Return of a Speedster

The Home Coming

Author's Note: For a portion of this chapter, I was listening to a rendition of 'When Johnny Comes Marching Home', performed by the Sun Harbor Chorus. Enjoy!

P.S.: I could not get the link. Sorry.

Central City S.T.A.R. Labs Complex
July 4, 2019
1300hrs Zulu

They convoy pulls up and parks outside the main entrance to the highly advanced particle research facility located on the edge of the large city. The Marines disembark. Most form a corridor for the guests of honor to file through. While the rest form-up around the Director and the guests. The Marines salute their returning comrade, Wally West, as passes by.

The Director and his posse are escorted to a surprisingly large boardroom in the rear of the facility. Here, they are greeted and congratulated by an 'whelmingly large group of scientists. These researchers are then escorted out, so that the posse can have a private moment with what they call 'Team Flash'.

Barry is the first to embrace Wally. Tears of joy stream done everyone's faces. Wally is then created by rest of the group. There's Felicity. Cisco. Even Dr. Wells makes an appearance.

Then, Mr. Graves approaches the young man, and shakes his hand.

"Welcome home, Marine," the billionaire proclaims with utmost joy and respect.

"It's good to be home, Marshall," the young soldier replies. "If you don't mind, I would like to see my folks."

"I thought as much. Everything has been arranged. There is a car outside ready to take both you and your friends to their house," Mr. Graves states sympathetically. "But first, I believe you'll need a change of clothes."

As he states this, the military industrialist passes the young hero a formal dress uniform and fatigues to change into. Wally accepts them graciously and is escorted to one of the room's two small adjoining restroom to change out of his Kid Flash costume.

While the guest of honor prepares for his trip home, the Director and billionaire confer in a corner of the room and engage in some small talk.

"So, how exactly did you get here?" Director Disakvo asks.

"Let's just say that it took a million dollar check, a Tomcat, and one brave and insanely foolish pilot," the billionaire replies.

By this time, the young hero re-enters the room. But this time, he enters not as Kid Flash, but as Private, First Class, Wallace Rudolph West of the Global Galactic Expeditionary Force.

He walks over and embraces his love--who has also received a change of clothes.

"You sure did clean up nice, soldier," Artemis jokes.

"Now that is something I never thought I would hear you say," the Marine replies.

They are then escorted back to the front of the facility, and are joined by both the Director and Mr. Graves--who has somehow changed into his custom made Grand Marshall uniform. Zatama stays behind to help plan out a formal 'Welcome Home' party for Wally.

The small group enters the second of the three government issued SUVs parked in a line along the curb. Once they are loaded, they small convoy is escorted out of the complex, and to its destination: a small house on the outskirts of Keystone City.

After a few short hours, they line of cars pulls up to the small house, and give a small chirp.

Upon hearing this, the Wests exit the front room and stand on the porch, watching a life-changing scene unfold.

Upon stopping, Marshall Graves and Director Disakvo get out to help the other two exit the SUV. First, Artemis steps out. After a short pause, Wally is helped out of the back of the SUV. Slowly, the young Marine is guided to the front porch arm-in-arm with his love.

Upon seeing their son, the Wests are initially put in a state of shock, that soon breaks. Mrs. West runs to meet her son halfway, with her husband in tow. Artemis steps aside for the Marine's parent to embrace him passionately. Tears of joy are shed on all sides.

As he watches this scene unfold, Mr. Graves can't help but humb a short tune that suits the situation.

When Johnny comes marching home again. Horrah! Horrah!

Well give him a hearty welcome, then! Horrah! Horrah!

The men will cheer, the boys will shout, the ladies they will all turn out.

And we'll cheer the day, when johnny comes marching home.

Get ready for the jumbilee.
Horrah! Horrah!.....

At this point as small crowd, composed of neighbors and bystanders, gathers around the front lawn and begins to cheer.

Mr. Graves approaches the embraced family and ushers them into the house as the crowd is peacefully dispersed. He also motions for the Director to depart. He states that they'll call when they need a ride.

Once inside the house, Mr. Graves motions for the small family to take a seat. Only then does he begin to speak.

"Mr. and Mrs. West, on behalf of Global Private Security and the United States Military, I apologize for our mistake of marking your son as being killed in action. I am also proud to announce that he has returned home safely, with no injuries and a clean bill of health."

"Thank you," Mr. West states. "Thank you for bringing our son home."

"You are welcome," the high ranking officer replies.

There is a small moment of comforting silence before he continues.

"Tonight, there will be an all expense paid banquet and party to welcome your son home at one the League's private accommodations, for they are not willing to rent-out the Watchtower."

"Where," Artemis asks. "Bludhaven?"

"No."

"S.T.A.R. Labs?"

"I said League facility. And one you both are familiar with."

"You can't mean...," KF states shocked.

"You are not the only project that has kept me busy over these past months. And I believe that it is time that your Team returned home."

"The Cave!" Artemis and Wally both exclaim.

"That's right. The final touches are being added. It's amazing what men can do with heavy equipment, a few photos, and an industrial-size 3-D printer or two."

They two heroes embrace the billionaire and offer their thanks.

With that, Mr. Graves states that the party will shortly and urges them to get ready, as he calls in their ride to Happy Harbor.

Happy Harbor
1900HRS ZULU

A small private helicopter circles around the reconstructed Mt. Justice, carrying Mr. Graves, Wally, his patents, and Artemis.

The helicopter skillfully eases into subterranean hanger.

Upon exiting, Wally and Artemis--now in their old costumes--are ambushed by their fellow teammates and mentors. The next few hours are filled with joy and happiness.

Towards the end of the party, Mr. Graves takes his leave; stating that he has other business to attend to.

As he leaves, he can't help but humb the end portion of that tune he sung earlier. Oh how those words ring true.

When Johnny! Comes marching! Hoooome!!!!