Wonder Woman: Rise of the Titans

Chapter I

The Air Force Ball is an annual event that takes place on Bolling Field Base, and Steve hates it. This year's Ball is going to be different, however. Not even his bowtie that is cutting off the blood circulation in his neck can damper his mood because today will be the day when Steve finally musters the courage to ask for Diana's hand in marriage. Since the defeat of Baroness Von Gunther two years ago, Diana has been the center of Steve's entire world. What better way to make this event bearable than to make it the day he proposes to her. As Steve sits alone at a table near the band, he scans the floor looking for Diana while impatiently tapping the green velvet box his diamond ring is in next to his Coke and Rum. As soon as the band changes songs, Diana appears on the Ballroom floor in her elegant fuchsia dress looking beautiful as always. Steve takes a quick sip of his drink before he gets up and enthusiastically waves to her.

"Hey!" Steve called.

When Diana looks at him, he quickly gets his emotions under control so as not to embarrass himself.

"Over here," he said more subdued.

Etta, meanwhile, can barely contain her boredom as she goes into her second hour of letting in patrons and soliciting donations at the entrance.

"Thank you. Enjoy the Ball," Etta said to a well dressed man who placed a check in the donation box before entering the hall. She notices a rather short, red haired woman briskly walking into the hall, bypassing her table entirely.

"Excuse me," Etta said stopping the woman. "Name and party please."

The woman, annoyed, turns to Etta giving her a dirty glance. She walks to the table where Etta opens her guestbook.

"Name?"

"Doris Zeul," the woman said in a noticeable Eastern European accent.

"How many are in your party?" Etta asked writing her name in the guestbook.

"My party?" Doris asked.

"Who else is here with you?"

"I am a guest of the Princess."

Etta suddenly snaps out of her boredom.

"What Princess?" Etta asked treading carefully.

"Diana, the Princess of the Amazons or are we not welcome on your Base?"

"You're an Amazon?"

Doris braces on the table and leans in closer to Etta.

"Give me a sword and I can prove it to you," Doris said threateningly.

Etta closes the guestbook.

"Enjoy the Ball," Etta said.

Doris walks into the hall as Etta watches her. Etta leaves the table and walks to another Airman who is standing nearby.

"Hey," Etta said to the Airman. "Cover for me."

Diana and Steve sit quietly as they listen to the music of the Band. Steve contemplates when he should spring his marriage proposal on her. He does not want to ask her now since the music has her attention at the moment. He decides to ask her during a slow tune, but what if she wants to dance? He will ask her after they dance, but what if the Band plays a faster tune? The moment will be ruined. What he could do is wait for the end of the Ball and when no one is paying attention, grab a microphone and then pop the question. Who is he kidding? He is an Airman not an actor in a romantic comedy. While Steve's mind is preoccupied with different proposal scenarios, Diana is having a difficult time getting his attention.

"Steve," Diana said slapping the table.

"Huh?" Steve said regaining his focus.

"I said if we had an event like this in Themyscira, the musicians on the Floating Island would be playing so loud no one would be able to sleep for two days."