Donna Troy, Funeral of Wesley Dodds
Last but certainly not least to arrive for Wesley’s funeral was the royal party from Themyscira. Leading the way of course was Diana. And even though she was heartbroken at murder of Wesley, she was still the proud and regal Queen of the Amazons. Heads turned just as soon as she entered, and as the party continued onwards, members of the League came forward to quickly exchange a friendly word her.
Following close behind her sister was Donna, the Amazon Polemarch, and Donna’s aide Juno. Unlike her sister, not nearly as many came forward to greet Donna, but there were still a few that she hadn’t seen for a very, very long time. Dick waved, while Kori gave her an extended embrace as the party passed. It was an unfortunate fact of life that funerals tended to be one of the few times most of the older members of the League gathered together these days. And despite the tragedy of Wesley’s death, many were happy to see old friends, colleagues, and yes, even family.
She saw him waiting under a tree just a bit out of the way. Robert had been chatting with a League member Donna didn’t recognize, and when he spied her, he excused himself. He was taller than Donna, at over 6 feet and his frame was lean and muscular, a gift from his Amazonian heritage. He was handsome to say the least, and dressed in his red and white Darkstar exo-mantle he looked every inch the hero, even despite the black armband.
But to Donna he was much more than that. He was her only son, and despite the subdued atmosphere, she couldn’t help but be happy to see him. It had been too long since a visit, their most recent attempt dashed with the invasion of Thailand.
“Your Royal Highness, Polemarch” Robert said, bowing slightly to his aunt. Even though they were family, protocol still had to be followed, at least initially. However, with that out of the way. Robert immediately dropped all sense of formality.
“Aunt Diana,” Robert said with a huge grin, “you’re looking wonderful, as always.” Diana leaned forward to briefly embrace her nephew, “Flatterer,” Diana said with a smile. “It is good to see you Robert.”
Diana disengaged and glanced back at her sister. “Don’t take too long you two,” she said with a brief grin before moving on.
“Hello, mother,” Robert said after his aunt departed. He kissed Donna on the cheek before the two embraced in a big mother-son hug.
“It’s been too long Robert,” Donna said.
“I know, I know, but you know how it is,” he replied.
“Yes, I do,” Donna said, a slightly sad tone in her voice. She still regretted all those years she had missed being there for her son. Mother and son disengaged and Donna took a step back.
“You look good,” she said after she had visually inspected him.
“Thanks,” Robert quietly replied, a little embarrassed. His mother might be a mighty Amazon warrior, but she could also be such a mom sometimes.
Donna turned to move onwards, giving Robert a chance to sneak a wink and a quick smile to Juno before the three continued on. The brief walk gave Robert and Donna a few moments to catch up before joining the rest of the crowd around the funeral site.
As they merged into the crowd, Donna could feel a very slight tug at her uniform near her belt. Reaching down, she found a slip of paper expertly placed there. She shook her head and smiled. Any number of people in this crowd could have pulled off that trick, so she didn’t even try to guess who it was. She opened the note and was surprised to find what it said:
Polemarch-
Please come up to the tower and visit me after Wesley’s service.
I have a proposal you need to hear out.
It was hand signed ‘Albert’
“Luthor” Donna thought.
She hadn’t though about him in a while, and suddenly realized that he was not among the mourners.
“Probably a good thing,” Donna realized.
That name always seemed to bring controversy, which was the last thing needed at Wesley’s funeral. Albert claimed he was on our side, but trusting him was still hard to do for many members of the League, Donna included. And for all the good he did, he seemed too clinical and unfeeling most of the time. Still, her sister gave Luthor a chance to prove himself, and Donna had reluctantly as well, as long as he stayed away from the Amazon and her charges. And he had honored that request, at least until now
“What could he want with me?” Donna asked herself. It couldn’t be anything good.
She sighed as she closed the note and tucked it away, drawing a brief look of concern from Robert. Donna patted him on the arm to silently signal that she was all right. She would deal with Luthor later. For now, Wesley needed her attention…one last time.