Absolute Justice (DCA)/Issue 1

The first issue of the comic book series Absolute Justice.
== Appearing in "Aliens in America" ==
Featured Characters:
* Clark Kent/Superman (first appearance)
Supporting Characters:
*Antiope (first appearance)
*Lois Lane (first appearance)
*Barry Allen/The Flash
*Queen Hippolyta (first appearance)
Antagonists:
* Human Defense Corps
** Gen. Sam Lane (first appearance)
** Christopher Smith (first appearance)
*The Society
**Lex Luthor
**Teth-Adam/Black Adam
**Thaal Sinestro
**Gorilla Grodd
**Circe
**Vandal Savage
Other Characters:
*Vicki Vale (first appearance)
*Jack Ryder (first appearance)
*Princess Diana/Wonder Woman (first appearance)
==Plot of "Aliens in America"==
Amazonian warriors of the island of Themyscira fight against the forces of America, specifically members of the Human Defense Corps, an organization made specifically to fight them. In the back of the battlefield, an Amazon cuts the ground with her spear with enough force that it launches a handful of soldiers before standing and gesturing towards a Grecian temple.
*Amazon Warrior #1: This temple belongs to the Amazons! To Themyscira! It was constructed by us generations ago and any items in it's interior are equally ours by birthright!
* HDC Soldier #1: It's property now.
The soldiers all open fire, the Amazon managing to dodge with her superhuman speed, but she is hit in the shoulder by one bullet. Enraged, she launches forward, screaming. On the other end of the battle, General Sam Lane watches through a pair of binoculars.
*Man in Headphones: General, the soldiers aren't reporting back anything good. I highly recommend we launch him.
*Sam Lane: He's unreliable. We can never know which side he'll take in the battle. For all we know, he'll just demand us to pull out and like hell if I'm looking him in the face and telling him no.
*Man in Headphones: General Lane, I'm sorry, but there is a slim to none chance of us winning this battle without him.
*Sam Lane: ... sigh Fine. Request HDC headquarters to launch him.
*Man in Headphones: Yes general.
The soldiers continue firing at the Amazons approaching, but they are proving too fast and powerful. Then, one soldier stops and looks into the sky in total shock. On instinct, one Amazon looks up to and is equally as shocked as both of them see the silhouette of a man floating above them, donning a blue military-style suit and red scarf that billows behind him.
*Clark Kent: Everyone put your arms down.
An Amazon chucks her spear and Clark catches it and snaps it in his hand.
*Clark Kent: I don't want to get physical with any of you, but I will if I have to.
A second Amazon lights her spear on fire and throws it at Clark as he uses his ice breath to turn it into an ice block.
*Amazon Warrior #2: What are you?
*Clark Kent: I am just a man trying to end this war.
An older Amazonian walks up with hatred on her face.
*Antiope: The war you started?
*Clark Kent: I don't care who started it. All I care about is the innocent people being hurt on both ends. Now...
Clark lands.
*Clark Kent: Go home.
A wide shot reveals Clark is talking to his own people. The Human Defense Corps soldiers exchange glances.
*HDC Soldier #2: We're under orders.
*Clark Kent: Without me, you're going to lose this battle. And I refuse to fight in it. Spare yourselves the unnecessary casualties and fall back.
*HDC Soldier #2: We can't just do that! Who elected you, anyway!?
*Clark Kent: Who elected you?
*HDC Soldier #2: General Lane.
*Clark Kent: Go home. I don't want you to die. Please. Go home.
*HDC Soldier #3: The General would be pissed.
*Clark Kent: I will deal with him. Leave and prepare.
* HDC Soldier #2: For what?
*Clark Kent: To go.
Clark looks angry, clearly upset the soldiers aren't leaving already. The soldier arguing with him stares for a moment before talking on his communicator.
*HDC Soldier #2: General, we're losing battle. Requesting permission to fall back.
He remains still for a moment before gesturing the soldiers to follow him as they begin leaving, presumably having gotten permission to withdraw. Clark sighs and shakes his head.
*Antiope: You speak with the voice of a naive child, but if you get the job done then who am I to question your tactics.
*Clark Kent: If I had it my way, your people would have never been invaded.
*Antiope: And you did not use your power to prevent it...
*Clark Kent: That's not my place.
*Antiope: How strong are you, child?
*Clark Kent: I don't know. Pretty?
*Antiope: We have many "pretty strong" warriors back in our home. If two of our people get into a spat, two of our "pretty strong" warriors prevents it before it even begins. It is how we went so long without war or conflict.
*Clark Kent: Sounds like a dictatorship to me.
Antiope doesn't reply for a moment before slowly smiling.
*Antiope: I'm impressed, flying warrior. I have met many males before now, but I can finally say that I have met a man. Even if one that falls on the opposing side of history...
*Clark Kent: I'm just trying my best to be a decent person ma'am. But now, please, fall back too.
*Antiope: I think we will, flying man. Do you have a name we can call you.
*Clark Kent: Clark, please just call me Clark. Now go, I don't want to watch people kill each other, for what? Money? Power? Glory?
* Antiope: Culture, Clark. We fight for our culture.
Antiope falls back with her Amazon warriors. Clark flies into the air shortly after. Various news reports are show, each of which talking about the "American Superman". In each photo, Clark can't be seen clearly. Various news anchors give their opinions:
*Vicki Vale: The image, claimed to depict the so-called American Superman, has been criticized by journalists, who claim it to be nothing but photoshop. However, experts in detecting image tampering have claimed the picture shows no obvious signs of being edited.
*Lois Lane: The rumored HDC secret weapon, the supposed Superman, is in the news again and, as always, it's controversial. Why wouldn't he be? An alien from on high, coming down and enforcing its will on us? ...Or is that what he's doing? Well, as controversial as it is, I'm here to say--
*Jack Ryder: --YES! Yet another sighting of Superman is flying left right and center. The Republicans say he's too dangerous, the Democrats say he's too dangerous, even the Libertarians are calling him a fascist! Of course they would though. But this time, and only this time, I think I might just be on their side! Superman is infinitely more powerful than any of us could ever hope to be, not to mention he has government connections through the HDC. Let's hope these rumors are just that because if Superman proves to be real, then God help us all!
The television explodes and it's revealed Clark is catching it on a sofa, his eyes glowing slightly red. Behind him is Sam Lane, who has prepared the two coffees.
*Sam Lane: Holy hell, Kent, what was that?
*Clark Kent: I guess I lost my temper and my eyes did the... thing.
*Sam Lane: I'm learning more about your powers every day...
*Lois Lane: So am I!
Lois is revealed on the other couch, resting her head on her palm.
*Lois Lane: We were in the sky the other day, he was lifting me in his arms and he still managed to get it going! Not to mention he--
*Sam Lane: Lois, please, I'm your father...
*Lois Lane: Don't be a prude, dad. Clark, are you hearing this?
*Clark Kent: You... You probably shouldn't talk about this kind of stuff...
Lois playfully rolls her eyes and playfully waves her hand dismissively.
*Sam Lane: So Kent, I heard you went easy on the Amazons?
*Clark Kent: I don't want any pointless deaths, sir.
*Sam Lane: Good. Looks like I taught you well. Sadly, we have to play this role, at least for a little while. It's not like we can rebel against President Luthor.
*Clark Kent: But what if we did?
*Sam Lane: No. We are American patriots first and foremost. If Jonathan learns that his son got killed because he tried stepping up, he'd be heartbroken. I don't want to hurt an old friend.
*Clark Kent: Oh. Then what are we supposed to do?
Sam pats Clark's shoulder.
*Sam Lane: Just keep doing what you're doing, son.
Clark looks annoyed briefly before sighing and nodding.
*Clark Kent: Yes sir...
Later on, Clark is on top of the building he lives in, a heavily armored and tall military base, hovering in the air and looking out at Metropolis in the distance. He's clearly deep in thought. 
*Lois Lane: Doing your floating thing again?
Clark turns to see Lois on the roof behind him, offering him a mug of coco. Clark takes it and lands in front of her.
*Clark Kent: The HDC doesn't like me flying when unnecessary, so I don't get a lot of time to do it by myself.
*Lois Lane: "Flying when unnecessary"...?
*Clark Kent: I don't get it either, but soldiers follow orders.
*Lois Lane: What was that earlier, by the way? Talking about overthrowing Luthor? I thought stuff like that wasn't your place.
*Clark Kent: It's not.
*Lois Lane: Then why did you ask about it?
*Clark Kent: I wasn't seriously asking about it, of course I'd never overthrow the President.
*Lois Lane: then why ask...?
*Clark Kent: I just... It's... I don't like Lex. I don't like the war, I don't like how he's making everybody think the war is needed, I don't like... I said it already, I don't like Lex.
*Lois Lane: So you want to overthrow the government because of it?
*Clark Kent: Why are you grilling me on this?
*Lois Lane: Because it's out of character for you, Clark. You inspire people to change, you don't force the changes on them.
*Clark Kent: But how? How do I inspire them to change?
*Lois Lane: I don't know, give them hope. People need to hope, they need to dream.
*Clark Kent: Hope? Hope for what?
*Lois Lane: I don't know, a better tomorrow?
Clark pauses briefly.
*Clark Kent: A better tomorrow... It's gonna be hard convincing people to follow something so... you know, abstract.
*Lois Lane: Well, you should at least try, right?
Clark stares off into the distance, clearly thinking about Lois' words. However, as he does, his eyes widen in horror.
*Lois Lane: ...Clark?
*Clark Kent: Don't tell your dad where I'm going.
*Lois Lane: Clark?
Clark disappears, flying off at superhuman speed. He flies in the traditional Superman pose while he is able to hear horrified screaming in the distance and people begging for help. Moments later, he stops at Liberty Island, where the Statue of Liberty is on fire. People are running and screaming. He sees numerous HDC soldiers bringing people to safety as he turns to a commander.
*Clark Kent: What happened?
*Christopher Smith: The Amazons. They attacked and started burning this symbol of freedom. It's an act of terror.
*Clark Kent: That's impossible, they wouldn't do this.
*Christopher Smith: And tell me why. Why would our enemy not stoop this low to get an upper hand?
*Clark Kent: I spoke to one of them. They said they are fighting for culture. Not for fear, not for money, not for power and certainly not for glory. Why would they destroy someone's culture?
* Christopher Smith: Ha! Because they're savages! Every last one. They don't care for our modern society.
Clark, deciding not to get distracted with arguing, flies away and starts helping people escape by catching debris, bursting down fences, so on and so forth to save as many lives as he can and create new exits to help the tourists escape. He sees a crying child and flies to help them, only for the child to disappear. He turns and spots The Flash, who has saved the child before him. Clark and Flash stare at each other for a moment.
*Clark Kent: Huh?
Flash disappears. Red streaks appear all across the Liberty Island and, before Clark knows it, all of the people trapped on the island have been returned to safety. Christopher Smith looks around in confusion at this, while Flash appears next to Clark, making him jump a little.
*Barry Allen: Freeze breath, go.
Clark inhales and blows a powerful gust that completely freezes over the Statue of Liberty, putting out all of the fire.
*Barry Allen: Good job.
*Clark Kent: Who're you?
*Barry Allen: These days I'm calling myself "The Flash".
*Clark Kent: How did you do that? Are you also an alien?
*Barry Allen: No, I... I'm still figuring out if there's a word for us. But I'm definitely human, I'm just--
*Christopher Smith: FREEZE!
Both Barry and Clark turn to see Christopher Smith holding Flash at gun point.
*Barry Allen: ...That's not going to work.
* Christopher Smith: We're trained to beat guys like you, I'll figure out a way!
*Barry Allen: Sure.
*Clark Kent: Don't antagonize him. You, comrade, what's your name?
*Christopher Smith: Smith, Chris Smith.
*Clark Kent: Just put the gun down Chris, I'm sure that--
*Christopher Smith: It's your job and mine to take this guy down!
*Clark Kent: ...What?
*Christopher Smith: We're the Human Defense Corps! This guy isn't human!
*Barry Allen: Yes I am.
*Christopher Smith: Not according to protocol! Anyone with powers isn't human!
*Clark Kent: Why?
*Christopher Kent: What do you mean why?! He literally ran faster than a train!
*Clark Kent: Flash, where were you born?
*Barry Allen: Central City.
*Clark Kent: See? Human.
*Christopher Smith: He may have been born in America, but he's still not a human. Now get out of my way!
*Clark Kent: Or what?
*Christopher Smith: You'll be deemed an enemy of the Human Defense Corps. And I will have full permission to kill you.
Clark pauses before looking suddenly serious and possibly angry.
*Clark Kent: You wouldn't know how.
Flash glances at Clark, clearly surprised by that line. Chris, meanwhile, flinches. After a moment, he raises his hands in the air. Flash takes several steps back before running away. Clark then slowly flies into the air, leaving a dumbfounded Chris on the ground below. Flash eventually stops on a nearby building and watches as Clark flies away, clearly still in shock at Clark's words.
*Barry Allen: That's Superman in this world...? What happened?
Clark is flying around thinking what to do.
*Clark Kent: There is no way the Amazons did that... But then who did? Who would? Who would hate them so much that...
He begins flying to the military complex as he arrives back to the base as Lois is waiting for him.
*Lois Lane: What happened Clark?
*Clark Kent: Too much, Lois. Too much happened. I need time, time to think.
*Lois Lane: ...You need anything?
*Clark Kent: Solitude... I need to be alone.
Clark walks off, his brain clearly going a mile a minute. Later, Sam Lane stands in a dark room with a spotlight on him.
*Sam Lane: Kent is proving to be a liability. He has repeatedly forced us to retreat in battle, I heard him ask about a potential coup against the President, and a report from Commander Christopher Smith says that he threatened him and allowed the fugitive The Flash to escape.
It's revealed Sam is talking to The Society, Luthor sitting at the front of the table.
*Lex Luthor: I agree. Kent is an asset to America, but he's becoming less and less so as the days go on. Our benefactor placed him under your watch in hopes you guide him to the correct course. And, Mr. Lane, you have done an excellent job. But it appears Kent's stubborn nature is far more deep-rooted than we expected. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised, he's a redneck farm boy after all... What do you suggest?
At the same time as this meeting, a meeting is happening between Antiope and Queen Hippolyta on Themyscira.
* Antiope: I suggest drastic measures, sister.
* Queen Hippolyta: This flying "Superman" as the Americans call him poses so much of a threat to us that you would resort to that?
* Antiope: Superman is someone who clearly has a strong moral standing. And that makes him one of, if not the greatest threat to Themyscira.
* Queen Hippolyta: And tell me why he is a threat. He could've killed you right? And he didn't.
* Antiope: He's an idealist. He seems to be capable of changing the entire world. So--
It cuts back to the meeting between Sam and the Society.
* Sam Lane: --We might need to get rid of him before he does such a thing.
* Lex Luthor: Glad to see you are loyal to the ideals of America, Lane. And, if we are to get rid of Kent, then I have to assume you suggest...
* Sam Lane: That's right. We must put Project Bizarro into full action. Kent has proven his power is an asset, but his unwillingness to follow orders greatly hinders his ability to help not just America, but his fellow man. We don't need Clark Kent...
Back to the Amazons.
* Antiope: We need a warrior. One that can defeat Superman. And we both know who I'm referring to.
Hippolyta pauses and looks down sadly.
* Queen Hippolyta: Hera help us... and forgive us...
Hippolyta appears in a dungeon deep below Themyscira. An Amazon guard looks up at her and immediately understands, unlocking the cell behind her. It's the only cell but the prisoner requires an entire dungeon to hold them. Hippolyta enters.
* Queen Hippolyta: Child of War. Evil below Themyscira. I have an offer for you... A man has arrived, one equally as powerful as you and able to defeat all Amazons should he wish. Defeat him... And I will once again embrace you.
It's revealed the person in the dungeon is a chained up Wonder Woman, who looks up at Hippolyta through her long, messy hair.
* Queen Hippolyta: As my daughter.
A caption reads "To Be Continued..."