Superman Vol. 2 (1986-2006) #53

Plot

Superman has revealed his secret identity to Lois Lane. They briefly discuss the revelation, and then Superman leaves, giving her time to think things through. One day later, at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Superman meets with a NATO major and a general, who explain that they would like him to protect deposed President Marlo of Qurac so that he can stand trial in the U.S. Superman worries that he will overstep his bounds in Qurac, like when he single-handedly destroyed their military. The generals explain that they only want Superman to escort the plane, which will be flown by Colonels Smith and West, and they remind him of Marlo's terrorist attacks on the U.S. Superman agrees, and the generals explain the itinerary: Superman will fly Marlo from the Russian Embassy in Qurac to the nearest airstrip and then will fly alongside the aircraft. At Catherine Grant's apartment, Jose Delgado arrives with flowers. They are going to spend Valentine's Day together, along with Adam. In Qurac, Superman takes Marlo from the embassy. At Lexcorp a document written by Lex Luthor has been found that names an heir, and unknown son of Lex and his personal physician Dr. Kelley. The entire fortune was willed to him. In Qurac, one of the "Sons of Liberty" takes off in a fighter jet, promising that Marlo will not stand trial. Marlo argues in the plane with Colonel Smith about the past actions of Marlo, the U.S., and Superman. Outside, Superman disables an attacking fighter. In the ocean below, a submarine is following. Marlo attacks Colonel Smith with a hidden poison ring, but Smith overpowers him. Submarine missiles suddenly erupt from the ocean, and Superman tries to lead them away. However, the sub really had a peg on the plane, and a missile destroys it. West has ejected. Superman disables the sub. Back at the Pentagon, the NATO major chides Superman and threatens to court-martial West. Suddenly, Colonel Smith and Marlo arrive. The general explains that West's plane was a decoy, which foiled the plans of the major and his "Sons of Liberty" to kill Marlo. The major tries to explain that Qurac was supplying them with crucial strategic information in exchange for outdated weaponry, but the general explains that a case has already been made against him. Superman leaves, saying that he has to be a citizen of the world. The colonels salute him while the general hopes that Superman never turns against them.