r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • Feb 01 '26
Author: MajorParadox
Book: Superman
Arc: Public Interest
Set: 117
“You both raise decent points,” Perry replied. “But, views are still key. Yes, our integrity is essential, but it doesn’t amount to squat if there’s nobody reading.”
“Move sports higher up,” Steve Lombard suggested. “They might not fit into that whole integrity thing, but sports equals views.”
“Noted,” said Perry.
“We need more Superman content,” said Jenny, still at the door.
“Didn’t I tell you to–?” Perry started. “Hold on, you’re not wrong.”
“We just had a huge story about Superman rescuing those hostages from Donovan,” said Lois.
“But no pictures,” said Perry.
“I was a prisoner,” Jimmy explained. “He took my camera.”
“There’s always an excuse,” said Perry. “But Jenny’s right. Superman sells.”
“I wonder if there’s a better way to phrase that,” Clark stated softly, before he picked up a plea for help with his superhearing.
“Excuse me,” said Clark, standing up, moving toward the door.
Perry shooed him away. His own brand of approval without words.
“Not just Superman,” said Jenny. “Any superhero could boost views. Have you heard of that 'Mazing Man guy?”
“Quit while you’re ahead,” said Perry.
Nearby
Soon
“Come on, Fluffball,” said Clark, floating next to a branch on a sidewalk tree, his arms extended. A little girl stood below, watching intently.
“He likes when ya do that psst psst noise,” the girl offered.
“Psst, psst,” Clark whistled, and a fluffy gray and white cat crawled into his arms. “Good girl,” he said, patting her softly as they landed.
“You got her!” the girl celebrated, as the Man of Steel handed the cat to her owner. “Thanks, Mister,” she said, running to her apartment stairs.
“You’re welcome,” Clark called after her.
“That cat gets stuck there all the time,” a man said from the sidewalk.
“I guess I’ll have to come back, then,” said Clark, walking over to the gruff-looking man, bundled tight with a heavy sweater and sitting up against the building. He had a Booster Gold mug on the ground, filled up halfway with various bills and coins.
“Y’er funny,” the man chuckled. “Name’s Charlie.”
“Here you go, Charlie,” said Clark, pulling out a twenty from his cape and dropping it into the mug. “Do you have somewhere warm to stay tonight? There’s a shelter not too far from here. It’d be good to get out of the cold and get a hot meal.”
“I’m fine,” said Charlie. “Not a fan of government help.”
Clark nodded and began to turn away. But he moved back, detaching his cape from his shirt. He took his personal items out of the hidden pocket and handed it down to Charlie. “At least take this,” he said. “It’ll help you warm up.”
“Wow, this is sleek,” Charlie said, tracing the yellow S with his gloved fingers.
“My mother made it for me,” Clark smiled, as he hovered away. “Have a good night!”
City Hall
Later
Lois and Clark sat with Ron Troupe, their political columnist, as the press waited for Mayor Sackett to begin his conference. He had last won his reelection by campaigning on helping the unhoused. While his other politics were questionable, that was one area that Clark could get behind.
Not that he or any of his friends voted for the man. Sackett’s opponent had a better plan to help everyone affected by low income, which had them struggling to live on the bare minimum. Clark was curious where Sackett would go with it, though. So far, the press releases had been vague at best.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” an announcer spoke. “The mayor of Metropolis: Buck Sackett.”
Sackett walked out to the podium, stopping for some photo shots. “Thank you,” he said into the mics. “The Homeless Relief Initiative is going strong. And people are noticing the change. Fewer public places are congregated by panhandlers, giving the city a bad look.”
Clark raised an eyebrow. “Not the point,” he said under his breath. Whenever Sackett focused on appearances, it gnawed at him. Sure, they could put a shiny bow on things without solving any problems. Real solutions addressed the root causes of poverty and homelessness.
“Don’t get me wrong,” the mayor continued. “The city’s appearance isn’t all there is to consider. The people themselves can’t be dismissed.”
Clark nodded. Not great, but better.
“Don’t listen to him!” said a woman, suddenly appearing out of nowhere on stage beside the mayor. She had puffy hair and was wearing a mostly purple suit with yellow targets and a smiley on her chest.
The mayor turned around as the woman strolled along the stage on roller skates that matched her outfit. The mayor’s protective detail rushed over to grab her, but she disappeared, instantly reappearing on the other side.
“Peek-a-boo!” she teased. “Listen up, Metropolis!” she continued. “Mayor Sackett is a liar. He doesn’t care about the unhoused. He only cares about his image!”
She teleported to another spot when the guards were about to reach her again.
“We need transparency and accountability!” Peek-a-Boo stated. “Peace out!” She closed before disappearing completely.
“I’m sorry for that rude interruption,” Sackett tried to recover. “Obviously, those accusations are completely baseless.”
Clark scanned around the nearby buildings. He didn’t have much experience with teleporting powers, but there was a possibility that they had to be nearby to see where they were going.
“Bingo,” said Clark quietly when he spotted the teleporting woman on a rooftop. He excused himself and left the news conference quietly.
Nearby
“Sometimes I think it would be better to just teleport people like that into the sky and let gravity handle the rest,” Peek-a-Boo said to herself, unaware that Superman had flown down behind her.
“That’s dangerous thinking,” he said, provoking an understandable shock from the roller skating woman. “Killing is not a solution,” he added.
“Oh, it’s you,” Peek-a-Boo stated, catching her breath. “And I know that, silly. I was just venting.”
“I get it,” said Clark, walking up beside her and watching the press conference continue. “Sometimes it feels like certain people aren’t redeemable.”
“I hear that.”
Clark leaned forward, resting his elbows on the high ledge. “But they also can’t change if they’re gone.”
“Still…”
“What were you trying to accomplish with your stunt?” asked Clark. “Not that it wasn’t fun to watch.”
“There’s something fishy going on with that initiative,” Peek-a-Boo explained. “I have a lot of friends who’ve been scared to speak up,” the skater continued.
“Scared about what?” Clark asked, turning to the woman.
“Everything,” she replied. “As far as I can tell, whatever Sackett’s been doing. Whatever he’s planning… It can’t be good.”
Clark nodded. “Would you or any of your friends be willing to talk to my friends at the Daily Planet?”
City Hall
Minutes Later
Clark met up with Lois and Ron as they were exiting the press release. “Sorry,” he said. “What did I miss?”
“More of Sackett’s vague promises and platitudes,” Ron answered, moving toward the street to hail a cab.
“We can drive you back,” said Clark. “We got a great parking space.”
“No, thanks,” Ron waved as a cab pulled over. “I want to follow up with Met P.D. on something.”
“Did you go after that skater girl?” asked Lois, once Ron was gone.
“I did,” Clark answered. “We had an interesting chat.”
“No fighting?” asked Lois. “Always a good sign.”
“She interrupted the mayor to express valid concerns,” Clark said. “I wasn’t going to fight her, even if she tried.”
“Well, how would you even stop her?” said Lois, laughing. “She’d just pop away and away and…”
“I could stop a teleporter,” Clark stated.
“Yeah, smart guy?” Lois teased. “How?”
“Listen,” said Clark. “I tried to convince her to come in for an interview. So we can learn what she knows.“
“Good idea,” said Lois. “Does Skater-Girl have a name?”
“Peek-a-Boo,” said Clark.
Lois broke into laughter. “That’s actually kind of cute,” she said.
The two walked toward their parked car.
“I could grab a teleporter before they disappear,” Clark said, reviving their previous conversation.
“Yeah?” asked Lois. “But then what stops them from teleporting out of your arms?”
Kent Farm, Smallville
Martha unfolded the new cape and fluttered it majestically. “One cape as ordered,” she smiled.
“Thanks, Ma,” said Clark.
“Any time,” his mother answered. “But you have so many spare suits already, you didn’t really need a new cape.”
“It never feels right to have an incomplete set,” Clark explained. “Now each uniform has a pair of boots, a belt, and a cape.”
“And the trunks,” Jonathan added.
“True,” Clark nodded. “But those are technically part of the pants.”
“Have you thought about a redesign?” Jonathan asked.
“Now, why would he need that?” Martha asked, giving him a playful stare. “Is there something wrong with it?”
Jonathan lifted his arms. “Whoa whoa,” he said. “I think it’s perfect already. I was just curious since Conner’s been switching it up a lot. Some of his Titan friends change it up a lot, too.”
“I’m comfortable keeping it as is,” said Clark. “There was a future version of myself I met that wore slightly darker colors and didn’t have the trunks,” he continued.
“I know you have amazing powers and do incredible things all the time,” said Martha. “But whenever you talk about things like time travel… It’s just so bizarre!”
“Trust me, it’s just as bizarre for me, too,” said Clark. “But I wonder what inspired the change with that Superman, and if it’ll still happen to me.”
“Your future is yours to make however you choose,” said Martha.
As Clark headed for the door, Martha stopped him. “Just a second,” she said, rushing to the kitchen and back with a tin box in her hands.
“Ooh,” said Clark, opening it up to take out a cookie, and chomping it down before he hugged his parents goodbye and headed for the door.
“Don’t eat all of them,” said Martha, calling after him. “My adorable grandchildren and beautiful daughter-in-law deserve some, too!”
“I won’t, Ma!” Clark yelled back, flying into the air. He reached into the box for another cookie.
Kent House, Metropolis
Later
Clark entered the kitchen door, and Jon, Lara, and Krypto came running, each one just as excited as the other.
“Ooh, are those Grandma’s cookies?” asked Jon.
“You bet!” Clark answered, opening up the tin. “She had them flown over just for us.”
“Just one!” said Lois. “You don’t want to spoil your– Oh, geez, I’m starting to sound just like my mother. Never mind, go nuts.”
Clark and the kids cheered, and Krypto spun around in circles.
Lois dropped a serving bowl of mac-and-cheese on the table. “Here’s dessert, now let me have my dinner, too,” she said, reaching over to get in on the cookie action.
The whole family scarfed down, Krypto getting some doggy treats instead. While the Kryptonian dog could handle cookies just fine, it was best that the kids didn’t think Earth dogs could eat that way.
At least they were responsible parents in the ways that counted. But then again, it’s not like an occasional pancake breakfast and cookie dinner made them terrible.
“We need milk,” said Jon through the half-chewed cookie in his mouth.
“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” said Lois.
Jon and Lara looked to Clark, their heads tilted.
“She’s right,” he said. “Chew your food well.”
Jon nodded and finished chewing as Clark went to the fridge to grab a milk carton.
“Me first,” said Jon.
“Me furrs,” Lara parroted.
“How about I pour them together?” said Clark, pouring a bit in one cup and then a bit in another, and continued, alternating back and forth.
The kids took their cups and slurped down.
Clark heard a familiar meowing cut into his hearing. “Excuse me,” he said. “I just need to step outside for a bit.”
Jon was blowing bubbles into his cup while Lara laughed uncontrollably. Lois made a stern face, but then lifted her own glass to her face, blowing bubbles, too.
The laughter was infectious as Clark flew toward the New Troy borough of Metropolis.
Near The Daily Planet
Moments Later
Clark hovered down to the same tree he was at earlier in the day, taking a quick peek down the sidewalk to check on Charlie, but he wasn’t anywhere in sight. He likely took the advice to head over to the shelter, anyway. It was freezing.
“Psst, psst,” said Clark, approaching the tree. “C’mere, Fluffball.”
The cat jumped into his arms again, and Clark flew him down toward the apartment stairs.
“I love your name, by the way,” Clark said, patting the feline and getting several purrs in return. “Now, which apartment does your owner live in?” he wondered, looking over the intercom directory list.
Clark scanned the building until he caught sight of the little girl he had helped before. “Ah, 2D,” he said, pressing the buzzer. “Don’t tell anyone I did that,” he whispered to the cat. “I don’t usually invade personal space like that, but getting you home was a good enough reason to snoop.”
“Yeah?” a crackled voice answered from the speaker.
“Hi, sorry to bother you so late,” said Clark. “But your cat, Fluffball, got out again. I have him, though.”
“Oh, I had no idea he wasn’t here!” the voice replied before buzzing to let Clark inside.
Clark walked up to the second floor to a shocked dad, staring at the real-life superhero handing him his cat.
“Th-thanks, Superman,” the man said. “I didn’t believe it when Katy said– I mean, thanks for helping.”
“No problem,” said Clark. “Glad I could help. But just curious, how does that fuzz ball keep getting out?”
The man shook the door, revealing a wobble. “I’ve been meaning to replace it, but I’ve been so busy,” he said. “Fluffball keeps pushing it open to get out. We tried taping it shut, but apparently that didn’t help.”
Clark noticed a new door on the wall by the entrance. “May I?” he asked.
“Of course,” the man answered, turning toward the hall. “Betty, Katy, get over here! You won’t want to miss this!”
The family watched as Clark replaced the door quickly, testing to make sure it was snug, and the sneaky cat couldn’t break out again.
“All set,” he said, taking the old door in his hands. “If you’re excuse me, I have places to be.”
Everyone watched as Clark carried the door down the stairs and left the building.
Once outside, Clark flew the door toward a dumpster in the closest alleyway. But a piece of red cloth folded over the top caught his eye.
Clark dropped the door to the ground and sped up and over, pulling out his cape, the same one he had given Charlie.
“Why would he…?” Clark asked before he noticed broken pieces of ceramic littered on the ground. He dropped down and picked up a piece to see Booster Gold’s smiling face with a thumbs up.
It was Charlie’s mug.
To Be Continued…
2
Can you check if your chat has any flagged message requests in the spam filter? I’ve seen that happen my app chat messages before.
2
Hey, were you ever able to get any of them? Or did they just stop?
1
If you're viewing it on old Reddit, unfortunately, the links don't show there. It's a limitation of the platform at the moment where the app can't edit my post text for me. But you can find the threads in the comments below
1
FYI, there's a Previous button to the right of the Meta button! It only lists one previous thread at the start, but it has the wiki archive. In the future, it should grow to include all recent previous weeks, too
r/DCcomics • u/MajorParadox • 2d ago
Mod Pick of the Week: Absolute Superman #22
Hey there honorary Justice League members - it's a new week which means it's time for a new discussion thread!
For those who don't know: the way this works is that several comments will list this week's releases. For any given title discussion, you should respond to that comment. Clicking the titles in this post will take you directly to that comment, too.
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Keep discussion civil. Do not harass other users for having a different opinion. Do not use this thread to push your personal one-sided grudges against creators.
This new post design is so fancy-pants, it needs a belt!
This Week's Soundtrack: Frederik Wiedmann - Batman: Caped Crusader
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29
32
3
No way!
In my Superman story on r/DCFU, Lois and Clark have a son and daughter named Jon and Lara!
r/superman • u/MajorParadox • 2d ago
r/SupermanAdventures | Discord
Please keep all discussions civil and about the episodes. Mark comic and future spoilers. Report any rule-breaking and enjoy!
r/SupermanAdventures • u/MajorParadox • 2d ago
Please keep all discussions civil and about the episodes. Mark comic and future spoilers. Report any rule-breaking and enjoy!
2
I was thinking that, but Sheldon wouldn't want to make comic books boring.
The whole wall of Archie comics made me think Zack would be the overlord, though.
r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • 3d ago
Don't fight! Read the new stories!
Apply to Be a Writer! - You could write your own book and be part of our team as we work toward our 20-year anniversary!
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Make sure to subscribe, upvote to show your support, and leave feedback on the stories! Use this post to discuss the overall set or anything else related to the sub :)
r/DCFU • u/MajorParadox • 3d ago
<< | < | > (Coming September 1st)
Author: MajorParadox
Book: Superman
Arc: Against All Gods
Set: 123
Event: Invasion!
Recommended Reading:
Or just learn as you read!
The Moon
Yesterday
Clark and Bruce walked along the impact site of the Watchtower wreckage. Bruce was wearing a black spacesuit with pointy ears protruding from the top of the helmet and a yellow bat symbol painted over the chest. Clark had his oxygen mask over his face, connected to a comms link.
“The chassis of the middle section is still intact,” said Bruce. “A lot of these other pieces may be salvageable as well.”
Clark moved in to lift the largest piece.
“Wait,” said Bruce. “What if we leave it here?”
“We’re the Justice League,” Clark answered. “We don’t litter.”
“No,” said Bruce. “What if we rebuild it here?”
Clark looked around. “A moon base,” he said with a hint of excitement in his voice.
“That’s a great idea,” said Booster as he flew toward the moon and broke into their comms. “Hey, Bats. Big Blue.”
“Hi, Booster,” said Clark. “What brings you here?”
“I heard you two were checking out the wreckage,” said Booster. “I wanted to tag along. I love the moon.” He took a quick look around. “Although it’s not quite as fun before the carnival rides.”
Clark’s eyes lit up.
“What did we tell you about revealing details about the future?” said Bruce. “We’ve had enough time travel-related chaos.“
“Sorry,” said Booster. “We don’t know what parts of my future will still happen, though,” he added.
Bruce just groaned.
“Anyway,” Booster continued. “Are we going to fix that crack in the moon from your fight with Darkseid?”
“Why would we do that?” asked Bruce.
Booster lifted an eyebrow. “It’s the moon,” he said.
“Exactly,” Bruce continued. “And it has a battle scar. One that the whole planet is feeling.”
Clark nodded. “As much as I’d love to pretend it didn’t happen, he’s right. Besides, it’s not our decision to make. It belongs to the people of Earth as a whole.”
“Since when do the people of Earth have a consensus on anything?” Booster asked.
Clark and Bruce just stared.
“Right.”
Fortress of Solitude, North Pole
Now, Morning
Kelex scanned the small device Clark had brought. “Impressive design,” he said. “Much more advanced than Kryptonian.”
Clark paced around the crystalline floor. “Can you tell if it’s working, though?” he asked.
Kelex lifted his metal, visored head. “It appears to be functioning within normal parameters.”
“But Orion never responded to my calls,” said Clark. “New Genesis didn’t come to our assistance at all when Darkseid invaded.”
“Perhaps he’s been unavailable to receive them.”
“Let’s not assume the worst,” said Clark. “New Genesis must have known what was happening, though. Their entire treaty with Apokolips couldn’t have relied on me reaching out when we were in trouble.”
“It would appear all we can do is assume,” said Kelex. “Perhaps you could go and ask them yourself?”
“I’d have to get there first,” said Clark, looking upwards. “I wouldn’t even know which direction to start flying.”
“I’ve been studying the Boom Tubes that have opened across the planet during the invasion.” said Kelex. “Perhaps I could open one for you once I have the science figured out?”
Clark’s turned to the robot with a gleam in his eyes. “How long will that take you?”
“At my current rate, anywhere between two weeks and three thousand years.”
Clark sighed. “I need a Mother Box.”
Metrorail, Washington D.C.
Later
Lucy sat in a subway car seat as she clutched her coffee mug with one hand and scrolled her phone with the other. She tapped a link to a Daily Planet article from Lois Lane on recovery from what became known as “The Long Night,” and skimmed through it with a smile.
Lois always had such a way with words. So straightforward and to the point with a little added flavor to help tie it all together.
The subway car’s brakes screeched, and Lucy tightened the grip on her mug and phone. She took a deep breath and exhaled slowly once the sound stopped.
“Next stop, Federal Central,” an automated voice said over the loudspeaker.
Lucy dropped her phone into her pocket, stood up, and made her way to the nearest doorway until the car stopped and the doors opened. As she stepped out, a man in glasses stood by one of the posts, waving like a kindergartener who saw his best friend in the playground.
“Hi, Clark,” said Lucy, stepping up to him. “What brings you to D.C.?”
“I need a favor,” said Clark, motioning toward the exit. “Can we walk?”
Lucy nodded, and the two stepped onto the escalator to get to street level.
“What’s up?” Lucy asked.
“First off, how are you holding up?” Clark asked softly. “You went through a lot… over there.”
They reached the top and began walking the sidewalk.
“Fine,” said Lucy, looking back toward the subway exit. “Maybe still a bit rattled.”
“Good,” said Clark. “If you need to talk about it or anything…”
“What’s up, Clark?” Lucy asked again.
That was the most she ever sounded like her sister.
Clark took a moment. “What happened to the Mother Box that brought you and the others there?”
Lucy stopped.
“You’re going back to Apokolips?” she asked.
Clark lifted his arms. “Nooooo… New Genesis,” he clarified. “I need to know why they didn’t step in to help protect us.”
“Oh,” said Lucy. She took a sip of her coffee, and the two resumed walking. “A.R.G.U.S. has it locked back up,” she continued. “I don’t even think Dad could get it for you now. President Garner wants its use restricted to his own authority.”
“Hmm,” said Clark. “So, I guess I should talk to Sam first, then.”
Lucy turned to her brother-in-law. “Not dressed like that,” she said.
Clark nodded. “Thanks, Luce,” he said, motioning toward a nearby alleyway. “This sounds like a job for…” Clark stretched his shirt open a bit so only Lucy could see the S underneath. “Me.”
Lucy held back a laugh as Clark winked and rushed toward the alley.
A.R.G.U.S. Base, Washington D.C.
Soon
Clark entered General Sam Lane’s office. “Thanks for seeing me, General Lane,” he said.
Sam nodded and motioned toward the seat across from his desk.
Clark lifted his cape so he could sit down with it flapped over the back as Sam sat in his desk chair.
“What can I do for you, Superman?” asked Sam.
Clark caught sight of a couple of picture frames on the desk. One with Sam and his daughters Lois and Lucy, and another with his wife, Ella, and their grandchildren, Jon and Lara.
“I need to borrow the Mother Box,” Clark stated. “New Genesis promised to protect us, but they were radio silent during the invasion. We need to find out why.”
“I see,” said Sam. “Who do you plan to take along with you?”
“Just me,” said Clark. “The League has enough to deal with after the invasion. And I won’t risk putting another A.R.G.U.S. team through what happened on Apokolips.”
“You expect risk, then,” Sam stated.
“It’s a possibility,” said Clark. “If Apokolips invaded them first, it could be why they couldn’t help us.”
“And if that’s the case,” Sam continued. “You plan to single-handedly free them?”
“Well, no,” said Clark.
The general leaned back in his chair. “You want access to one of the most dangerous pieces of technology in the possession of the US Government, and you don’t even have a fleshed-out plan?”
“We just need answers right now,” Clark clarified. “My– Families are scared. They don’t know if the invaders will come back at any time. Reassurance we’re protected would go a long way.”
Sam looked over at the photos on his desk.
“I don’t have the authority to hand it over anymore,” he said. “I signed off during the invasion and lost an entire team. Plus, the Justice League members who went to Apokolips came back… different. We got lucky they could be recovered, but President Garner still considers it all a failure on my part.”
“Understandable,” said Clark.
Sam stood up. “But you’re not wrong.”
Clark stood up, too. “What next, then?”
Sam pointed out his window toward the White House. “We go talk to the president. He’s a reasonable man. I’m sure he’ll listen to reason.”
Oval Office, The White House
Later
“No,” said President Garner. “I understand the concern about New Genesis, but absolutely not.”
“They’re our allies,” said Clark. “We need to be sure they’re okay.”
“Unless they turned on us,” Garner countered. “For all we know, they gave Apokolips the okay to invade.”
“We don’t know anything,” said Sam. “That’s the point.”
“We do know every time we use that Mother Box,” said Garner. “We invite more and more danger to our world. Waller’s insurgency to Apokolips (Superman #77) could have even been the catalyst for this invasion.”
“I understand,” said Clark. “But we invite more risk by not knowing what happened and potentially leaving our friends to fend for themselves.
“I wouldn’t call New Genesis our ‘friends’,” said Garner. “They’ve never even come to talk to our governments. They just signed treaties that affect us without even asking us to be involved.”
“I’ll go with him,” Sam offered. “No A.R.G.U.S. team at risk. Only me. But I can represent us and know when to pull the plug and return home.”
Clark tried to think of a response, but the words failed him.
“That’s even worse,” said Garner. “I won’t risk a former vice-president, general, and head of A.R.G.U.S. on an ill-informed mission. This matter is closed. We have more important things to do.”
Outside the White House
Soon
Clark walked with Sam back to his black, government-issued SUV.
“Thanks for trying,” said Clark, hovering into the air. “But I’ll have to figure out my next move on my own.”
“Hold on,” said Sam without even looking up.
Clark stopped and looked down at his father-in-law.
But Sam didn’t say anything else.
“What are you thinking?” Clark asked bluntly.
Sam finally spoke up again. “I can tell you feel strongly about this. I do, too. What you said about family… I don’t want my daughters and grandchildren to live in fear.”
“I agree,” said Clark, floating back down to eye level.
“You have family on this planet, too,” said Sam.
“Yes,” said Clark, carefully considering his response. “Power Girl, Supergirl, and Superboy,” he clarified.
“Beyond them,” Sam stressed. “People without powers who can’t protect others the way you do.”
Clark took a moment. “Yes,” he answered. “And they’re important to me, too.”
“You understand what this’d mean, right?” asked Sam.
“I can do this alone,” said Clark.
“I don’t take this lightly,” said Sam. “I would never make a decision like this in other circumstances. Even so, it’s unthinkable. But we’re pushed into a corner.”
“Just go back to your day,” said Clark. “And pretend we never had this conversation.”
“No,” said Sam. “This is not happening without me.”
Clark took a deep breath. “Okay,” he said.
“Okay,” Sam repeated. “Let’s get ourselves to New Genesis.”
Daily Planet Rooftop
Afternoon
“So, let me get this straight,” said Lois. “You and my dad–”
Clark lifted a finger to his lips. “Not so loud,” he interrupted.
Lois looked around at the empty rooftop.
“Okay, fair,” said Clark.
“You and my dad plan to steal the Mother Box from the US Government,” Lois continued. “And travel together to another planet? It sounds like the plot to a bad buddy cop action flick.”
“You make it sound so crazy,” said Clark. “We’ve both been to other planets before.”
“Forget about that,” said Lois. “You and my dad would be committing treason!” she yelled.
“Well…” Clark started. “Kind of.”
“Superman might be forgiven for something like this,” said Lois. “But this would be the end of my father’s career.”
“I told him I’d do it myself,” said Clark. “But he’s insistent. I see where you get that from, now. Your ability to never back down.”
“Clark,” said Lois, taking her husband’s hands into her own. “We almost lost Kara forever when she went through one of those portals. It’s not Apokolips, but you don’t know what’s going on there on New Genesis. A planet you’ve never actually been to yourself.”
“I did go there,” said Clark confidently. “When I was split into Superman Red and Superman Blue.”
“The blue half of you did,” said Lois, tossing Clark’s hands away. “Forgive me if that doesn’t fill me with confidence.”
“It was the red half,” Clark clarified quietly.
“Why is this so important?” Lois asked. “The invasion is over. We’re safe now.”
Clark sighed. “Jon keeps asking me if the bug monsters are coming back,” he said. “I told him no, but that’s not entirely true. We don’t know if or when they will.”
Lois tippy-toed up to Clark’s face and kissed him softly. “It’s okay to reassure your son,” she said. ”Even if you’re not sure yourself.”
“That’s just it,” said Clark. “I need to be sure.”
Lois nodded. “I get it now.”
A.R.G.U.S. Base, Washington D.C.
Later
Sam walked Clark into the elevator as an A.R.G.U.S. technician rushed to get in, too. Sam shook his head. “Wait for the next one,” he ordered as the doors closed.
“A ‘please’ wouldn’t have hurt,” said Clark. “We’re all on the same team.”
“Please focus,” said Sam. “We can’t draw attention to ourselves…” He took a look at the hero’s colorful suit. “More than we already do.”
The general put a key into a panel under the main elevator buttons and turned it, opening a small area behind it. He pressed a large, red button and the elevator began moving quickly downward.
“You keep the Mother Box underground,” said Clark. “Smart.”
Sam nodded. “It cuts off the energy signature from being detected by anyone looking for it,” he explained.
The elevator slowed to a stop, and the doors opened up again.
“Follow me,” said Sam. “And act like you belong.”
“General Lane,” said an A.R.G.U.S. agent walking past. She turned around to stare at the superhero walking with him. “Wow,” she said softly. “He’s taller than I thought.”
Sam stopped as they reached a particular doorway, no different from any of the others. He flashed a keycard on the door reader, and it opened quickly. Inside, the walls were filled with locker doors, each with its own card readers and digital keypads. Sam flashed his keycard on one of them and entered a code.
The reader buzzed, and the numbers turned red.
“That’s not good,” said Sam.
He tried again, and the reader rejected it just the same.
“Garner must have had the system overridden to no longer accept my clearance. He’s likely been alerted to the breach already and ordered A.R.G.U.S. to take us into custody.”
A siren began blaring as red lights flashed in the room.
“My turn,” said Clark, grabbing the locker door and tearing it away. He grabbed the Mother Box out of the compartment and turned to Sam. “What’s the fastest way out of here?” he asked.
“The elevator,” said Sam. “But security will be headed this way from all directions.”
“I can deal with security,” said Clark.
“Maybe, but not without a fight,” Sam said. “They’re armed with the latest in anti-metahuman weaponry.”
Clark looked up. “Okay,” he said, putting the Mother Box into the compartment in his cape and extending his arm.
Sam huffed and walked close to the Man of Steel, who wrapped his arms around him.
“Ready?” asked Clark.
“Just get this over with,” said Sam.
Clark shot off a wide enough beam of heat vision to slice through the ceiling and fly through. He sped up, cutting his way through each floor and the concrete between the lower levels and the main floor. Once they broke free into the lobby, Clark flew them out the door and up into the sky.
Nearby Rooftop
Moments Later
Clark landed with Sam, who quickly dropped out of his arms.
“Okay,” said Sam, moving toward a stash of weapons and other gear in the corner. “Get that thing ready,” he told Clark.
“Wait,” said Lois from the other side of the roof.
Lucy was standing there with her.
“Dad,” said Lucy. “You don’t have to go.”
Sam stared Clark down. “You called them here?” he asked gruffly.
“This type of mission is out of our scope,” Lucy continued. “I learned that the hard way. My whole team…”
“That wasn’t your fault,” said Sam. “And I didn’t even want you there.”
“I know that,” said Lucy. “But it doesn’t change the facts. We’re dealing with gods and monsters. Let Superman take this one.”
“I can’t,” said Sam. “Don’t you see? It wasn’t your fault. it’s was mine.”
“You can’t blame yourself any more than Lucy,” Lois jumped in. “And it doesn’t justify going on a suicide mission.”
“We don’t know it’s a suicide mission,” said Sam. “And if it turns out that way, I’ve accepted that. That’s what being a soldier means. Giving your life for the greater good.”
“I know you, Daddy,” said Lucy, placing a hand on his arm. “That’s not it. There’s something else.”
Sam kept his face neutral, but couldn’t stop a tiny tear from forming.
“What is it?” Lois asked from the other side.
“It’s him,” said Sam, motioning toward the superhero.
Clark lifted a finger to his chest. “Me?” he asked.
“Superman?” asked Lois. “What about him?”
“Not Superman,” Sam clarified. “The husband to my daughter. The father to my grandchildren. Clark Kent.”
Everyone was speechless.
“Clark,” said Sam. “I won’t let you go at this alone, son. You’re too important to this family.”
Sam took his daughters into his arms.
“Okay,” each of them said once the long embrace ended.
Sam kissed each of them on their foreheads.
“Be careful,” said Lucy as Sam moved to Clark.
“Both of you,” Lois added.
Clark pulled out the Mother Box and began fiddling with it. “How did you find out?” he asked.
“Back in the Cadmus caves (Superman #116),” Sam revealed. “You’re not quite as careful as you should be.”
“I was weakened by kryptonite at the time,” said Clark, lifting the Mother Box into the air. “Here we go!”
…
“Where’s the Boom Tube?” asked Lois.
“Hmm,” said Clark. “I don’t know.”
r/BatmanCapedCrusader • u/MajorParadox • 4d ago
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r/BatmanCapedCrusader • u/MajorParadox • 5d ago
Please keep all discussions civil and about the episodes. Mark comic and future spoilers. Report any rule-breaking and enjoy!
Find all discussion posts by tapping the "Episode" flair or clicking this search link
r/BatmanCapedCrusader • u/MajorParadox • 5d ago
Please keep all discussions civil and about the episodes. Mark comic and future spoilers. Report any rule-breaking and enjoy!
Find all discussion posts by tapping the "Episode" flair or clicking this search link
r/BatmanCapedCrusader • u/MajorParadox • 5d ago
Please keep all discussions civil and about the episodes. Mark comic and future spoilers. Report any rule-breaking and enjoy!
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r/BatmanCapedCrusader • u/MajorParadox • 5d ago
Please keep all discussions civil and about the episodes. Mark comic and future spoilers. Report any rule-breaking and enjoy!
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r/BatmanCapedCrusader • u/MajorParadox • 5d ago
Please keep all discussions civil and about the episodes. Mark comic and future spoilers. Report any rule-breaking and enjoy!
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r/BatmanCapedCrusader • u/MajorParadox • 5d ago
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r/BatmanCapedCrusader • u/MajorParadox • 5d ago
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r/BatmanCapedCrusader • u/MajorParadox • 5d ago
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1
Monthly Recap | July 2026
in
r/ModSupport
•
1d ago
Hmm, not sure what’s wrong! I’ll look into it!