Chapter 554: Justice League (1)
Rejecting the Government's League
The mention of the Elite Guard brought a heavy expression to Clark's face. Lex Luthor had used a clone to stir up trouble, leaving the actual Superman with the mess.
In the eyes of the public, Supermanis the Elite Guard. Already, many talented individuals aspiring to protect the Earth had issued job applications, hoping to join the Elite Guard and work alongside Superman.
This gave him a massive headache.
Lois added, "A few days ago, my father came to me, hoping Clark would attend the Elite Guard's formation ceremony." She looked at her fiancé.
"It's the White House's idea, too."
"What do you two think?"
"If an alliance to protect the Earth must be formed, I want it to be a non-governmental organization."
Clark's expression was serious—this was his decision after careful deliberation. Lois strongly agreed. "We've decided to conduct a special interview during which we'll announce our separation from the Elite Guard. Superman will have no relationship with it."
Luke shook his head and laughed softly. "Your father won't agree. And you won't get past the White House."
"It's our decision. What does it have to do with them?"
"The situation isn't as simple as you think."
Luke explained, "The Elite Guard plan was initiated by the President. Although the Joel Nash at the time was just a clone, other countries didn't know that, and the public isn't clear either. Everyone believes the Elite Guard was jointly spearheaded by the President and Superman."
"If you step forward now and say Superman has nothing to do with the Elite Guard, you're essentially overturning a previous decision, making the President take the blame and lose credibility. How do you think he'll react?"
Clark was silent.
Luke continued, "The White House represents the highest power in the U.S. The President is the owner of the White House. Unless necessary, don't sever ties with him. It won't benefit you."
Lois frowned slightly, feeling there was a hidden meaning in Luke's words. After a moment of thought, she spoke.
"What do you think we should do?"
At that moment, a knock sounded. The waiter entered, placing the carefully cooked Chinese dishes on the table, along with two bottles of rice wine.
"Mr. Shaw, this was specially prepared for you by our boss."
"Please thank him for me."
The waiter smiled and nodded before leaving.
The Vision of the Justice League
Luke poured a glass of rice wine. Sipping it, he said, "While I don't like Lex Luthor, his concept for the Elite Guard definitely has its merits."
"Since the start of the 21st century, disasters have occurred every year. Alien life is constantly emerging—more numerous and stronger than before. Some even defy imagination. You two should know this better than me." He glanced at them both and continued,
"Individual strength can't solve all problems. We need allies."
Lois hesitated. "What does that have to do with the Elite Guard? Can't we just form an alliance ourselves? Luke, you should know that any organization that gets tangled up with politics will become corrupted."
"You're right. Therefore, we need to change the nature of the Elite Guard."
Lois grew more confused, and Clark was also full of question marks. The plan was proposed by the White House; how could they just change it?
Luke smiled, pointing at Clark.
"If I remember correctly, the Elite Guard being established is to be under your command, isn't that right?"
Clark looked bewildered. "Does that matter?"
"Of course, it does!"
Luke laughed heartily. "The Elite Guard was established in your name. High-level officials and the public in various countries recognize you, not the White House. That means you are the leader, the manager, and the decision-maker."
"You can use that status to revise the rules, eliminate unfavorable factors, and turn the Elite Guard into an independent organization separate from the government. We recruit our own people, build our own base, and develop our own equipment, disregarding the opinions of others. All those countries, political parties, and armies are excluded. The sole objective: to protect the Earth."
"This alliance will transcend secular rules and focus purely on Earth's civilization. I've even thought of a name: the Justice League."
"What do you think?"
Lois gasped in astonishment, completely stunned. Clark was equally dumbfounded.
The idea was simply too audacious.
The White House's goal in creating the Elite Guard was to dominate the future world order. Luke's maneuver was akin to stealing the chicken's egg from the tiger's mouth, letting the government take the heat while they reaped the benefits. How would the government react?
And the public—how would they view this matter?
The two fell into doubt, unable to make a decision.
Luke didn't press them, instead inviting them to eat. They, however, had no appetite for the food. Their minds were buzzing with the conversation. The idea felt wrong the more they thought about it, yet they couldn't pinpoint why. Upon deeper reflection, they felt it was feasible.
The Elite Guard plan was already tied to Superman. Forcibly breaking free would offend all high-ranking officials. Stalling would offend both sides. The best approach was indeed what Luke proposed, but...
Lois scratched her head, thoroughly confused.
"Are you sure this will work?"
"Why wouldn't it?"
Luke spread his hands. "The Elite Guard plan was Lex Luthor's conspiracy. The President and Superman at the press conference were both clones. We know this, and they know this. The reason they haven't scrapped the plan is partly because it has merit, but most importantly, it's about saving face."
"Clark, you are the one holding up that face. If you refuse, the White House's dignity will be shattered, making them a laughingstock to many nations. If you agree, it creates a basis for negotiation."
Lois understood. She couldn't help but study Luke. How did that guy's brain work? He has too many tricks up his sleeve.
Clark carefully considered the suggestion. After much deliberation, he still shook his head.
"This can't be decided by me alone. Diana, J'onn and Barry have the right to know."
Luke smiled. "So, you agree."
Clark gave a wry smile. "Your idea is too crazy. I don't know how to handle it."
"Then let everyone decide."
Luke pulled out his phone and contacted the others. Within seconds, Barry appeared at the door, followed by Martian Manhunter, who had traveled all the way from Colorado in a matter of minutes.
Diana was the last to arrive. She looked different today—wearing high boots and a gray coat cinched tightly at the waist, which emphasized her tall, graceful figure. She wore light makeup, her fair skin and pale red lips complementing each other, making her look less heroic and more delicately beautiful.
Luke's heart pounded. He glanced at her and quickly looked away. Normally, a woman suddenly putting effort into her makeup and dressing up only meant one thing: a man. Of course, it could also be a woman.
Who is that man?
His eyes swept the room, finally resting on himself.
Luke's mouth twitched. Honestly, he regretted what happened that night. Carol and Linda were already enough of a headache. Adding Diana to the mix? Heaven knows what that would turn into.
He certainly didn't want to be beaten into a pulp by a furious woman.
Lois, also a woman, sensed the change in Diana and couldn't help but compliment her.
"You look so beautiful today, and your skin is wonderful."
Diana smiled. "It's a lingering effect from a treatment. It'll take a while to return to normal." She scanned the room. "Where's Linda? I don't see her."
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