AN: This is a story inspired by a post I first saw on Tumblr then on Deviant Art by iskidzz. After getting permission to write out a story featuring her idea, which really got me thinking just from her short comic strip, I really began to think of how this would go. I hope she likes what I came up with using her idea and I hope you do so as well. This may not be updated every week due to my season 4 and training, but I will get it out as regularly as I can.
Young Justice: Present Future
1.
"Okay, guys. We are several minutes from landing on Mars, so get ready."
Sitting in the pilot's chair of her Bioship, M'gann M'orzz, known as Miss Martian, took her space craft off auto pilot as she entered Mars' atmosphere.
For the past day, she and the two others making up Alpha Squad had been passing the time as they traveled from Earth to the red planet on a mission for the Justice League. The Former Green Beetle, B'arzz O'oomm, had made it clear of trouble happening on Mars and requested assistance as soon as possible. It took less than a day for the three man group to get prepared for the twenty plus hour journey with enough supplies for an extended stay if necessary. Food, water, and medical supplies for those from Earth were packed safely away as were any tools they may need ranging from advanced computers to the basic digging equipment. All were necessary for Conner and Garfield who would be more adapt using items form Earth instead of Martian technology like M'gann would use.
"Once we come within twenty miles of where we're supposed to dock, we'll be guided in automatically. So just sit back and enjoy the view."
"Oh, finally!" Jumping back in his seat, Garfield Logan, known as Beast Boy, let the living ship form its harnesses to keep him safe and in place as he eagerly waited to see Mars for himself.
Since meeting the Martian woman who would go on to save his life and become his blood sister, Garfield had only seen the Martian world through photos and mental memories M'gann would share with him. Upon learning of the mission he would be on, his excitement could barely be contained and it was through sheer will he had not asked hundreds of questions on the way there. As much as he wanted to know more about the planet, he did not want any spoilers potentially ruining the thrill of discovery he so wanted for himself.
"Just remember not to leap out until the all clear signal," M'gann said with a laugh. "Every place here is guarded so it might be taken as a hostile act. Especially of it's by someone from Earth."
"Noted."
"Is B'arzz meeting us there or do we have to find him?" Taking a seat to the right of the pilot's chair, Conner Kent, known as Superboy, stretched his arms out, working the kinks that had formed in his shoulders from leaning back in his chair for so long.
Since the trip had taken so long, the three had to keep themselves busy and had passed the time playing games or letting Garfield play around as a puppy with the two veterans tossing a ball back and forth. Then there were the private moments they had when Garfield grew tired from chasing the ball and took a nap in his chair.
Since the invasion of The Reach, and the night the two talked, really talked, in her uncle's apartment, Conner and M'gann had begun to repair their relationship since the night she tried to make him forget he was ever mad at her for using her powers in a less than ethical way. It was not easy to get back to 'just friendly' terms, considering their past, as they missed being together. Nether wanted to move too fast, but wished things were like they were before. It was a silent agreement between them to only take fragile steps in getting back to where they were.
"He's meeting us at my parents house," M'gann told him. "We, I still need to watch where I go and what I do so being seen with a green Martian would be a bad idea upon arrival unless we're related. It's just a shame you two will be more respected then me in some places."
"Do they know we'll be on League business?"
"I'm not sure, Conner. B'arzz only told me to meet him at my home, everything else is what we've been told by Aqualad that was in his message. I don't even know if there will be anyone to greet us upon arrival."
Flying at a leisurely pace, the living ship made its way over the terrain of Mars shortly after entering the planet's atmosphere. With the vessel being auto-piloted to its destination, those inside sat back and enjoyed the last bit of their ride. Heading for a small hill, the ship began to slow as a hidden door began to lower, creating a ramp and entrance for the Bioship to enter through. Above ground, the hidden entrance looked like any other part of Mars with red soil and rock. Underneath, it was a completely different story as the interior of the wide corridor they were in was made entirely of metal. Long rows of yellow lights on the four corners of the landing strip directed where the ship should go with a wide turn to the right before going further down. At the end of the long corridor, was a large opening wide enough to fit several Bioships in through, making two of the ship's passengers wonder just how large the Martian ships can get.
With wide eyes, Garfield beheld the inner hanger of Martian ships. Hundreds of the planet hopping vehicles were parked in their own hanger areas while others flew slowly across the open area they were currently traveling in. At least five different floors, each made of the red rock Mars was known for, were filled with Martian ships. Large columns separated each hanger with lights flashing on the floor of each entrance. Stalactites and stalagmites were everywhere as the entire subterranean hanger resembled a giant cave.
As they drew closer to where M'gann's Bioship was to land, they could see a vast number of green Martians moving about. Most were working in keeping the hanger running smoothly with others going about private business. Every so often, several Green Martian soldiers would make their way around the ships or the planet's population to make sure nothing illegal was occurring or to make sure the peace was kept at all times. Catching M'gann's eye, two White Martians were being harassed buy a group of Green Martians. The guards did nothing to help.
"Hey, sis," Garfield said once he saw what was going on, "we should-"
"No, Gar," M'gann told him.
"But they need-"
"We can't. We'll get in trouble with them and that could put us in the middle of a political war between Mars and the Justice League. As much as I want to, I can't risk it."
"But they're your people. You are a White Martian with ties to the Justice League, aren't you?"
"Yes, but that doesn't mean I can go around on Mars and command everyone to get along. If I could, I would have already done it."
Hearing her speak, Conner could hear the slight sadness and anger she tried to hide. After all these years of being together, it was easy for him to tell what she really felt by her tone of voice and minute facial features alone.
Touching down, the Bioship came to a stop after it paused and rotated in the air. With the cockpit now facing where they had entered from, the three could finally see just how wide the hanger area truly was as even more of the rock-made hangers stretched out underneath the surface entrance.
Within their own private hanger, the once yellow landing lights changed to white, signaling the all clear with the rear of the ship opening to allow the three to exit. Standing from their seats, Conner and Garfield were the first to make their way to the back of the ship with M'gann remaining seated. Taking a deep breath, the Martian woman had her cape and hood form on her black mission suit. Stepping onto the floor, she moved the front to close, blocking the large red 'X' crossing her chest and had her skin turn its natural white coloring before donning her hood.
"Just, breathe," she whispered to herself. "Home's not far from here."
"M'gann?"
Looking up, she saw Conner standing just a few feet away with a worried look on his face and ducked her head down.
Walking up to her, the Kryptonian tried to look her in the eye but she wouldn't have it. "M'gann?"
"Things may have gotten better for White Martians, at least that's what my parents have told me, but seeing those guards do nothing makes me see not everyone here wants or cares for equality."
Picking her head up, Conner looked into her solid red eyes. They were a sharp contrast to her auburn hair and chalk colored skin and as much as M'gann said it was not her, Conner could not see why anyone would find a flaw in her appearance, even when she was in her full Martian form.
"You've got me and Garfield to lean on. If anyone even tries to make you feel less than who you are, I'll make sure they regret that decision in an instant."
"You will?" a sad grin formed on her face as she emphasized 'You'.
"Yeah. I'm too stubborn to do otherwise."
"Whoa, this is so cool."
Looking everywhere he could from the Bioship's exit, Garfield could not get enough of the Martian hanger. It reminded him of something from Star Wars with the way it looked. The rock was fused with technology wherever a ship was docked, a comparison to the desert planet of Tatooine only with Martians and not Stormtroopers or the repetitive music. He was more than ready to see where his blood sister grew up, her home, her community, even the lifeless surface of the planet were all he could think of along with meeting her larger than large family.
As he continued to look around, two Martian guards caught sight of him and wasted no time in approaching the teen. Both were in humanoid form, nearly matching Martian Manhunter in appearance with a few differences in the facial features. As military guards, they were donned in matching blue and red attire. Blue pants with twin red stripes covered their legs with a matching blue pointed lion cloth with a red boarder hanging down to their knees. Strapped sandals resembling what Egyptians wore came up to mid calf with a sheathed knife on their left legs just above the ankle. Like Martian Manhunter, both wore red 'X' crossing their chests with shoulder guards and blue capes flowing down their backs until they almost touched the floor. The last item they had were their weapons, golden spears in the shape of hunting rifles with dual tips, one longer than the other, with a barrel between them. The trigger was within easy reach where they held them should the need to use force rose.
"Off worlder, state your name and business," one of them, the taller and thinner of the two, said once they arrived next to where Garfield stood.
Jumping from the sound of the voice, the shape shifter quickly turned and grew stiff. Unlike most of the time, he was in his true human form with no fur or tail like he had grown accustomed to having. He also still wore his red and white Martian suit but also had a backpack with him.
"Um, uh," he stuttered.
"Young one," the second Martian guard said as he stepped closer, "state your name and business here on Mars or we will be forced to take you in for questioning."
"Um, I...I'm Garfield Logan from the...the Justice League on a mission. For them."
"Garfield?" Coming out from the front of the ship, Conner, who was holding hands with M'gann to offer her support, saw the two guards standing before the green team member. "What's going on?"
"You," the taller Martian said. "State your name and business on Mars."
"J'sonn?" M'gann said once she caught sight of the shorter of the two.
"M...M'gann?" Handing off his weapon to the other Martian, the second of the guards hurried into the ship as M'gann raced past Conner. Meeting on the ramp of the craft, the two hugged with their eyes glowing brightly.
"M'gann, it's been so long." J'sonn said once their eyes faded back to their normal red coloring and separated from the hug.
"I know, I'm just so happy to see you again. How have you been doing?" M'gann asked.
"Great. I got a job in the military and was assigned to guard the hanger a few months ago. What about you, Miss Heroine of Earth?"
Blushing, M'gann looked him over again. "Well, I've been real busy ever since leaving Mars and having a great time on Earth with Uncle J'onn teaching me everything he knows. I'm even working with the Justice League now."
"That is great. I remember you telling me all about one day working with our uncle and his friends."
As the two continued to speak, Garfield leaned closer to Conner. "Do you know this guy?"
"Not really. I've heard her talk about a J'sonn or Jason before but I can't remember if he's her brother or cousin," Conner answered.
"Ah, one of her seventeen brothers, right?"
"And twelve sisters."
"Oh, what am I thinking?" Turning back to his partner, J'sonn extended a hand his way with M'gann looking at the other guard. "Ra'nn, this is my younger sister, M'gann. She's the one I've been telling you about who went to Earth."
"Oh yes, the famous Miss Martian of the Justice League. J'sonn has told me plenty about you."
"Oh, um, thanks," giving a smile, M'gann looked around for a moment before asking her brother a question over a mind link.
"Of course, sister. Not every guard is against White Martians," J'sonn told her. "You can feel free to shed your hood and take on whatever coloring you want as long as I'm with you."
Nodding. M'gann took her hood off, exposing her white skin before having it turn back to green and her eyes to their usual brown.
"For a White Martian, you didn't look half bad," Ra'nn commented. "But you look stunning green." He then gave her a smile, not noticing the twitch in Conner's face.
"Thank you." Motioning for her two teammates to step forward, M'gann placed her hands on Garfield's shoulders. "J'sonn, Ra'nn, I would like for you to meet Garfield Logan, my Earth brother."
"Hi," Garfield said with a smile and wave.
"Earth brother?" J'sonn asked. Looking from the two green colored people to the other member of the group, and remembering how they came out together, the Martian guard engaged a link with his sister. "Are you sure he's an Earth brother or are you not telling me something?"
"What? No, he's...he's my blood brother. I saved his life by having my blood match his and he gained the ability to shift into creatures he's come in contact with. Why? What did you..." Instantly, M'gann's cheeks began to burn. "J'sonn!'
"Well, you did tell us you had a boyfriend in one of the messages you sent us. And since the boy didn't feel as if he were all Martian, I just made an assumption."
Wishing she still had her hood on, M'gann cleared her throat as her brother had a rather large smile from her reaction to what he was thinking. "Well, um, I...I would also like for you to meet," she moved over to Conner and took him by the arm to bring him closer to the guards, "Conner Kent."
"Pleased to finally meet you in person," J'sonn said as the two engaged in a hand shake. "M'gann has told us all about you and how she is sweet on you."
"J'sonn!" M'gann whisper shouted as Conner tried not to grin and actually turned a slight shade of red himself.
"Um, yeah, we," before the Kryptonian could say anything to the guard, Garfield popped up between him and M'gann.
"Yup, their two peas in a pod alright." The teen then brought them closer together.
"Such a shame," Ra'an told J'sonn over a mind link. "You're sister could do so much better than a human." He then gave Conner another look over, noting he red 'S' shield on his long sleeve shirt. "At least he's not too ugly. In the meantime, we should get going. We still have four more sections of the hanger to walk."
Shrugging off what his partner said, J'sonn took back his spear as it was handed to him. "Our mother should be home with Lu'sa and B'th. As for father, he might still be at work in the capitol with the other Martian delegates. They'll be so happy to see you again."
"Was there another with them? A B'arzz O'oomm?" Donning her hood again, M'gann had another back pack float over to her from the Bioship.
"I think they said something about company being there later on but I didn't get a name. Anyways, I'll be home in time for dinner so tell mom I won't be late this time. We have so much catching up to do."
"I will." With a smile, M'gann sent her brother the equivalent of a human hug over their mental link and sent her love to him before having her skin turn back to white. "Oh, I can't wait to see the others."
"Bet they can't wait to see you too, sis." Adjusting his pack, Garfield hopped down the ramp and got a good view of the interior of the hanger.
"Feeling better now?" Slinging is pack on one shoulder, Conner came up behind M'gann and was pleased to see her smiling again.
"So much better, thanks." She then arched an eyebrow. "And was that jealousy I felt when Ra'nn said that about me?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Conner thought with a grin.
Never having been to Mars themselves, and only seeing pictures or mental images provided by M'gann, Conner and Garfield were a bit awestruck by what they were witnessing. The hanger, as busy as it was, was nothing compared to what lay beyond it.
Checking in with the guards at the entrance to the ship storage area went somewhat smoothly with the only problem being two of them were from Earth and were questioned of their purposes being on Mars. Immediately following that, the three journeyed up a gentle slope to where the 'real show' was.
If there was one word to describe what they were seeing, it would be 'marketplace'. Hundreds of Martians, most in humanoid form with others in their true form, walked about defined paths as they stopped at small shop-like booths. With so many Martians in one place, the noise was loud, a surprise being they were telepathic. Some of the small shops had banners with Martian writing to attract customers to what they were selling. Others had workers pandering to the masses in an effort to get them to shop at their booths. Then there were the ones selling food who did not have to do or say anything to attract customers, the smell did the work for them.
"Whoa, this looks like a flea market." Taking in everything he could, Garfield's head shot back and forth so much, the other two thought he would give himself whiplash.
"This is just one of several hanger shopping centers," M'gann explained. "Since most goods are flown from one part of Mars to the other, they just find it easier to set up shops close by. There's another market place by my house but nowhere near as large as this one. But nicer to, you know. Just keep your head down and try not to draw too much attention to yourselves."
Taking the lead, M'gann kept her hood securely drawn over her head and made sure not too much skin would show. Conner and Garfield shared a look, not liking how she was acting and not liking the way she would be treated by others just for the color of her skin. On the way to the planet, she had told them White Martians were expected to remain white as it was quite easy to pick up on each other's races. Doing otherwise would be cause for arrest, at least that was what the old law stated. It was just better to be safe than sorry.
It took some time to get through the crowd of Martian people. The pathways were nearly impassable with adults and children moving from booth to booth with their purchases. Keeping the link up between them, M'gann kept them informed of what some of the things were. There was the woman who specialized in making Martian jewelry. The green and purple gems she used were the most sought after and made beautiful bracelets and necklaces. Then there was the couple who hand crafted various decorations for the home with some of the most delicate looking material the two Earthlings had ever seen. While it looked like silk, M'gann assured them it was as strong as burlap. Both were considered luxuries to own, the jewelry more than the other as any Martian could mimic it, but owning the beautiful adornments put them on a level above the other, poorer martians.
Catching Garfield's attention, a nearby group of what looked like teenage Martians laughed as they ate a stick with meat skewered on it. Looking closer, he instantly knew he would not be ordering any as it looked to have tentacles coming out of the sides. However, being a vegetarian, he was mainly interested in seeing it up close but not actually eating it. He then grew excited when he saw a bulldog looking creature being walked by muscular Martian male. The animal even came up to him and sniffed his leg before being pulled back.
"Sweet, Martian animals." Grinning widely, Garfield kept his eyes open for any more animals he should come across.
"You'll see plenty of them later on," M'gann told him. "My mother owns something similar to a cat and there's always bird-like animals at the parks." She then looked at the jewelry seller who held up a handful of necklaces but did not slow down as they kept on their way.
"I think we've got company." Telling them what was happening, Conner had M'gann look to her left where two Martian men were keeping pace with them.
The two did not appear to be guards, given how they were dressed. Each wore tan pants with matching military style boots. Like the other Martian men, they only wore the typical red 'X' across their chests, making sure their muscles were showing to add to their intimidating size.
Moving between the two and M'gann, Conner kept his sight on the path ahead while Garfield was brought closer to his blood sister. "We need to find a way to lose them."
"There should be a fork in the pathway up ahead." M'gann sent over the link. "It circles around to the sides. Take the left and we can lose them where the shopkeepers store their garbage. We can lose them in there then continue on to my home."
With a plan in place, the three picked up speed to a brisk walk to not attract the same attention as they would if they were running. Needless to say, Conner and Garfield stuck out like sore thumbs, Conner more than ether of them. The youth could pass for a Martian child in human form but Conner did not have that luxury and reaching the garbage area was their only chance at getting out of the sight of the two following them.
With the to Martians still on their trail, the small group took the left pathway and disappeared around a corner. A few seconds later, the ones following them arrived and looked around for any sign of them. Engaging their mental link, the Martians split up to search the area for the three. One took the far right section with passageways lined with bags of garbage at least twenty feet tall with the other taking the left side with metal containers stacked just as high.
"Conner, where are you?" Moving through the bag area, M'gann and Garfield made sure to not leave a trail of any sort as they hurried through one of three paths created by those who stacked the garbage.
"Can't say. I took a right then a left after splitting up. Now I'm going right again." Unlike the bag area, the containers only had one path to follow, making the Kryptonian hurry to avoid being caught by someone capable of bringing him down with a single thought.
"Okay, Gar. Go." Splitting up from each other, M'gann went to the right while her brother went left.
Running where his sister pointed out, Garfield took several quick turns, making sure the other Martian was not following, before morphing into a hawk. Climbing into the air, the green bird looked down and spotted the hooded M'gann with two bags keeping a steady lead over the pursuing Martian male. On the other side of the stacks of garbage, he could see Conner make his way through the single path. There really was not too much he could do to lose the one following him. There were not enough turns, just long stretches of passages for him to run through. When he looked back to where his blood sister was, he could not see her pursuer anymore.
"Sis," Garfield communicated telepathically, "I can't see the one chasing you anymore. I think he went in Martian camo mode and Conner's running out of room."
"What do you mean, Gar?" Heading down another pathway, M'gann tried to expand her mental awareness in an attempt to find the Martian chasing her but found something blocking that part of her telepathy. "Gar, I can't-GAH!"
Hitting her from behind, the Martian landed a flying kick to her back. As she fell forward, both of her bags skittered across the floor into the wall of garbage.
"White Martian," the Martian male said as he came back from camouflage mode. "White Martian, don't you realize where you are? This is a Green Martian market. Your kind is not welcome here or anywhere. At least you ran to where you belong, the trash, with the rest of your kind."
Sneering, M'gann stood back up and faced the Martian. With her eyes glowing brightly, she held her arm out and tried to mentally blast him back but found herself unable to do so. Her failed attack left her wide open to receive a blast from her aggressor and went flying into a garbage bag wall. Several bags fell on her as she groaned and tried to get back to her feet.
"What was that?" the Martian asked. "You call that a push? I felt breezes stronger than that."
Wondering the same thing, M'gann looked at her hand a moment before holding it out again. Like before, nothing happened. For some reason, she was unable to perform the most basic of her powers. A mental push was one of the first things a Martian was capable of doing as a child. It was as simple as communicating mentally or having objects floating in the air.
"See, White Martians like you are weak and the reason they don't deserve to be on the same level as the Green." With is eyes shining bright, the Martian male began to attack M'gann's mind.
Putting up a mental barrier, M'gann was glad she was able to block most of the male's attack. Her head still hurt but not as bad as it would if she were completely defenseless. Wincing from the assault, the team member fell to a knee and tried to build her defense back up from having it torn down little by little.
As the Martian evilly grinned at what he was doing, he neglected to see a green hawk morph to become a kangaroo and planted both feet in his back. The force was great enough to send him flying into the garbage where he was buried and slipped into unconsciousness.
"Stay away from my sister!" Garfield yelled once he shifted back to his monkey/human self. Kneeling beside his blood sister, Garfield checked up on her to make sure she was not hurt in any way. "You alright?"
"Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine. He just caught me unaware." She had hoped the small fib would be enough to satisfy her blood brother. She did not want to have him worry about her more than he already was.
On the other side of the garbage wall, Conner had, had enough of running. He wanted this chase over with but knew he could not go head to head with a Martian who would use his mental abilities to end the fight before it had a chance to start.
Rounding another corner, he shed his backpack and left it where the Martian could see it, hoping it would give him incentive to keep coming after him. The plan worked as the second Martian male stopped to investigate the discarded bag. Looking around, he grinned as he knew he was on the trail of one of the off worlders.
Standing, he resumed his sprint when he rounded the corner and came face to fist with Conner. The hit was hard enough to make him flip several times before crashing into the ground unconscious. Standing over the passed out Martian, Conner kicked him in the side to make sure he was down before picking his bag back up. Looking at one of the containers, he got an idea and reached down to grab hold of the Martian's leg then drug him to the container he picked out.
With a swift hit, Conner used his hand as a wedge to puncture the seam between the two front doors and pried them open. A horrid stink of rotten food flooded out, making him cover his nose and mouth. Glancing down at the passed out Martian, Conner gripped him by the red 'X' across his chest and threw him in. The male landed face first in the rubbage and stayed there as the Kryptonian shut the doors on him.
Back where M'gann and Garfield were, she was just getting to her feet with her brother's help when the side wall began to shake. Thinking it was the other Martian coming to attack them, they both got ready to fight when the bags fell to the ground and Conner stood where they once were. He wasted no time in getting to the two once he saw M'gann standing on weakened legs and Garfield halfway holding her up.
"What happened?" Conner asked once he got to their side.
"The Martian guy surprise attacked her. He hit her from behind then tried to mind blast her or something," Garfield explained.
Looking her over, Conner removed her hood she had just slipped back on. Her red eyes, normally vibrant, were somewhat duller then he remembered. "M'gann, what did he do? Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, Conner," M'gann assured him. "He just got the drop on me from above and tried to have a mental battle when I wasn't ready. Gar came and helped me though."
"Where is he?"
"In the garbage somewhere. He won't be bothering us any time soon." Replacing her hood to block most of her white skin from being seen by others, M'gann picked up her bag but never had time to slip in on as Conner reached out and took it. "Thanks."
"So where to now?" Garfield asked.
"We head to my home. Hopefully we won't run into anymore separatists along the way."
"How far away is it?"
"It's about a fifteen minute walk. We could fly it but we risk drawing more attention to ourselves. Better if we stay in the crowd and lose ourselves in there."
"But what if more Green Martians see us in there?"
"That's the thing," M'gann told her blood brother. "My home is in the middle of a White Martian safe zone. The closer we get, the safer we are. Once we're there, we don't have to worry about any others trying to start trouble or the guards in that sector will be alerted."
Before she turned to lead the way, she caught sight of the way Conner was staring at her. "I'm fine, Conner. Honest."
Not wanting to press the matter with Garfield close by, the Krypto-human let it go for the time being and gave a nod. If he possessed the ability to read minds, he would have known M'gann was wondering what exactly happened with her powers while fighting the Martian, and why she was now having difficulty in trying to establish their mental link.