Infernian Effect

Infernian Effect

Aka: Earning Superman's Respect

Superman is recounting the story of the first time he truly understood Hank Henshaw

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 of anything, not even me. I can't believe you were 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 Henshaw 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 gave Henshaw a glance I wasn't sure I understood the meaning of. But it was clearly something strictly between the two of them so I didn't ask about it. 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.”

“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. It was like a cold wind blew the white clouds away from her face and suddenly she saw something clearly, from Henshaw himself. But I still couldn't tell you what.

“You're expecting a reprimand?” Hank said. I admit I didn't understand his confusion. 'Of course she's expecting you to dress her down, rack her over the coals. 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 for the first time I began to understand that he was never the heartless jerk to Nikita I had always assumed.

“How do you mean?”

“I had always considered Nikita 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. But only if Hank said he was okay with that.

“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's no secret that even though we work fine together I never exactly liked you. I know what you're going to say 'we don't have to like each-other to work together'. But it really would help. I want you to know, 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. In fact it...Jeremiah called me by my first name when he was here. And I know you're his son.” 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. Jeremiah Danvers served under me for 6 years. The only time he disobeyed my orders or broke literally any rules in this places was when he broke Nikita out of this place. 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.”

“Besides, Nikita is pretty amazing all of her own.”

“No argument here.”

Hank looked thoughtful for a moment. “Do you mind if I ask, why does she call you 'Kal-el'?”

“It's my alien name.” I answered him simply. “That is, my birth name. When Jeremiah and Alex found me and took me in, they called me Elias. And naturally I took their family name. Nikita says that this,” I touched the symbol on my chest. “is the symbol of the house of El. Apparently aliens would know me as Kal'el. And why did your face just change so completely?”

“I need to talk to Nikita. There is a much longer story here than I ever suspected.”

“She's not in trouble is she?” I said in a rush. “How could she be in trouble because of this.”

“No Superman, she's not in trouble. But I do have a serious question that needs answering. If that symbol only identifies you as a member of a family...how does she know your full birth name.”

“That's...a pretty good question actually.”

Hank looked thoughtful for a moment. “Do you mind if I ask, why does she call you 'Kal-el'?”

“It's my alien name.” I answered him simply. “It's my birth-name. When Alex and her father found me they called me Elias and naturally I took their family name. If Nikita is any indication, the rest of the universe would know me as 'Kal-El'. According to Nikita this,” I touched the emblem on my uniform. “Identifies me as being a member of the family 'El'.”

“Okay, I officially need to talk to Nikita about something.” He walked away.

“She's not in trouble is she?” I said urgently. “How the heck could that get her in trouble Hank?”

“No Superman, she's not in trouble. But I do need to ask her how the heck she knows your full Kryptonian name if that thing only identifies you as being a member of your family.”

“I...actually never thought of that.”

Heroes of the Verse

 Okay so most of these next 12 entries will be replaced soon. Updated really. Putting them all up at the top instead of scattered throughout my blog serves two functions: gives them priority and easier access for me. Gives them easiest access and just the extra bit of prominence to my reading audience.

National City, DEO and Smallville are on Earth 13. The two versions of earth-based heroes will be Earth's 27 and 42. The legends are Earth-based heroes which means if they weren't on the Waverider anymore, or hadn't joined in the first place, they'd be hereabouts. Or I would put their stories as I write them on a completely separate Earth.

Earth 27:

“Oliver can I take with you for a minute?”

Oliver Queen looked up from his novella to a welcome sight: Quentin Lance standing in his study as if he belonged there. “Of course Quentin, what's up?”

“I know when the three of us are together, you mom me and you you're very chill about it and I appreciate that. But I wanted to know...ARE you okay with it?”

“Mr. Lance, you've been seeing my mom romantically for a year and a half, you've been living with her for the past five months if I had a problem with it you'd have heard about it like way before now. And is this going where I think it's going?”

“I want to propose to her. Why do I feel like I'm rushing things here?”

“You don't.” Oliver answered easily. “You want to know if this is a marriage of convenience, or whether she'll think you're charging in. She won't and you're not. You're direct and plainspoken with the biggest heart and the strongest moral compass of anyone I have ever-known. Be equally unadorned, no fanfare, no parade, just ask.”

“Wow, on the list of things I thought you'd say that is...was nowhere near the top.”

Oliver's face went completely blank for about five seconds. “Wait, were you nervous about what she would say or...about what I would say?”

“Oliver to say we have a complicated history is an understatement. We've had a lot of crap we've had to push through over the years..”

“..And we've had almost as much crap happen to us that we've pushed through together. Our relationship, as myself at least, has been through so many ups and downs I've lost track of when I was looking up. You didn't realize it as t the time, how could you but as the Arrow I saw another side of you. And if I hadn't still been worried how'd you'd feel about it, I would have been warmer. I'm sorry I should have trusted you more. Besides, it meant a lot more than you apparently realize when you admitted to having worked with the Arrow last year. You risked happiness with my mom, and falling from Grace in my eyes, standing up for a masked man in a hood that the entire city thought was a murderer all over again. 'We've been through a lot', is sure as hell an understatement, but I think you're focusing on the wrong part of that expression: we've been through it.”

“Did she already know?” Quentin asked suddenly.

“I hadn't told her yet. It turns out I wasn't that good at hiding from her, she already knew. And something I've been waiting to tell you, since that day on the bridge I think, whether you're with my mom or not...I've always tried to make you proud of me...like I think it would be with a father.”

“So to recap then.” Oliver said in rather a weak voice. Yes, I'm fine with it, and yes, I want you to be a part of the family...of MY family. And I'm very sorry if I ever made you feel otherwise.”

“I...I feel like I should hug you right now.”

“Yeah I'd say it's a hug thing.” Oliver replied, embracing Quentin with affection and joy.

Takes place the eight months between Oliver's wedding to Felicity and the Green Arrow's victory at Genesis Day. And when four years later The Green Arrow holds a press conference to hang up his hood after a decade of protecting the city Quentin Lance-Queen and Moira Queen listen somberly and in private, knowing their son put on that hood and another man is taking it off. Robert Queen died when Oliver was 12. Prior to Lian-Yu Quentin DID see Oliver as a spoiled punk and kept an intentional respectful distance with Oliver after he got back. Growing closer to the Arrow from the undertaking to Rashe than the Quentin and Oliver we knew. I' So Quentin has been a present role model in Oliver's life a lot longer than just since Lian-Yu, but not close to Oliver and Moira until Rashe framed the Arrow for the Mayor's death and all the chaos and the Alpha-Omega virus at the end of season 3.

Sarrin finds a new beginning

One: this takes place in Superman and Lois' world. NOT a D.E.O world at the core of the Arrow-verse or a world I created for my stories. There is no department of extra-normal Operations and Superman works with the Department of Defense. In that he works with his father-in-law General Lane

The Arrow-verse was full of enemies becoming friends and even more saturated with friends becoming enemies. Superman and Lois did things slightly differently in that the season 1 bad guy was revealed to be Clark's half brother and in the course of season two he became and ally and more of an actual friend and brother to Clark. Clark does come to trust and rely on him. His name was Tal-Rho.

I'm setting my story about a young Atraxian, a race that was a labor-class on Krypton, in THAT world not either of the continuities I created or Earth-38. In case you don't know, while this show is set in the same multiverse as Flash and Arrow and Supergirl, it's not Supergirl's version of Clark and Lois. It's thier doppelgangers/doubles on one of the few Earth's remaining after the mega-crossover Crisis on Infinite Earths. They actually have a history of people from other Earth's distinctly Dis-liking Kal'el specifically. Or another Earth's version of Kal'el causing some serious problems when he's just trying to do the right thing. So it's something they are sort of familiar with that gets turned on its head when they meet her. She's the inverse: An alien who's misunderstanding isn't with Kal'el specifically at all.

Sarrin's race are called the Atraxi. On Krypton she was raised to all but fear Kryptonians. Well she was raised to show them the utmost respect. Her people were a labor class on Krypton. Farmers, laborers and house-staff.  Anyway after meeting Clark Kent, as well as Superman, she lives at his house everyday for a week before calming the quaking reaction. Superman or Kal-el had nothing to do with that nonsense and she holds the man no particular grudge. 

One of Clark's friends asks her: Why do you keep calling him by his last name? Sarrin looks at her funny and says "Because I don't know his first name and he's wearing the symbol of the house of El."

One day Tal-Rho stops by to see his brother and reacts in surprise as  Sarrin address him as 'Sajente'. After confirming she's Atraxian he tells her among other things she doesn't have to call him that.

"Sajen then." She says. "I'd feel weird not calling you at least that. I address Kal'el that way."

Tal-Rho tells her 'that I can deal with'. This sends her over the moon. Clark walks in and asks her what's made her so emotional, given the dignified restraint and composure she usually carries herself with.

"Going by my true name so often – Sasha is a name I adopted when I landed here and started going to school and everything. You're the first people I've met since secondary school to even know I'm an alien. Going by my native name of 'Sarrin' all the time is new for me – add to that meeting TWO Kryptonians I don't have to. – yeah goofy grin on my face."

In an undertone Clark asks his brother. "Is it that rare for her to meet a good Kryptonian?"
"It is that rare for her to meet two Kryptonians she doesn't have to essentially call 'master'. Good and bad don't enter into it for her. They...never could make that distinction."

Clark recognizes what he means. That the Atraxi weren't allowed to make a distinction between good and bad Kryptonians. They were required to address all of thier 'superiors' that way. And that Tal isn't being politic so much as considerate about it. As if he doesn't agree with it either...anymore.

"Tal, she's not the only one over the moon about this." Clark mentions as he walks away.

One thing I HAVE to remember to include is that when Sarrin met 'Superman' she recognized the symbol on his chest as Kryptonian but couldn't read it. She actually asked him 'if we were on Krypton, what would I call you'. Essentially asking his Kryptonian name. Tal-Rho's crest on the other hand she can 'read' just fine. Also that when talking to Clark and John Henry Irons, she defined 'Sajente' as how you would address royalty or heads of state and how any of her race would address ALL Kryptonians. And 'Sajen' as how you would address an officer of the law or a superior officer in the military. Clark, dressed in human clothes invited her to stay at his house. She accepted, but warned him that 'old habits die hard'. Meaning it will take a minute for her not to treat him as a superior.

star trek Atlantis (rough Drafts)

“Captain some-thing is approaching us off the starboard bow.”

Kirk stared at his Conn officer. “Not the most descriptive analysis Lieutenant.”

“Sir, this object, if these sensors are working, defies description.”

“Then put the object on screen and we'll see if the sensors are accurate.” Mr. Sulu adjusted some of the controls at his station and the enormous something or other appeared on the primary viewpoint. “I see why you were confused.” Kirk said under his breath.

Apparently the mass behind and to their left was literally a floating city with clearly Terran architecture. Skyscrapers as well and turrets were distinguishable in the present magnification. But was was most impressive, and puzzling was that there was no ground. The city did not float on an asteroid or any soil or landmass. As far as Kirk could tell, it literally floated on nothing.

Turning to his science officer he ordered a 'full scan and this range'. Which was an easily understood order for the Vulcan who had served under him for so many years. And carried out with nothing but an affirming nod and an eager expression. It wasn't often they came across something even Spock never considered possible. “Analysis Mr. Spock?”

“Very real captain and very...historically accurate.”

“Life-signs?”

“Our sensors are having trouble penetrating the structure captain however...we are being hailed.”

“On speakers.”

The speakers crackled and electric interference poured over the comms. It took a second for Kirk to realize the interference was from the other ship...not a problem with their systems. A moment later a broken, distorted voice was heard. “This is Colonel John Sheppard. If you can hear me, if you're out there...to any ship within range...request immediate assistance.”

“This is Captain James Kirk, ready to assist. Lower your shields to we may beam you aboard?”

“Captain, they shouldn't trouble you the state they're in. But yes...not for long.”
“Understood Colonel. Prepare for emergency beam out.”

A few minutes later 12 human beings materialized onboard the USS Enterprise. One of whom was a clearly military officer with a lot of energy and a lot of questions. Captain Kirk was in the infirmary to welcome him when he eventually did calm down.

“This is amazing, your arrival I mean. And more than a little straining to credulity.”

“I could say the same thing of you colonel. Identify yourself, and your team, please.”

“Lieutenant Colonel John Sheppard, United States Air force. Exactly what outfit I'm with? Would take a lot longer. How many made it?”

“We were only able to beam 12 of you aboard. There are others still in your city but...”

“They'll be alright; they're in stasis for a reason.” Noticing Kirk's look of shock Sheppard offered an explanation. “Four days ago there were 25 living souls on that ship...Atlantis as we call it. Everyone else was either free and clear, dead or in stasis. We did not lose a city full of people Captain. Or I would have an appropriately Macabre reaction.”

“United States...what year?”

“...2010. But that city, is not human workmanship...not from 21st century Earth anyway. They were our...they were an ANCINT race of humanoids who were so stuck up with such accomplishments...they didn't think their enemy was a threat...and died out centuries ago.”

“An incredibly scientifically advanced civilization.” Spock said from the doorway.

“Advanced yes...civilized...debatable.” A coarse voice said from another bio-bed. A man with more muscles than his tunic could conceal and a hairstyle almost as imposing as his attitude sat up.

“Ronnan, take it easy. I'm fairly certain we can trust these guys. They're not the Wraith.”

“Wraith, as in specters, spirits of the dead?”

“As in a biological race that grows whatever technology it has and sucks the life out of you, through a slit in their hands instead of their mouth.” Sheppard intoned. “Look up the less reliable reports of my time. You'll see what we mean.” He passed out a moment later.

“We all die at one time or another Colonel. And I for one would rather die today and have it mean

something than outlive all my friends and bemoan a wasted life.”

“Those were the last words I told Sumner before I put him in the puddle-jumper. Dr's Beckett and McKay were with him along with the remaining science personnel. I powered down the control tower and secured myself in the stasis chamber. Wasn't sure anyone would ever find us.” Major John Sheppard paused and looked at the faces around him. “How DID you all find us anyway?”

“A giant floating city that seemed of Earth origin, or at least Terran architecture, quite literally floating in space. It was hard to miss.”

“You're of an Earth fleet?” Sheppard said with a quizzical look.

“Yes...we DO have a lot to catch you up on.” The Captain said stolidly. My first officer would like to debrief you whenever you are ready. Until then I think you would like to read through our historical libraries...get oriented as it were.”

“Captain. You have yet to tell me who you are or what year this is, I do NOT want to be left so far in the dark while being told to 'catch myself up'.” The ship's captain arched his eyes and smiled in surprise at the Air Force major. “Near-warp relativity and light-speed transitory nonsense aside, that city, Atlantis was built by the Ancients. It's not much of a leap to say even their reserve batteries could last a few hundred years and I be none the wiser for it...being in a sleep without dreams and all.”

“You are familiar with the theories of faster than light travel and parallel planet development?” A calm, controlled voice spoke up for the first time ever.

And without looking up Sheppard replied. “They were considered nothing but science-fiction at home. All I know of those 'theories' as you call them come from television and film...a few novels along the same lines. Then I got clearance to hear about this outpost in Antarctica and the gateway to other worlds. Artificial wormholes, alien machines that created tunnels through space, including one to a whole other galaxy. My expedition was sent to the Pegasuses galaxy to search for these 'ancients' and their 'lost city'. We found the city itself, reasonably calling it 'Atlantis'. We hadn't been there 3 days when it launched itself into space again to avoid an attack by these ancients enemies...a species called the wraith.”

“But there were no ancients to operate the city. Complete automation?”

“It wasn't exactly well cared for as a city. Almost everything was powered down. But external sensors sensed danger and acted accordingly...according to its own programming. Now if you wouldn't mind answering my original question?” Major Sheppard said with no small amount of edge to his voice.

“By your calendar it would be May 15th 2279.” The calm, cool voice from before answered. “And we are on the outer fringes of the milky way galaxy. It seems these Ancients had programmed Atlantis to return home if their new world was threatened.”

“That would make sense I guess.” Sheppard acceded. “Listen there was one other stasis field operational when I went under. Our team leader Doctor Weir appointed herself a 'lifeboat' in case we were ever found. She said wanted to be a time capsule rather than a living witness...more for the sake of 'here's who we were and what things were like' than any record about what had happened. Is she awake?”

“Her stasis field is functioning. We weren't sure how to safely revive her, or even if we could...”

“Well, how'd you revive me then?” Uncomfortable looks were shared in all directions. “You didn't, did you? I woke up when you beamed yourselves to Atlantis but...” Major John Sheppard jumped from his medical bed, grabbed his belt and left the infirmary without another word. Captain James T Kirk and Commander Spock followed a step behind. The latter regarding him with a kind of suspicious fascination. The major seemed to know exactly where he was going, how to get back to the stasis chamber from the city's infirmary. He must have memorized enough of the schematics in the short time he'd been aboard. He realized the explanation in a moment. 'They'd only been in the city a few days before it launched itself into space. They could have floated through space in Atlantis for weeks before evacuating.

Two Revelations in One Year

SUPERMAN SEASON 3 IS RIDICUKLOUSLY LOPSIDED

 

I don't like the third episode "In cold Blood" because Lana actually slaps her daughter. The very next episode, Too Close to Home is full of dramatic conflict, but a more tolerable and 'working through things' kind and is very well done. It's a core episode, one of those required in order to proceed and it's actually a pretty masterful episode. But contrary to what you might think the conflict doesn't stem from what happened in the previous episode. The entire episode  more on John Henry and his daughter, as well as his sister...or this Earth's version of his sister as well as his now dead doppelganger.

We see throughout that Bruno Manheim is taking people, criminals on death row who've gotten compassionate releases for terminal illnesses and giving them powers with some serum or cure. It turns out the compassionate releases are genuine, these people were dying and he is actually trying to save thier lives...giving them a serum to make them stronger/giving them powers. The problem course is they have to keep taking the serum. The reason the now super-powered criminals are 'dead' in DoD custody isn't because Bruno will come after them for being traitors or narcs but without the serum thier actual terminal illness will kill them. And contrary to Clark and Lois' journalistic intuition, initial conclusion, that's not a trap or a caveat Bruno set these criminals up with.  Lois begins to suspect that perfecting the cure really is what's important to him. Even more than giving people powers, he wants to cure people and save lives. He's a protector of 'his people' in South Metropolis which was once called Suicide Slums.

Episode 5 called Head On is boring as hell, I don't even remember what happens in it except there's a school dance and John's daughter Natalie has a new boyfriend who takes her to it. She is not comfortable or 'natural' is such social situations. And it becomes painfully clear, painful to her at least, how un-normal she was raised and how she stands out. My junior prom was the same way. But I can see how this mediocre episode can fuel the argument/feeling so many people have that this show has become a boring family drama. It was a filler episode and should not be treated as anything else.
Episode 6 and 7 are full of character development and are reasonably well-driven I mean well written, well acted, good pacing and all of that. At the end of 7 called Forever and Always Clark interviews Bruno Manheim who briefly lets his shield drop. His emotions and true motivation shine through. "Lois is dying of cancer. Are you really going to look me in the eye and tell me you wouldn't do anything to save her? This is your wife we're talking about." And Clark recognizes "No I don't think it is. This is personal...to you. Someone you love is dying and that's why you're so obsessed with finding a cure."

Bruno was pretty obsessed and for Clark and Lois, unscrupulous in how far he went for this serum. Using one of his meta's to break into the DoD to steal a sample of Superman's blood. And then in the next episode to steal Bizzaro's body so they can use his blood to make and engineer the cure. Which one can guess will not work. The genius is, that it was actually set up masterfully and believably, long before hand why a cure from Bizzaro's blood would not work. It is established even before Bruno Manheim's name is mentioned that Bizzaro's world, the world with the red sun is actually on inverted physical laws compared to ours. He not only has flame breath and freeze vision, the opposite of our Superman, he is strengthened by Green Kryptonite and weakened by our Earth's yellow sun. He actually evolved under an inverted set of physical laws. Which is why the miracle cure Bruno created form his blood will not and does not work. A cure from Superman's blood ironically enough, probably would have.

Maligned Movies that are actually Masterpieces

I've been watching some detailed analysis of Batman V Superman. And then I went back to Everything Great about Man of Steel and I came to a conclusion.

This is not Superman yet. He is not only a newborn superhero but a lot of the things we know him as are still in his future. Most especially the final reason the film gets so much hate. When he ends Zod's life to save civilans Zod was about to incinerate with his heat vision. "Superman doesn't kill" being so firmly ingrained into our understanding of who Superman even is. Superman probably developed the 'no killing' rule he's known for BECAUSE of how heavily it weighed on him when he was forced to end Zod's life. Everyone complains that this is not the Superman we know. It's not supposed to be. This is how Clark Kent *becomes* the Superman we know and love. And it's a freaking masterpiece.

Everything Great About Man of Steel.

Everything Great about Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice | EPIC Fight Scene! | ClipZone

This is one of the deepest scenes the movie. In any movie. And it's one of my favorites.

That it was Superman's humanity which stopped Batman. Seeing this 'evil alien' care more for a human life than his own life and not the silly name coincidence seemed self-evident to me.

As well as why Bruce's flashback having nothing to do with his 'Martha' but with him now being the one holding the gun. But even I didn't consider that Clark not only accepted 'Save Martha' as his dying breath, but was giving his final wishes to his murderer. 'After you kill me, at least do this for me'. Anything Superman said would have been heard through Superman's lips, not Clark's because as with any other version of the story Superman's armor as far as his secret identity is that people don't expect an alien to have a human life. So why would this evil god like alien Bruce sees when he looks at Superman have a human mother?

"How many Good guys are left how many stayed that way" not only spells his motivations out perfectly but also explains why he didn't go through with killing Superman later. He finally realized that Superman was a good guy. And that he probably should have been asking that question about himself, not the strange visitor from another planet. Also Superman said 'Martha' not 'mom' because Batman had made it abundantly clear he didn't care about Superman's parents. And since he obviously wasn't *being Clark Kent at the time, Batman would have heard 'Save Jor-el's wife' not "Save a human woman who is in danger".

Batman V Superman Dawn of Justice

I don't understand how blind people are

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The only convoluted parts of this movie are Lex Luthor's plan and why the world suddenly hates Superman. As far as Why Bruce is so relentlessly pursuing Superman and why 'Save Martha' actually pulls him back, they could not have set it up more clearly. And I realize a lot of Batman fans were disgusted/surprised at this version of Batman but they do explain his character perfectly: this is world weary, Robinless Joker beaten Batman who has almost given up on hope for the world. He spells out his motivations to Alfred "He has the power to wipe out the entire hyuman race and if we believe there is even a 1% chance that he is our enemy" He sees this alien as another freak in a costume. He even tells Superman while he's punching his face repeatedly "You were never a God, you were never even a man." Batman does not spare Superman because thier mother's share the same name. Batman didn't even know 'Martha' was Supes mother's name at first. But Superman asking Batman to save someone else was enough to make him pause and consider that this evil alien cares about people, cares about someone more than his own life. And then Lois comes in and tells him "It's his mother's name." And he realizes Superman has a human family, has a life, IS a good man I/he almost murdered. He finally realizes that "How many good guys are left, how many stayed that way" is a question he should have been asking about himself all along. It's a line straight out of Aaron Eckhart's Harvey Dent "You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain." Setting up both his mission and his attitude for the next movie.

This is not "Batman" anymore. This is not Superman *yet*. I'm wondering why it's so hard for people to stop, look at the film and realize this. Superman is a new born superhero. People call it unrealistic or something that neither hero reacts how they would in thier prime. Neither hero IS in thier prime. Supposedly Batman hates Superman for clear obvious reasons but that Superman has no reason to hate Batman? Clark Kent has a pretty clear reason for hating or at least mistrusting a vigilante who tramples on the law and civil liberties. People see this movie fail thier own expectations and in so doing, completely fail to see this movie in the context of this universe. Where honestly their expectations do not and should not apply.

Why You're WRONG About Batman v Superman - The Martha Controversy

This is not Batman anymore. This is not Superman...yet.

"Calling Superman a hypocrite is because you're coming in with all the expectations and action of Past Supermans. THIS version of Superman is actually completely justified in his critisism of Batman."

"You mom's name is Martha, my mom's name is Martha too. Did we jsut become best friends?"

-- No I just realized you are as human as they come. That you care about someone other than yourself and that if I had killed you I would have been letting *another* Martha die. So right now I'm going to work with you to stop the psychopath who's been pushing us to fight each-other and the first step to that is to Save Martha...like you asked with what you accepted as your dying breath.

People actually complain that Supes should have tried harder to explain. It's a criticism I anticipated the first time I watched the movie. And I was right that is one of the 3 BIG things people complain about as far as the main thrust of the movie. People are idiots. Superman did try to explain. He wasted 10 minutes of the fight trying to explain what was really going on to someone who wasn't having any of that. And this is not directly from this video but Batman does not spare Superman because thier mothers have the same name. He has spent 18 months obsessing over killing this alien who could destroy the Earth. Superman needed to be humanized before Bats could come to his senses. And when, with potentially his last breath he asks his *Killer* to save someone else. that's when the damn bell finally goes off in Batman's head that he was about to destroy a Good man. NOT an evil alien'.

YES thank you. Superman is not a hypocrite here. It's confusing how anyone could think that. I watched Chris Reeve Superman for the first time after seeing this film and I thought he was more of a vigilante then. Supposedly Batman hates Superman for clear obvious reasons but that Superman has no reason to hate Batman. Clark Kent has a pretty clear reason for hating or at least mistrusting a vigilante who tramples on the law and civil liberties. People see this movie fail thier own expectations and completely fail to see this movie in the context of this universe. Where as you say (thank you again) their expectations do not and should not apply.

Most of the hate for this film comes from people sitting down with a set view of expectations and those expectations not being met. From Superman not being the man we know yet to Batman no longer being 'Batman'. Once the two heroes actually are thrown together Superman tries everything to get Batman to listen, and Batman just isn't having any of that. Until finally he pleads not for his own life but for the life of his mother. And he calls her 'Martha' not 'my mother' because Batman has already made it abundantly clear he doesn't care for Superman or his parents. It wouldn't help. Batman didn't know and didn't need to know Martha was Clark's mothers name. That this alien, even after everything cared more for a human than his own life is what woke him the hell up.

From Everything Great About Batman V Superman Author: I'm sure this won't stop this comment from constantly coming up, but the reason Superman says "Martha" and not "Mom" is because he wasn't currently being Clark Kent. He was Superman. As unbelievable as it may be for Bruce to not know Superman's secret identity, he didn't at that point. So he was still protecting his secret identity. I thought that was obvious. That's why I didn't mention it. And if I had to defend the reasoning behind Bruce not knowing Superman was Clark, why would he assume he'd need an alter ego? He sees him as an evil god alien, why would he ever pretend to be human?

Something of the Original

“Detective, how are you?” Harrison Wells said from the 'entryway' to STAR Labs.

“I'm alright, Dr. Wells, thank you. I was hoping I could enlist that huge science brain of yours to solve an annoyingly enigmatic case of mine, and catch a killer in the process.”

“Are you asking me because I'm a scientist or because I'm the biggest enigma you know?”

“Both actually. He is...one of the wild-world of weird cases we've been busy chasing down.”

“The reason you don't want Barry on the case taking down this particular bad guy with us?”

“The case is the murder of Nora Allen...Barry's mother.”

All calm and humor evaporated from Well's face. It actually took a few moments for him to speak again. “Why don't we get to the hands on science part of this building. We've some things we need to discuss, and hopefully to discover.”

Joe West wondered very much at this but he was not about to lose an opportunity to answer his many questions about the impossible killers, and messed up humans that had become part of his daily life... especially not if those answers were to come from the normally tight-lipped professor that led the team.

Wells led Detective West into the anteroom of the rather amazing STAR Labs facility and within an hour Joe West and Harrison Wells were consumed with analyzing the physical evidence from a murder that had brought Joe's family together. From the man who created the Particle Accelerator and the meta-human hero known as the Flash.

“Is it possible that someone with Barry's abilities killed his mother?” Joe asked bluntly.

“Now we reach the core.” Harrison said coyly. “You want to know if my particle Accelerator had anythign to do with creating this monster. Do I assume correctly you've had this notion in your head the entire time we've been talking?”

“I didn't believe Barry's story. For 14 years I thought Henry Allen was guilty, because I couldn't believe that sort of impossible even exists. But Barry does,stuff right out of the Twilight Zone is a weekly occurrence now. I have to consider the possibility it existed back then.”

“But my Particle Accelerator didn't.” Wells said pointedly. “Joe, someone or something impossible killed Nora Allen that night. He killed more than just Barry's family actually. And yes, my accelerator created the meta-humans we deal with on a daily basis. These freaks were my fault, I can't deny that; I haven't. But my work is not the only source of trouble for this city, and not every wild and weird story comes out of my experiments.” His voice took on a dangerous edge. “I'm fairly certain that monster had nothing to do with me, no one knew who I was yet.”

“The timing is more than a little suspicious don't you think?” Joe said is cold hard tone, openly challenging the genius who wormed his way into their lives without a word of his own origins. A challenge that was met with a steely glare.

“Ask the man in yellow for why he showed up when he did, outta the blue. He thinks for himself and changed the world overnight. Whatever the heck drew him here, why we've never even seen him since...” Harrison Wells took a physical step back. “The timing is less than coincidental. But if you're looking for explanations? I don't know the why...as for the 'how', I'm as much in the dark as you are.”

Detective Joe West stared at the normally unflappable man who had unraveled before him. There was not a lot that could rile a self-possessed professionally restrained man like Harrison Wells. It was one of the reasons he'd felt safe coming to the man with his suspicions, that he knew sounded like accusations. Somehow he had a feeling that it was something way more personal than Joe's rush to judgment that had animated him so completely.

“You've seen him too.” Detective West realized aloud.

“seventeen years ago. He's why I moved to Central City in the first place. The night I saw him is why STAR Labs became such a priority for me. What he took from me, is why it took 14 years to finish the job.” Sinking into a desk chair Wells put his hands over his face. When he looked back up, Joe was staring at him with an expression he'd never shown the man before: a look of compassion. “Joe, Barry doesn't know my story. He has enough on his heart, he's been through enough trying to catch up with this creep. I know him well. The fact that my masterpiece cause more suffering and more monsters is something I have to live with every day. But THIS monster, if he's the one pulling the strings, I want answers as badly as you do. But I don't have them Joe. To summarize my entire attitude and answer: If your chasing the man in Yellow, you cannot find a stronger ally than me. If you want answers about MY life story, look up Tess Morgan. More specifically, look up where she was December 21^st 2002. Then decide if I have a good enough reason for keeping my personal past to myself.”

When Detective Joe West walked into the Cortex at precisely 7:03 pm that evening, he looked like he wanted to bury his head in a bag of potatoes. He didn't sit down, only tapped on the door-frame to signify his presence. Wells waved him in but did not verbally acknowledge his presence, until Joe placed a box of very expensive Irish Whiskey on the table.

“I take it you're not here to make more accusations.” Wells said briskly..

“Doctor Wells, I don't know what to say. I looked up Tess Morgan...I'm sorry I had no idea. When you mentioned adapting and evolving to a new life before...you weren't talking about after the accelerator exploded; you meant about losing her, your wife.” Wells sat back in his chair, motioning for Joe to take the seat beside him. “Something must have created this monster, and the accelerator created a lot of them. I'm not trying to make excuses I...I hope you understand why I squirrel-brained. Finding answers based on what little information I do have...it's in my job description, as a cop...”

“And finding answers to life's greatest mysteries is in mine...as a scientist.” Wells offered. “I understand the need to understand everything Joe. Detectives who follow leads and geniuses who need answers both have a tendency of getting obsessed. But this was personal for you. And however little emotion I show in my daily life...I do understand trying to keep your family safe.”

“What was she like?”

“Strong, brilliant, had the most musical laugh. We were married to the work as much as to each-other. Making a facility like STAR Labs was something we were planning, but we couldn't find a place to put down roots that wouldn't turn into a media-government circus if we ever got it up and running. That's why I made it my mission to bring STAR Labs to life. Three years later it became...well I found out that the accident wasn't accidental. Whoever the man in yellow is, he wanted me out of the way, and crashed our car. I survived...she didn't. That's when I decided to move here. A larger but otherwise unremarkable city seemed like the perfect place to build our dream...even if she couldn't see it.”

“You're chasing him to.” Joe said stoically.

“Ironically enough I think if I ever met him I owe him a thank you. If I hadn't moved here, I wouldn't have been around to help take care of Barry. I wouldn't have had Sisko and Caitlyn with me to help build the accelerator, I would never have had a team to help make that dream a reality...or two awesome friends to stand beside me when it fell down like a house of straw. Until the accelerator exploded Barry was the only person to believe in the impossible. And now because of my failed experiments, the world has a man in red to help deal with the crazy. Ultimately though, unless the man in yellow was messing with Tachyons there's no way he could have originated from my work, from something we...I...hadn't even built yet.”

“Okay...what's that look on your face?”

“Tachyons, little bits of time-travel THAT'S how he did it! I...Barry and I need to find this creep and kick his speedster ass. Failing that we need to train him, Barry I mean, to be the hero this city needs right now. Are you with me, Joe?”

“Taking down Metas who abuse their powers, helping innocent humans deal with getting them, that's what I signed on for. It's my job and my duty. Raising a hero like my son for people to look up to, making him fast enough to kick this creeps ass if we ever see him again? That's a bonus! I am totally in!”

“Barry is lucky to have you on his side Joe.”

“He's lucky to have you too.”

June 29^th 2017

“We did it...It's over.” Barry Allen sighed with relief.

“Not yet. You still need to end it.” Harrison Wells said from behind him. Barry turned around and saw the man he'd called his mentor standing beside him quiet and still, with his hands at his sides in a gesture of surrender. For a moment he didn't know what to think.

“What are you doing?”

Harrison actually seemed surprised at the question. “You said when this was over and the city was safe, you'd kill me. And I promised I wouldn't fight you. I wasn't lying when I said I cared about you Barry, and I know what I've done. If this is what you need...” To Barry's lasting shock Wells actually lowered himself to his knees. “Then finish it.”

“Why, why would I do this?”

“I'm pretty sure that would be stating the obvious and I don't think either of us need the reminder... That's not what you meant is it?”

Vibrating his right hand Barry Allen, a hero known as The Flash, approached his nemesis. “I want to hear you say it.” He said strongly and softly.

“I killed your mother and have done nothing to free your father. This may sound ironic, but I'm tried of running, of trying to forget or deny my past. For the past 3 years I've done what I could to make you better than the Rival and stronger than Zoom. After this you will be.”

“...You're wrong about that.” Barry said lowering his hand and his voice. “Killing you wouldn't make me better than zoom it would make me the same as him. Killing anyone in cold blood would make me as petty and self-absorbed as the Rival. I refuse to be either one. Get Up.”

Later Harrison Wells stood in the cortex, standing alone in front of Sisko Ramon, Caitlin Snow, Detective Joe West and young Eddie Thawne, his partner on the Central City police force. He didn't say anything more, just stood there as The Flash filled his friends in on what he'd learned, and what happened 17 years earlier. “There's one thing more I need to show you...then we can finally be out of each-other's lives. “Gideon, bring up file ninety-four-thirty-one Zed please.”

“Of course Doctor Wells.” A soft, feminine voice spoke from literally thin air. A film projector, or the screen for one appeared and pages of information scrolled down the 'page' two fast for anyone but Barry to read. “Download complete Doctor Wells, will there be anything else?”

“You get to fulfill your original purpose now Gideon, Barry Allen will need your help.” He pulled a thumb drive from the interface. “This is a future database, I discovered when we first laid the ground-work at Star Labs. It seems to deal primarily with a hero called the Flash and his two closest allies: The Arrow, and the former villain Frost. When I first found it, I started following the history it presented like a script, trying to make sure the world had these heroes. It's why I fast-tracked the Particle Accelerator, why it blew up in everyone's face, why I'm so convinced Killer Frost will one day just be a part of you Caitlin and...it's why I see such hatred in your eyes right now Barry. Seeing the man in the yellow suit kill you mother as a child...it's what inspired you to investigate the impossible and come a hero not a criminal like the other meta-humans when you got your powers. The world doesn't need another speedster, it needs the Flash, that's what Gideon told me. I didn't realize what she meant until I started working with you here. When you look at me and I looked away, it's not that I was afraid of my feelings, but because I was afraid of yours. Afraid of your anger, your scorn...and that I would lose any chance of calling you my friend.”

“Prism, Firestorm, Robin's Heir, Cicada, Pestilence...Is there any reason we haven't heard of any of those bad guys yet?” Sisko Ramon asked in his traditional lightly sarcastic voice.

“You're not there yet.” Harrison answered. “The record covers ten years of heroism and equality, we're only on year three. And firestorm's not a bad guy, just messed up, ironically another victim of my hubris.”

“One question Harrison: What have you been doing since then?” Joe said calmly.

“I stopped following the pages like a script and started seeing them more as guideposts and mile-markers. Until one of these creeps showed up I tried not to rely on it too much...dwell on it too much. From what I understand that ship might have belonged to The Reverse Flash...it's where I got the suit.” He waved his hand in front of himself, indicating the yellow suit he wore, very much made to speedster specifications.

“Okay time for the obvious question, who the hell were you talking to?!”

“Why don't you ask her, she's interactive you know?”

“Ma'am...Gideon did he call you?” Eddie said uncertainly. “Who are you?”

“I am Gideon, an interactive artificial consciousness.” The soft female voice that had sounded once before answered almost instantly. “Forgive the otherworldly effect of my disembodied voice, the visual circuits of my matrix were extremely damaged in the crash. Doctor Wells has done his best to repair me..”

“Just tell them your manufacturing origin Gideon.”

“I've never understood your reluctance Dr. Wells. You are a genius by the human standards of this time. In response to your prompt: Star Labs, research and development March 18th 2024.”

“You mean to say...seven years from now, Doctor wells invents you, here at Star Labs?”

“Incorrect Mr. Allen, You do.”

“In Gideon's original records I died tonight, supposedly helping you fight your newest 'big bad'. But I knew that was just the official story, a cover-up. I knew you'd killed me, for what I'd done to you. Anyway six years from now you discover something called the time vault and within it purely theoretical plans from an inter-active artificial consciousness that takes you less than a year to bring into reality you call her 'Gideon'. The ship I found had a copy of her program.”

“And you integrated her into the Star-Labs mainframe.” Caitlin said in a strange voice.

“I figured it would be helpful having a future computer around, help interpret and analyze any threats, meta human or otherwise we come across. You can do the same thing if you want. Now can we get down to it please...What happens to me?”

“We record your posthumous confession, get my dad out of prison, burn your house to the ground, make an official report that you were inside of it, that one of your experiments must have quite literally blown up in your face, you leave Central City and NE-VER come back.” Barry said as calmly and emphatically as if he were rewriting history by sheer force of will. Which is essentially what he was doing. “You were doing what you thought was needful, and didn't even delude yourself I to thinking it was justified. I don't know anyone else who could have done that. And I read the report, speed-reading comes in handy sometimes. In the history Gideon knows, presumably the version of events you first saw, Clariss revealed your secret in the middle of our battle and I killed you in blind rage. Are you going to stand here and deny that you told me your secret before hand to spare me from the regret and uncertainty a murder of blind rage would have left me with? I know you care about me Wells, or you wouldn't have bothered telling me half the things you've said tonight. So yeah, we get out of each-other's lives, like you said, but nothing else has to happen.”