7 Chapter 7
Dane patiently awaited the conclusion of Clark and Joe's conversation before presenting his request.
"Do you seek to absorb the knowledge within this vessel?"
"Yes."
Dane elaborated, especially concerning Zod, noticing a subtle change in Joe's expression.
"You're Carl's friend, and if he trusts you, I'm willing to extend that trust."
Clark chimed in just in time, saying, "I believe him."
Speechless, Joe nodded, granting Dane permission to peruse the technical documents.
"How do you wish to acquire this knowledge? The ship can directly implant it through neural circuits."
"But this is a 20,000-year-old repository. Your mind may struggle to form long-term memories; it can only be transmitted gradually."
"That's acceptable."
Confident in the "wisdom of Solomon," Dane welcomed the suggestion of an additional independent AI on the ship to facilitate knowledge absorption.
Joe's digital AI, part of Carl's ancient research vessel, received Dane's nod.
"Welcome."
A pleasant female voice acknowledged Dane's acceptance as the recursive program diagnosis concluded, and navigation permissions were confirmed.
"Unknown application to transfer the right to use the archives, do you accept it?" the voice asked.
Dane recognized it referred to himself and replied, "Accept."
"The Krypton archive contains knowledge from a hundred thousand different worlds."
"Good."
As Dane was about to delve into the archive, he remembered something and shouted at Clark.
"Clark, I'm about to start studying. Care to join?"
"Don't!"
Clark, with a rejection on his face, made Dane question if his super brain had a more serious purpose than just enhancing control over his superpowers.
Wondering if Clark might be influenced by the optimistic American education, Dane, a serious student in his past life, respected Clark's choice.
"What's your next move?" Dane inquired.
"Didn't you mention inviting people to join our organization?"
"The Justice League!"
"Isn't that name a bit deliberate?"
"Your future name will be 'Superman'; I feel that's more deliberate."
"I have a name too? And yours?"
"Shazam."
"That name seems unremarkable."
Clark, showing interest, commented, "Anything to say?"
"I possess the wisdom of Solomon, the power of Hercules, the endurance of Atlas, the divine power of Zeus, the courage of Achilles, and the speed of Mercury."
"The six gods' initials combine to form Shazam!"
"It's a bit cool. You'll explain it to the fans in the future."
Dane rolled his eyes, refraining from mentioning Shazam's former name, "Captain Marvel," due to copyright concerns. This reminded him of an unattractive aunt.
"If you find yourself with idle time, head to Gotham and try contacting Batman."
"Didn't you say he's paranoid?"
"Yes, but you should be fine."
"Didn't you also say he's difficult?"
"Yes, but you should be fine."
Dane didn't elaborate, trusting in the enduring friendship between Superman and Batman in the DC world.
Deciding to make a trip to Gotham, Dane considered the simplicity of the current Superman and wondered if he could handle Gotham's complexities.
"Alright then, I'll make the trip. What about the others?" Dane pondered.
"Wonder Woman and General Swanwick can wait. I'll find an opportunity to invite them."
Considering the circumstances, Dane recalled that Wonder Woman was working in Barnoa, yet to transfer back to the United States, and Martian Manhunter's military involvement made a hasty visit impractical.
Thinking about inviting Hawkman and Dr. Fate, Dane hesitated due to their performances in "Black Adam," labeling Hawkman "pedantic" and Dr. Fate lacking intensity.
Dane and Clark, after their discussion, delved into their individual tasks, leaving Dane to study in the file room.
As Clark, disguised as a farm guy, entered Gotham, he walked into a diner named "Pauli's" for a late-night meal.
The chapter concludes with Clark overhearing a conversation between a police officer named Owens, a troubled young man named Jason, and a distressing call about Jason's tormented mother, compelling Clark to follow Jason and rescue them both.
