This is part 2 of a scene. I haven't written part one yet because I wanted to get this right first. It's called this because it is the first time a Xavallens reaction to a species other than White Martians is ever mentioned. Infernians effect them in a similar way. Also the effect the entire conversation has on Superman is that Hank Henshaw inadvertently proves himself.
An excerpt from my latest story. Taking place on the 'Earth 9' that I created. Narrated by Superman. The main point is that Director Hank Henshaw ACCIDENTLY (or at least indirectly) earns Superman's respect.
Nikita sat on the edge of the bio-bed. Her hands and head entirely still. Her eyes nothing if not sad. “He got away didn't he?” She said suddenly.
“Don't worry about that right now, Nikita, okay?”
“I told that guy to get out of here or face some heat vision and he followed my advice. How can you get any more responsible for an adversary's escape than that?”
“Right now I'm more interested in what exactly happened out there?” Director Henshaw said as he walked up to her, stopping about 4 feet away.
“I didn't know he was Infernian. I'm sorry.”
“I've never known you to be scared fo anything, not even me. I can't believe you were somehow paralyzed by fear.”
“I wasn't. I mean I was paralyzed but it wasn't by fear, or any other emotion for that matter. My people are sensitive to two races in the galaxies. Infernians are one of them. In layman's terms by body had an allergic reaction to his physiology.”
“I could tell you seemed to be struggling through the pain. I honestly thought it was some kind of psychic attack. When you warned him away I knew it must be something else. But you still managed to keep your wits about you enough to know I was coming and to warn him away. That's impressive, not disappointing.” Nikita looked at him a moment. "Super hearing. I literally heard you from 20 blocks away. that's how I got there so fast."
“I have to agree with Superman on this one.” Hank said in his deliberate tone. “You didn't fail in your duty, you performed exceptionally. And I am sorry but I have to ask why you didn't tell me you have such a severe reaction to even the presence of Infernians?”
“I didn't realize there were any Infernians on Earth. There's no reason for it.” She looked over at me and back at Henshaw. “He's from further away than either of us.” She explained.
“Well that makes sense.” I conceded. “What did you say to him anyway?”
“I'm pretty sure I told him that he was thinking with his weapons rather than what little of his brain existed. I'll have to brush up on the regional." Now it was my turn to look confused. "I didn't say something in his language. I spoke in a language I knew he would understand. a language that everyone in his part of that galaxy understands at least enough of to get by. The same way France, Germany and the Netherlands all speak English, even though it's none of thier native languages. To continue the metaphor, I need to learn if English is used differently in Germany than it is in France. It's a lot easier for Xavallens, Enkarens and Atraxi to understand each other. We all speak the same native language. . A language by the way that has more in common with Aramaic or Arabic than with English. You can let go of me now Superman.”
I did. And then I smiled. “That's the first time you've actually called me that.”
“And from this point on, when the occasion calls for it I will. In the field and on the job that's what I'll call you. I'll only call you Kal'el when we're off duty.” She laughed wearily.
“Nikita, are you sure you're alright?”
“Yes, I am recovered. Just uncertain.” She glanced at Director Henshaw with a meaning I wasn't sure I wanted to understand. So I took a step back. “ Hank, I am fully expecting you to yell at me.”
“For what?”
“For screwing up the mission so badly. For letting that guy escape. This isn't me being hard on myself Hank. I failed in my duty. I didn't just let the guy get away; I told him to go.”
“Why do you think that's what happened?” Hank asked her bluntly but respectfully. “I mean, yes you did say that. But why are you so convinced you did anything less than your duty?”
“Second that.”
“Because it's my job to be ready for those things and I screwed up the mission.” She said without turning to look at me. Then the look on her face changed. I could tell she had seen something in Henshaw's face and her face suddenly cleared up. Like a cold wind blew the white clouds away and suddenly she saw something clearly. But I still couldn't tell you what. A moment late Hank's face got the same look.
“You're expecting a reprimand?” Henshaw said blankly. I admit I didn't understand his confusion. 'Of course she's expecting you to dress her down, rack her over the coals and such. She doesn't know anything else from you'. I feel kind of stupid about it now but that was my reaction.
She was unique among D.E.O agents not just because she herself was an alien, but because she had once been a prisoner here, under Henshaw. I knew a little bit of their history together, and that it took Jeremiah's death to put it behind them. So her expectation made sense to me. When she next spoke it was in a crisp, clear tone full of as much dignity and restraint as if a Air Force Captain was addressing a 2-star General. “If I were any other agent, it's what you would do. ”
“If any other agent had a panic attack in the middle of a combat situation, yelling at them would be the last thing I would do.”
And for the first time I felt something approaching respect for Hank Henshaw. And I was soon to understand for the first time that he was never the heartless jerk to Nikita I had always assumed.
“How do you mean?”
“I always assumed Nikita was a hero for having so quickly forgiven Hank his previous actions. But far from throwing away a 'hot coal' so it wouldn't burn her, Nikita never had one to hold on to. She had always respected Hank.”
I looked over at Director Henshaw to try to convey my appreciation of the situation. And I saw something that would have taken my breath away. Hank was looking at her with a look of sympathy, and obviously trying very hard not to embrace her. That's when I decided I could call him 'Hank' as often as Nikita does and not feel awkward about it. If he was okay with it.
“Director, I really think I should escort Nikita back to her quarters. And then I'll start X-ray visioning the city for that Infernian.”
“Understood Superman and agreed...on both counts.”
After we'd gotten into the hallway and Nikita informed be she could walk a few paces on her own, I turned around and walked back up to Hank, who was standing there, almost as if waiting for me to say something. “I was wrong about you, Director. And I'm sorry.”
“That means a lot to hear you say that.” Was all he said at first. “I take it Nikita has finally convinced you of the sincerity of her feelings.”
“More like you've finally convinced me you deserve her high esteem. It was never about my father Hank. Not what happened to him anyway. I hope you understand...what I'm trying to say here.”
“I believe so. And as I said...this means a lot to hear you say that.”
“Do you mind if I just call you 'Hank' from now on?” I blurted out.
“Most people at the D.E.O call me by by first name. It feel appropriate, like you were part of the team here if you did. And no I wouldn't mind it.” Hank looked at me with a kindly smile. “I'll call you Superman for the sake of secret identities. But I want you to know, I respected your father. I regret that I never told him so. Nikita is the only person alive who can tell me what your father would have said. They were together on such things. But she is also someone he risked everything for. Aside from you and Alex she is the only person Agent Danvers ever cared for. And I am not about to fail him twice...” His words actually failed him.
“It's your way of honoring Jeremiah...protecting her.”
'Well, you certainly don't need anyone's protection.”
“Heh. Fair point.”
No comments:
Post a Comment