Chapter I: Corinthians

The aliens known as Corinthians arrived on Earth when everyone least expected it. The scene looked grey. The sky bruised. What happen seemed in an instant would have a profound effect on the heroes of Earth and beyond. For a reckoning was upon them and so the sky parted and there was…

First Contact

The Corinthians arrived in Metropolis. A small pod had crashed near Bakerline, and soon after Superman arrived. It wasn't long till reporter Jimmy Olsen alongside law enforcement were on the scene. What they discovered was an alien inside. The alien was tall nearly seven feet in height. Muscular build. Superman ripped the pod door open and the alien jumped out. Its skin resembled that of the element gold. Long arms and legs fit for battle. Superman noticed with his vision that the alien's skin seemed hardened. Its eyes glowed yellow.

"It's ok…we are here to talk. Do you understand me?" Asked Superman as he looks puzzled, yet he understands he has the upper hand. "Do you know where you are? I am Superman…" The alien stares at Olsen. The police are quick to point their guns at this mysterious figure. The alien is quick to react with a stance ready to jump. But Superman intervenes as he slowly walks towards this alien all the while advising the police, "Lower your weapons, lower them now" the alien's skin begins to turn purple. Its stance is less threatening, warmer, almost approachable. "This here is my friend Jimmy…and we just want to get to know you. Who are you?" The alien smiles. Its eyes reflect the clearing sky. The alien looks up as Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman appear.

The alien would then extend its hand to Superman. Superman accepted it's greeting. A mere handshake.

A total of five pods fell from the sky. One in Metropolis. One in Kor. One in Qurac. One in Starfish Island. And One in Evergreen City. Each pod inhibiting an unknown alien. Each pod blasted open. Each alien makes peace. Till finally, each alien is gathered together. They are given their belongings. Each alien came with their own armor and weaponry. Superman leads the charge for each alien to be treated right. Finally, Wonder Woman and Superman talk to the five aliens.

They gather around discussing amongst themselves. One stands out as it seems to be in constant gold coloring. The color concluded by Batman as a defense mechanism, but also as Batman put it, "a sign of strength and smarts". Superman and Wonder Woman enters the room chosen by the aliens as their temporary home. The room is big enough to walk around. Its colors are very flamboyant. No furniture needed, only their pods. Hence the room size.

"Hello," Superman said, Wonder Woman follows with "Greetings…"

The alien that is covered in gold looks at Wonder Woman and smiles. It nods as if to signal agreement. Wonder Woman walks past Superman and grabs the aliens shoulder and pulls it towards her and the alien reacts in defense. Quickly creating some form of a sword with a liquid it contained on its forearm. The other four aliens scatter. The alien finally says something.

"No. No. No violence" The alien sounds familiar. The alien sounds rough. It hasn't talked in days. Perhaps years.

"I know. I figure that you wear armor, and if my friend's conclusion of the gold color is correct, you are prepared for battle. I myself am always prepared for battle. I meant no harm…you are quick. And you carry a lethal weapon." Wonder Woman looks impressed.

"My name is Cyrus. I am a warrior. I am also King of my people—

"and who are your people?" Superman is quick to respond.

"we are the Corinthians."

Superman notices the other four Corinthians appear again.

"If I may, how exactly are you talking English? Or how are we even understanding you right now…"

One of the other Corinthians talks.

"My name is Lozen…We learned your language on our way here. See we have in our pods a transmitter. As soon as we get near enough to a planet or star we can receive messages and such—

"so, you were spying on us?" Superman jesters as he smirks.

"well, yes…It took us two years to arrive here. And now here we are."

"If I may," Says Cyrus, "we are here to learn. Learn your ways, Superman. Earths ways. To finally begin anew. See our planet was taken from us by bandits." Cyrus' eyes get emotional, he stares to the ground to compose himself. "Left with very little options, we fled. We fled to the planet Tragua. The people there helped us, and we do not want to bother them much longer than what we have." He looks Superman in the eyes, "so, me and four of my best warriors and minds have searched the galaxy for ideas and cultures. We do this for the sake of survival and my plan to start a new world. A world made of the best ideas from each planet we encounter. Earth is our tenth planet. It's a very special planet as you may know Kryptonian." Upon hearing his homes name Superman's warm face clouts. He hardens.

"How do you know of my planet? And who I am?"

Cyrus responds without hesitation, "yes, we know of your legend. It is known across the galaxy, yet little is known of the Earth itself. We have heard quite the tales. Some say you rule this world like a tyrant…it is safe to say that that is wrong."

"Yes. Very…and forgive me for my questioning I've had a bad run-in with individuals who know I'm from Krypton. I suppose my 'legend' knows more about me that I'd like…As I was saying, yes, we the Justice League are simply the Earths protectors, but it's not only up to us as to whether your stay is welcomed, Cyrus. The world will decide. Until then we shall continue this talk. Good day."

"Thank you. We will wait patiently. Earth may very well be our last chance to truly begin anew." Says Lozan. Wonder Woman nods at Lozan as both her and Superman proceed to leave.

World leaders along with Superman and Wonder Woman arranged a meeting with the Corinthian leader known as Cyrus. Cyrus laid out his plans for knowledge. He simply wanted to learn. Since the Corinthians were without a planet but had found haven within the planet Tragua known in space as the jewel of space sector 1194. The Green Lantern John Stewart informed the Justice League that peace reigned in that planet. He believed that if Cyrus and his people were given a home there, then they assure us no harm.

A truce was agreed upon.

The Corinthians would slowly start arriving at Earth. Greetings were held around the world. Each world leader and their own heroes were at hand. Giant ships as big as the eye could see. They broke the clouds. Everyone welcomed them. The Corinthians were here to simply study the coexisting of humans and animals. Humans and Aliens. With it, they would coexist with others. They could one day build a new home. With this new knowledge, they would also share their history with the earthlings and the League.

Cyrus took a liking to Batman and Superman's relationship. He wondered how a mere mortal could stand next to a Kryptonian. So, he approached Batman. He wanted to know him. He wanted to understand him. Batman was not so forthcoming as the others with the Corinthians.

Prior to their arrival, the League held a private meeting to discuss the agreement.

One week prior to Cyrus and world leaders meeting

Each member sits in their chairs except Superman and Wonder Woman. Both stands discussing their understandings of Cyrus and the Corinthians. The good that may come from agreeing. The possibilities are endless. As both Superman and Wonder Woman explains the Corinthians objective to the Justice League Barry Allen is quick to volunteer to help give their people a helping hand if necessary. Suggesting that if Superman and Wonder Woman vouched for Cyrus then so would he.

"I thank you, Barry, I do believe plenty of good may come from this," Superman says as he gives Barry an approving smile.

Hal Jordan would follow a comrade to their death. Adding that if John Stewart and the Green Lantern Corp. approve he had no issue befriending the Corinthians. Aquaman approved solely on the basis that the sea would not be touched. That any information of his kingdom shall not be acquired first hand, rather given by a person of his choosing. Superman simply said that no struggle will be had.

"Cyrus told us that he simply wants knowledge. Understanding. Perhaps rules to which we govern ourselves. So, trust me when I say this Aquaman. there should be no problem with your cautions. If there is, I am sure we can find a resolution"

Martian Manhunter shared some of Aquaman's hesitation. "If I may. I have fought by your side many times Superman. I believe I am your friend, by the definitions that we live by I have known you for quite some time." He turns to everybody, "we all have known each other for quite some time. Yet for every battle, for every laugh, conversation…for every lost. I, with all my abilities, have yet to truly understand how Earth truly works. —"

"There lies the problem doesn't it" intervenes Batman. Everyone except Martian Manhunter reacts to Batman. Both members understand their stance. "An alien race comes to our planet fully equipped with alien technology…It is indeed a scary thought. To understand us" Batman gets up from his chair and looks out from the window "… It is indeed a gaudy task. And what if the lesson learned is not the right one. Earth and its people have a history of violence."

Hal Jordan bites his lower lip. He wonders the thought of battle. The battle for peace.

"I understand your point, Batman. Both of your points. But when will Earth join the conversation of space. In all my years saving the planet we have never stopped to consider other worlds. How would it alter our own views if Earth would understand intergalactic police? They say Tragua is the crowning jewel of peace. I imagine that Earth can be that too. Maybe learning from Cyrus can bring us closer to that peace." Hal Jordan then turns to Superman with a curiosity "I imagine that's part of your plan right…Superman? I mean I'm not saying we need to get in bed with this guy, but maybe we can start with some firm handshakes…"

Batman looks Superman in the eyes. Superman looks to the ground. Contemplating the situation.

Wonder Woman chimes in. "I don't believe Cyrus means us harm. But I do admit that it would be best to keep a close eye. We must learn from them. Judging by their pods and armor, they are battle ready. But Cyrus speech. His mannerism speaks of innocence. His mind speaks honesty. J'onn you surely must've peeked inside one of the Corinthians minds. Tell me I'm wrong. Martian Manhunter nods.

"You are correct Wonder Woman—

Wonder Woman turns to Batman

Batman looks at Wonder Woman.

"I will be the close eye needed." Quick to respond, Batman is aware that Wonder Woman does not agree with him. And the other Justice League members continue to question the idea of trusting outside forces. "I will prepare for whatever happens. I know the League is all in on trusting Cyrus. I want to be too. Life may very well be a preparation for something that never happens" Batman understands his position. He knows his role and believes that he is right.

Hal Jordan looks at Barry with a confused face and whispers "What the hell does that even mean?"

Barry smirks and shakes his head. He whispers back to Hal, "if you are prepared for something, that something won't occur because you're prepared. Come on Hal" Barry smirks as he stares at Batman with admiration.

Batman continues to talk.

"When we first began, you came to me" Batman looks at Superman, "telling me about how you and J'onn had an idea. To create the Justice League. Wonder Woman. A Green Lantern. A man who can run faster than time itself. I hesitated." Batman then turns to everyone with a less threatening expression. His voice softens, "not because I was afraid, rather the opposite. For the first time, in a long time, I knew that things would change." His eyes suddenly become serious. "The darkness was always there to serve as a reminder. A reminder that things will get better. We will reach the end where light shall unmask me. That day has not arrived. But I knew then, with the Justice League we could get there…Perhaps I'm not ready." Batman starts walking towards the exit. He has said his peace.

"The unknown" Superman tells Batman, "the unknown is always ready to unveil itself." Batman turns to face them, "When we started the Justice League, we did unveil something. We changed the world. This opportunity to bridge worlds may be that next step that we have been waiting for. For the people of Earth to truly become citizens of the galaxy." Superman tells Batman. He then turns to everyone. "Some things are simply out of our reach. And this…this is that reach we need. No more Brainiac or foes that rival him. Now we would have galactic justice, not simply League justice." The Justice League stands up. "And yes, my friend, perhaps it would finally lead to us hanging up our capes."

FADE TO BLACK.