Sentinel

"So aren't you going to let him go?" Diana asked pouring Howard's favorite brand of whiskey as she handed him the drink.

"I have been experimenting with something and he's the perfect subject." Howard said casually watching the assistant crying helplessly on the floor, "What? Don't worry I won't cause him any harm."

"I hope you don't. He's one of the loyal ones." Diana said laying back next to Howard.

"I know. I even know the reason why." Howard said savoring the taste of the drink, "This guy is like an open book, way too open!"

"So how come you're back in New York? Where's Artemis?"

"Arti dropped me off and went on her own mission. It will be a long while before we see her again." Howard said slowly wrapping his arms around Diana as she glared at him, "Would you believe me if I say that I came back because I missed you?"

"I won't. But I'll give you a chance to explain."

"I might be dead but I am still your husband, you know." Howard said with a bitter expression, "I know I talked more about the business than our relation. But you've got to understand that I was in hiding, and could only send one letter every six months. And let's be honest, it's not like you're the type to fall for sweet-savory words."

"I won't fall for it. But it doesn't mean that I don't like to hear them." Diana rolled her eyes as she grabbed his collar, "So Mr. Red, why are you really here?"

"Geez, I didn't think I'd have to see this day," Howard said with puppy eyes, "Obviously since I returned I have some plans but my real purpose is still you. If not, why would I come here taking the risk of exposing myself? I could've just went along with my plans like the cold-hearted guy you make me out to be."

"Fine, I'll believe it," Diana said fixing his hair, "But don't think my resentment would just vanish in thin air, like one of your little girlfriends who would forgive any wrong you do them."

Howard just smiled not saying another word on the topic, of course, if it was a normal conversation he would have righteously asked what wrongs had he done to any girl he's been with but considering the look in her eyes, saying another word on this topic would be similar to putting your head through the guillotine.

"I will make it up to you, I promise," Howard said slowly moving towards her barely giving a kiss on the cheek under her look of death, "So how has it been?"

"Well, we're doing quite well. We're leading in arms and aviation, and also the new automobile company's been getting a lot of praise from everyone. Obviously so from the newspaper, after all, we bought off most of them--"

"I don't mean to cut you off, but I was asking about you, not the company." Howard sincerely said holding her hands, "How have you been doing all this time? Your transition to the normal world was already difficult enough and now you're dealing with all these sick people."

"I did well, didn't I?" Diana sighed forcing out a small smile, "As you expected, I got criticism from a lot of people mainly for being a woman. And as you said, as long as I hit one of the goals there opinion of me hit a complete 180."

"Forget what I said, I want to know about it through your view, not mine."

"Well, it's similar to what you said but for some reason, I still can't help but find good in them. And now being in business, I get to see emotions that normal people don't show. Their greed for wanting power and wealth, their drive to work hard for their family and the shameless wall they've built around themselves to justify every wrong that they do." Diana chuckled, "So in conclusion, it's been really interesting. But I can't wait for the day you take over this thing and I am set free."

"There's still time for that," Howard said with a smile, "But we can take a vacation if you want to."

"Where to?"

"I have some ideas but I need to deal with something first."

"You mean the Sentinel project they've been working on?" Diana said, "It pisses me off even thinking about it. They think they can try and find ways to hunt you down secretly behind my back, those treachours bastards."

"It's the Hellfire Club, we're all bastards down there." Howard shrugged, "But it's interesting to see how far will they really go. After all, even if they succeed, I feel they won't like what they'd find."

"How're your powers?" Diana asked with similar concerns as Artemis.

"Well as you can see other than playing some mind tricks I still can't do much. At least, it's been lying dormant for now."

"Can you handle it?"

"What other choice do I have?" Howard said with a straight face without a care in the world, "But there are days where I just want to let it all out, like an itch waiting to be scratched but if I do, I am not sure I can handle it well."

"Any accidents since the last time?"

"Not much, but one time I nearly lost control again but fortunately I controlled it well enough so no damage was done." Howard said, "I should've realized this but thinking about it now, personality-wise I am the worst candidate for the Phoenix force. I mean with all the darkness in me, it's like I am begging to be destroyed."

"It will be fine." Diana held his hands, "I and Artemis will always be there to stop you if anything goes wrong."

"Shouldn't this be something like we'll join you in death? Or in destroying the world?" Howard chuckled.

"I'll think about it if it's the real Howard talking but if it's the Phoenix then my choices are clear." Diana said, "And it's not like I'll let you die alone."

"Okay, let's stop with these talks of deaths and human greed. It's been a long time so we should celebrate."