. "Because I was a founder here Batman, that's why. I may have quit, but that was because I've become a detriment to the league."

"Like hell!" Roars Batman, "Without you, we all would've been killed a hundred times over in the past, and you know it. The league needs you."

"I cost the league with my bad decision making, you know that!" Answers Superman hollowly.

"You decisions are made with your human heart and soul, you're no God. You can't know all. You may be the most powerful man in existence , but you're still guided by human frailties."

"You're starting to sound like Dan Turpin* , Batman. People were hurt, God almighty Batman, our enemy was killed because of my foolish decision making."

*See Superman #9 for details to that comment

"Buck up farm boy! It was war! People die in war, and these others knew the risks going in. And don't forget who accidently killed the Tsar. I bear that grief, and I alone!* Whether you like it or not, we're soldiers in a much bigger conflict between right and wrong that continually rages."

* see last issue.

"Well maybe then it's time I stepped away from the war. At least for a while." Superman looks away from Batmans piercing eyes, and begins to walk.

Immediately, Batman slides in next to him once more

"What's going on here Clark? There's more to this then just your feeling sorry for yourself."

Superman stops and turns towards Batman, his expression is stone.

"Lois left me , Bruce. She disappeared. I could find her if I want to, b-but I'm not sure I do."*

*See Superman #'s 8 & 9

"Ah, so that explains it. You wanted something to hit, and when you found it, it hit back harder then you counted on."

"Yes, the Star Tsar was exactly the diversion I needed. But it turned into a nightmare. Our people were falling all around me, and nothing I did made any sense, or difference."

"That's where you're wrong, Superman. Your decision to follow the energy trail you saw to the source of his power paid off, and led to his defeat."

"But look at the cost! " Shouts the anguished man of steel.

Just then a voice from hidden speakers intrudes upon their argument "Superman, Batman, this is Supergirl, we're getting ready to leave for the Hawks wedding. Are you two joining us?"

"No Supergirl," Begins Batman, "we won't be. Send our regards."

"Will do Batman." She fades from their hearing, as the com system shuts down.

"Let me ask you, Batman. Did you badger Arthur as much as you're bothering me about leaving the League?" Continues Superman.

"No, Aquaman decided to take a leave of absence instead of quitting. He promises to be available when called upon. "

"Quite a change in attitude from when we finished our battle with the Star Tsar." Muses Superman

"He cooled down afterwards, Clark. He realizes he said what he did because of anger, and decided to stay, albeit in a reduced role for now."

"And you feel I should do the same?"

"No, I feel you should stay period."

Superman sighs heartily,. "Batman, the league doesn't need someone who screws up. They're much better off with you giving orders then me. I'm a liability in my present state of mind. You're not."

"Sometimes farm boy, you are such a fool."

"What?" Supermans eyes go wide in surprise at Batmans accusation.

"Wake up Superman. If I was leading, we would've lost. I would've analyzed the life out of that situation, and by then it would've been to late. You reacted, instead of thinking. In this case, that was the proper thing to do. What I'm saying is that you just don't know how a situation is going to play itself out in the end. It's a chance we all have to take when in command. You did alright Clark."

Supermans sets his jaw into a stone-like demeanor , then finally speaks.

"I need time to think this all out. I'm not saying you won me over, rich boy, but I am saying I'll give it some more thought. Maybe I just need a breather for a little while."

"Don't wait to long Superman. I have a bad feeling about things coming up."

"Clairvoyance , Batman? I didn't know you counted that as one of your abilities."

"I don't Superman. But there's something out there. "

Batman stares out the glass ceiling of the conduit they're walking in.

He continues "Something ominous, I'm not a believer in all that mumbo jumbo, but after everything we've seen in our unique and exciting lives, how can I deny something that might be a warning of some kind?"

Superman stares where Batman is looking, and after a moment answers. "If the league needs me, I'll be there, especially if we're facing a new threat, no matter what it is. I've never seen you show a glimmer of fear, and yet here it is, right now. Whatever is out there, and possibly coming our way has you spooked. If that's the case, then I have to be afraid too."

Suddenly John Henry Irons Voice rings over the com system "Everyone still here, please report to the infirmary."

Without another word, both men run towards the infirmary. When they arrive, a sight greets them, that shocks them both! Red Tornado is standing and is fully suited up once more. He is packing his meager belongings he brought with him into a satchel.

"Tornado, "Steel begins, "What are you doing?"

The Red Tornado turns towards Steel and the others before speaking. "You may
or may not be aware that a part of me was once the Earth's elemental
guardian of air, and of my service in a group called the Leymen. As a result
of both experiences I am still very much in tune with the planet below. It
calls to me, it calls to its Primal Forces to defend it. I don't understand
it, but I feel compelled to return to Earth. There I will seek out some of
my fellow Leymen, to see is we can determine what is the cause of the
planet's distress. I'm afraid my time with the League is over."

"Great." Growls Steel almost under his breath, "Another member leaving."

Later...

Around the transporter tubes, Steel, The Martian Manhunter, Superman, Red Tornado, and Batman stand solemnly saying their goodbyes.

"Are you sure this is nothing the JLA can help you with, Reddy?" Steel asks
again, still trying to persuade his teammate not to leave.

"I am... not certain. I only know I feel strongly led to seek out my fellow
Leymen, to heed the Earth's call." The Red Tornado responds flatly. "More
than that I cannot say. If the threat prove too dire, I may indeed seek your
collective aid."

"We'll be there." Batman replies. "Won't we Superman?"

"When the need arrives, call me, and I'll be there immediately." Superman promises, while shaking Batmans hand.

"I wish you all well." speaks Red Tornado , "and our paths will cross again someday, my friends."

With the transporters hum fading in their ears, Steel, The Martian Manhunter and Batman quietly make their way back towards the living area of the Watchtower, while in nearby space, a JLA star cutter returns , with several relaxed and happy members of the League aboard, all returning form the wedding of Ka-Tar and Shayera Hall.

And in deeper space still, a cloaked menace ponderously makes its way towards Earths space in the galaxy...

Next: Siege!

A Cold Armageddon Crossover issue!