[Interlude: Wonder Woman]

Hours Before

***

Diana smiled as she set down her invisible plane on the makeshift runway just outside the West African village. While the craft was dubbed ‘invisible’, with its stealth mode disabled the plane appeared to be made from a transparent crystalline material. She waved at the village children sprinting up the runway to greet her. She felt great, thanks to those two generous doses from Doctor John Doe last night, and was ready to face the day.

***

“The incursions have grown less frequent,” the General of the Tundi militia told her as they toured the building of the new school. It was almost complete, some final electrical work still going on and some furnishings to be finished. She was proud of what the people had done here. Proud of the city of Tundi helping develop the poorer nearby villages. She also took pride in seeing their army lead by a woman. The dark skinned soldier was about a head shorter than the superhero but was broad shouldered and strong. The African woman’s hair was close shaven. And despite all of this she displayed her noticeable femininity without fear or shame. Having grown up on an island full of beautiful and athletic women, Wonder Woman could appreciate the hip to waist ratio of the General and bit her lip lightly. She remembered the report that had just been given and nodded.

“Less frequent attacks doesn’t mean we are safer here, General Malaika,” noted Diana. The General nodded in agreement. “The next time they come, they will hit hard.”

“We will be ready,” stated the beautiful general, which made the Amazon smile.

***

There was always something being built in the villages. Diana felt an itch to help whenever she saw there was work to be done but she also didn’t want to get in the way or interfere. General Malaika kept reminding her that the presence of Wonder Woman alone was enough for the villagers and soldiers alike who were busy putting into action the humanitarian efforts she helped fund, inspire and lead.

She had been visiting the place over a number of months and each time she saw it grow and look better. Her perfect eyebrow arched. Today she noticed that there were less workers than usual. Notably, she saw there were less women. Diana knew that almost half of the Tundi militia were female fighters, many sharing physical similarities with their standout General.

“There are less soldiers,” she said, to which Malaika paused from filling her canteen from the pump. She straightened, looked to the dirt ground for a moment before clearing her throat.

“I’m afraid there has been… an outbreak since your last visit,” the General said. A tightness formed in Diana’s breast and she envisioned the worst.

“What happened? Why was I not informed?” she demanded, not taking General Malaika as one to keep secrets like this. Especially not from her.

“It is… being dealt with,” said the soldier carefully. “It is not so grave. For now. There are many volunteers aiding in treatment. The workers will be back soon.” This just confused Wonder Woman more and she shook her head.

“Tell me what happened,” she said, though her tone wasn’t harsh. She genuinely cared for the people of the village, and of course Malaika was aware of this. The General decided to show her, and took the Princess to a treatment site.