John Rogue

by Punishers Apprentice

Follow Danton "Multiplex" Black's son as he leads the Rogues on a mission of revenge in one for the history books. Underdog/ Redemption story.

1. Rogue

DISCLAIMER: I don't own any of DC's concepts.

John Rogue 1

Rogue

John Black convinced other legacies orphaned by Flash to join him as the Rogues. Their first move was to take over a police precinct, not knowing Flash had been raised by a cop there. A pair of newscasters tried to record the situation without their knowing.

John's multiples dragged the news pair in, John turned "Flash, turn yourself in alone. I will kill a cop every, let's say three minutes."

A cop tried to move on him. "And any hero cops," John added as he shot the cop before ending the broadcast.

Flash zipped in, "Let the cops go. I'll take their place." He was surrounded and a power inhibiting collar slapped on his neck.

John said "You don't make demands, we're in control. We aren't the kids you orphaned anymore."

Flash said "Please, I'm begging you. All killing cops does is orphan kids. Please, John." Multiples converged, cutting the speedster off.

John snapped "The name's Multiplex." Multiples beat Flash "It's not right I go down for killing a cop or 2. You're a hero after killing all of our fathers. Guess heroes don't go down 'les they want to, eh Flash?" He said the hero's name like Flash was the greatest insult he could think of.

Flash looked up, taking the beating "Please I'm begging you." 2 multiples hefted him as the rest were reabsorbed.

The phone rang and was answered "You have Flash, now release the hostages."

Multiplex asked "Who do you want first?"

Negotiator said "Release all of the hostages, your demand was met."

Multiplex said "Bad answer." He hung up and turned to Flash, "Go ahead, beg. It won't change anything, won't bring Danton back. Will it? He was trying to avenge my mom. Nothing will save me the pain. At least I can avenge them both."

Flash said "I'm sorry, I tried to save your dad. You don't know the whole story."

Multiplex said "I know enough. 2 men ruined my family, you and Simon Stagg, both heroes to the public. Stagg's greed cost her life. You killed Danton. Have you tried explaining death to a sibling half your age? I did it before I was 10."

Flash said "I don't know what that's like. I know what losing a parent's like, wanting to avenge them."

Multiplex yelled "I lost both parents in under a year."

Phone rang, John asked "What now?"

Negotiator said "Let the civilians go."

"The TV people," John said "no way. The world needs to know the truth."

"What truth is that?"

"Pick who you want to save," John hung up.

Flash said "You can do better than this, honor them."

Multiplex said "You're a killer."

Flash asked "Do you want justice or revenge?"

Multiplex said "Little late for that."

Flash said "It's not too late."

Multiplex said "Been too late for a long time now. I'm on the highway to Hell."

Flash said "Your Rogues aren't making their move. We can walk away from this."

Phone rang, they didn't give up and knowing John had a temper in there with a speedster gave them good reason but also made their actions appear dumb. John took a few breaths, picked up the phone "This is your last call. Make it count, after this the line will be cut."

Negotiator said "We're sending in an unarmed officer in civilian clothes. Give us the initial civilians."

John said "I assume you have list of officers in the precinct. Civilians are too valuable. Pick two officers, I'll send them out. Standard prisoner exchange."

Negotiator said "That is a very generous offer. Give me a minute to speak with my superior."

John said "You have ten seconds before we cut the line. Talk fast."

Negotiator said "Give me 5 minutes, I promise you won't regret it."

John said "I'll call you back, this line is being cut." He hung up and took a switchblade to the phone cord.

Multiplex said "It's all a bad movie that never ends. No one can save me, not even I can save me. Either kill me or I kill you. After all, heroes don't let killers live to kill again, right?"

Flash asked "That really what you want? To die? Is killing me really your alternative?"

Flash looked at him, like someone trying to gaze into a soul "Help me Multiplex. Make this right."

Multiplex said "Nothing can bring my parents back. I guess that much is true but I don't have a choice."

Flash said "Call the negotiator. You gave your word. I'll wait."

Multiplex said "Girder, hold him." He pulled his gun, pointed it at Flash and took a random cell phone "Dispatch, connect me to the hostage negotiator outside the police precinct. Make it fast, I'm not patient."

Negotiator said "Hello, what do I call you?"

John said "Multiplex works. Here's how it's going to go down. You give the plate names of two officers. I'll have my people escort them to the middle of the road, thank you for closing that by the way. My people will be armed. You send your man to the middle of the road. Two hostages will be by the front doors at all times, try anything and four hostages die. Have your man carry his badge only, a phone will be fine but no keys and no wire. My people will escort him in and we won't talk again. Make any wrong move at any time and all hostages die immediately. Am I understood?"

"Crystal clear."

"Repeat it."

"You don't want me to do that."

"Give me that lady in the suit."

Negotiator said "Your name is Multiplex. I give you the names as they are on the nameplates of 2 officers. Your people are armed and they will escort the hostages to the middle of the road. 2 hostages will be by the doors during the exchange. Don't try anything or all 4 hostages die. Have our man carry only his badge, a phone will be fine but no wire or keys. He meets your people at the middle of the road, prisoner exchange. You'll escort him in. That all?"

"Good. I will call with any updates. Do not attempt contact again, it annoys me and I have no patience. Now nameplates."

The negotiator tested the waters "I have been told to ask for Tesla and Hicks."

John said "Very well. Have your detective wearing at most 8 pockets to make searching easier. No gun, nothing in his boot or when we check then three hostages die right in front of him."

Negotiator said "As you wish, don't kill hostages. Give us two minutes to get that."

"Done." He hung up, looked at Flash "Stand up, and be quite. I need quiet. Anyone makes a sound, they die along with the hostage next to them. Weather Wizard, Tesla and Hicks."

Everyone was quite as ordered and Weather Wizard picked the hostages out of the line up. John pulled the battery out of the phone and snapped the flip phone in half. He grabbed another phone out of the pile, a smartphone that was password protected. He held it up and looked at the hostages, one raised their hand for it. John pointed his gun as he handed it, the hostage unlocked it and handed it back. The battery was good, he started gaming. Things went as planned, the new hostage was brought in.

John turned his gun on the new guy as the cuffs were removed, the cop asked "How many of you are there?"

John said "Quiet, I need quiet."

His multiples took the badge and phone, "Clear."

"Good." He walked up to the cop, "You may only speak to answer my questions. Nothing more, nothing less. Don't play emotion cards, we'll assume you're stalling for someone and, well, use your imagination. What's your name?"

Cop said "Cody Reid."

Multiplex said "Why are you here? Why you?"

Cody said "We thought you'd agree to a prisoner exchange, I volunteered."

Multiplex said "You are an absolute idiot," then smiled.

Two multiples took Cody up a back staircase to the roof. They made him kneel on the ledge, close to falling, at gunpoint. The message was clear, try anything and he dies. He was positioned so authorities couldn't take them down without killing him. Police couldn't storm the precinct without taking care of them.

Meanwhile John sat down at the front desk, "Quiet is still in effect. Unless you want to join Reid at the top of the kill list."

Flash risked it "You've been making choices all this time. Now revenge or justice?"

Multiplex turned his gun on a cop "No such thing as justice. My dad's murder wasn't investigated, but my powers got attention. Without justice, revenge is my only option. Kill me or she dies."

Flash said "I didn't know. I'm sorry."

Multiplex said "You killed Danton. Now you're sorry some cop's gonna die. I lost both parents in under a year. I had to explain death to Matt when he was half my age. What would you do in my shoes?"

"Did I steal your childhood?" Flash asked "Did I take you mom? Why do you hate me? I'm not Simon Stagg, I really am sorry. I can't imagine your life but right now I'm focused on keeping the living alive. I'd say anything to stop you from killing anyone." Honesty ploy, negotiator tried it but for some reason with Flash it kind of worked.

Multiplex said "Be quiet. You want to be a hero," He pointed his gun down, it was within reach for Flash, "Prove it. Only two people have to die tonight, as far as I'm concerned." Flash took the gun, "That's you and me, we die and far as I'm concerned we're good. You shoot me then shoot yourself. Try anything else and hostages start dropping like flies."

Flash threw the gun down, "I can't kill."

A phone rang, must've gotten a cop's phone number. Multiplex said "Saved by the bell, give me the gun back." Flash bent his knees, taking the gun while keeping Multiplex in his sights. Multiplex took it and smacked him with the barrel of the gun then walked over to the phone pile, picked up the ringing thing.

He said "Bad move." He made 2 more multiples, they dragged a hostage out. She went kicking and screaming into the middle of the road. As they left Multiplex said "I told you not to attempt contact. Now you get to see a hostage die." One multiple forced the woman to kneel for execution. The other stood behind her, pointing his gun at the back of her sobbing head then pulled the trigger. Nothing happened in slow motion. The multiples came inside.

Multiplex asked "What did you want to say?" Two cops had to hold a colleague back, keeping him from taking over for the negotiator.

Negotiator said "We just found out that one hostage is diabetic, you need to give the hostage insulin. It's getting late. Do you want any food? Anything for the long night ahead of us both?"

Multiplex said "There is something. I want the death certificates for the following individuals. Danton Black, Sam Scudder, Clyde Mardon, Tony Woodward. I'm going to need a name for the hostage."

Negotiator said "Okay, I'll get on those certificates. Multiple hostages have health conditions that are fatal without proper medication."

Multiplex said "I want all deliveries handled by civilians, not LEOs. If I order pizza then the pizza guy delivers. Only call if it's an emergency, don't make up stuff to get hostages, emergencies only. You don't want another public execution. So are you gonna play by my rules?"

Negotiator said "Yes."

Multiplex said "Great. How long is your list?"

Negotiator said "Ten hostages have life threatening conditions." Three multiples pulled the dead out into the snow.

Multiplex said "Quick, make sure those ten people haven't died of lead poisoning. You have two minutes to call back with a recount." He hung up.

He turned to the hostages "Any diabetics? I don't want you dying if I don't kill you."

One cop raised his hand "I'm diabetic. I have insulin in my locker." His name plate read Watson.

"Great. Stand up." He stood, Multiplex walked over "I have something to do. Weather Wizard, you're in charge. Girder, you got multiples." Weather Wizard took deep breaths to control himself, telling himself not to kill Girder.

Multiplex walked Watson outside at gunpoint. Cops retrieving the dead pointed their guns at the approaching suspect. Multiplex said "Weapons holstered, hands up. March, into the precinct." They obeyed, Girder used multiples to take them hostage.

Multiplex marched Watson over to the dead. Keeping his gun on Watson he grabbed one of the dead by the leg, put the leg in Watson's hands then took another by the arm. They turned and walked over to the police barricade. Multiplex said "As promised the diabetic cop," he smiled, "and look I even got the dead bodies for you."

His face went serious, he tapped Watson on the back of the head with his gun "Kneel." Watson knelt, holding the dead leg. Multiplex dropped the arm and pointed a gun at Watson. He said "Death certificates for his life."

A man in a suit said "I'm Detective Martin Fortney, now we looked and there aren't any death certificates for the names you gave us."

Multiplex said "I know my father is dead, I gave you my father's name. Now you're just screwing with me. I'll give you the cops I just took in exchange for those certificates. Maybe I'll throw in Bethany Kline, James Holland, or Cassandra Lauren."

He pointed the gun up "Give me your badge, phone and gun Fortney or Watson dies."

Fortney looked at the kneeling man, "I'm not gonna let that happen."

As he climbed over, Fortney asked "How about a trade? Me for Watson."

"I want your badge, gun and phone. Last warning," Multiplex cocked the gun and Fortney forked over the items. "Our business is concluded. Now let me talk to the professional negotiator." Fortney nodded. He hefted Watson and got back behind the barrier. Another guy in a suit came up to the blockade bar.

"Was he lying? Did my dad really not get a death certificate?"

Negotiator said "Nothing on record, Sam Scudder works at STAR Labs."

Multiplex said "Alright." He holstered the gun, "Well then you're not getting your cops. By my count with those new cops I can let the sick ones die. I actually looked this up and didn't just make up a random number. I'll be sure to let them die in plain view."

Negotiator said "Their medication is in their lockers along with any personal firearms. Break into the lockers and give them their medication."

Multiplex said "No."

Negotiator said "There's nothing you'd be willing to trade for it."

Multiplex said "I set the rules, you play the game."

Negotiator said "We can't have hostages starving to death. Either let us get you all food or you'll be forcing our hands."

Multiplex said "You know what, I'll call you on that one. Don't forget the rules." He walked back towards the precinct, stopped and looked up. He called "No snipers or Cody Reid dies." The cops were forced to call their snipers off. Multiplex entered the precinct, "You can blame the CCPD for failing to do their jobs. Those requiring medication to survive won't be getting it. My father's death went unnoticed."

Cassandra Lauren stood "Our medication is in our lockers. You can get them. Please." She was knocked to her knees with two guns aimed at her head.

Multiplex said "You must be loopy. Trying to get sympathy from a stone."

Cassandra sobbed "Please, our meds give you control."

Multiplex said "No they don't, the thought of us giving you the needed medication gives us room to talk with the cops." He walked over to her, "You want your meds, I want that for you too but I can't give them to you. See, that would mean I consider your life more important than my dad's and he's already dead so I'd be disrespecting the dead. That's double trouble."

He put his gun to her mouth, she stopped crying. He stood her up and had the news people record them in front of the door, "Your CCPD think I will spare the lives of those with treatable deadly conditions, they think that I'm not serious about my threats. I told them to give me my father's death certificate or I'd let the ones with these conditions die publicly. I know I look like the bad guy but you can blame the CCPD for calling my threat a bluff. Cassandra Lauren is not diabetic but she will die without the pills located in her locker. I was willing to trade simple documents for her life, remember I gave them a choice. They chose to give these people the death sentence. You see a kitten suffering, no matter how cute, you end its misery." He fired. The feed was cut, Multiplex tossed the dead body into the street.

Officer James Holland stood "You're a monster. I will not die that way." He moved towards Multiplex and was quickly taken down.

Multiplex said as he walked over, "That I am, James, that I am." He leaned towards the subdued man, "I don't care what your condition is. My blood could probably save your life, it's type O with metahuman genes. Did you know I can heal from anything using my powers? Bet I could cure you of your disease."

James looked up "I will never accept blood from you."

Multiplex said "Too bad I wasn't offering to start. Cassandra was special, my harbinger. You were never going to die on TV." He fired.

Outside Detective Fortney said "We have to do something, he's unstable, he's killing them off."

The negotiator breached the barrier waving white gauze then stopped outside the precinct. With little sound he was taken in. Multiplex said "You are a special kind of stupid. I assume you heard the shots. Just putting them out of their misery, haven't killed anyone who could've survived." Negotiator stared up at him, clearly scared to talk. Multiplex said "You may talk."

Negotiator said "I didn't want to endanger anyone by calling."

Multiplex said "Right, the forcing hands thing. You won't dare move on me. Now I'm gonna start a new ultimatum clock, like I did with Flash. You have until the next hour to get me what I ask for or I'll keep killing the sick. Go tell your masters." John's multiples kicked him out.

Flash looked at a mounted clock "That's not enough time to do anything."

"They'll have to figure something out."

Reyna said "He's right, that's not enough time. They might try to breach instead."

Multiplex said "Go disarm them, protect us."

Reyna said "I'm not going to." Multiplex nodded.

Weather Wizard said "Shame." He sent lightning down on Reyna. She screamed then vanished from existence.

Girder said "That was a little extreme."

Multiplex said "Really, Girder?"

Girder said "Could've used a speedster. Plus another hostage is another card in our deck."

Multiplex called dispatch, "It's Multiplex." He was connected immediately "That lightning hit a hologram trick. You try to breach at any point, everyone dies."

Negotiator said "We know you're suicidal."

"Lightning can be very unpredictable. 10 large pizzas, 5 two liter bottles of soda. Mix up the toppings and soda flavors. Also send the whole precinct bedding for the night. Pizza guy delivers pizza and pop, we'll use the cops' money for it. Detective Fortney delivers the rest. We'll release the delivery guy. Then we're done talking for the night." He hung up.

They kept Detective Fortney. The pizza guy was released after verifying his ID. Flash and Fortney were both locked up in the evidence room before dinner.

The hostages still in the lobby were marched up, each got a slice and a Dixie cup of soda. One man was lactose intolerant. He got stolen snack machine chips instead pizza. The Rogues ate the huge leftovers and dessert from the snack machine. After eating, hostages were given places to sleep. Rogues took the few beds in the precinct. Multiples didn't eat, they got energy from John. They rigged up bombs in case anyone tried to escape. The doors were linked so no entrances could open. If a fire starts the hostages fry.

After he explained the collar to Fortney, Flash looked at the multiples on guard duty "You're sentient. STAR Labs can sever your connection."

Multiple One said "If we help you? We're extensions of him."

Multiple Two said "Get some sleep. He loves you."

Detective Fortney said "We should get some sleep."

Flash said "This is my fault. I killed Danton."

One said "Repeat that." Two recorded Flash's confession then hurried to Multiplex. Justice Leaguers started an attack as Multiplex got to Flash's makeshift cell. He took Flash to the roof.

Multiplex said to the Leaguers flying overhead "I can't win against you, the Rogues can't win. I'm not even going to try."

He pulled out a small box, the remote to Flash's collar, "This is the collar remote."

Superman said "Use it. Turn the collar off."

Multiplex held the remote in his hand as he stepped over the ledge. Not thinking, Flash ran after him, discovering he had his speed the whole time. He caught John and carried him down safely. The hostages had been released into the street.

Police moved in careful formation. Multiplex pointed a gun at running hostages and police opened fire on him. They riddled his body with bullets. He healed by absorbing multiples. Police saw him come back from the dead and retreated.

Multiplex put the camera on Flash, who delivered his confession. Stepping back Multiplex made a call "Reyna, bring the son here." She zipped in with a little boy.

Multiplex told the boy "Your dad died to stop Zoom and Flash built Zoom a time machine."

Flash said "That's not true."

Multiplex asked "Did his dad die to stop Zoom?"

Flash said "Yes."

Multiplex asked "Did you build a time machine for Zoom?"

Flash said "Yes."

Multiplex said "Then it's true." The boy attacked Flash, discovering his own superspeed. Flash refused to fight back. Broken, he took the beating.

Multiplex waited then said "Speedsters hold up." Reyna separated them.

Multiplex used a gun to direct the camera on him "Look up and count to 3." Holding the gun in his back hand he gestured with both hands to the roof, where Leaguers stood watching. With his front hand he held up fingers so they could count with him, he kept his gun pointed at the crowd that formed to watch. He counted "1, 2, 3." slowly. Then the Leaguers were taken down so fast it was hard to tell how.

Weather Wizard joined Multiplex in front of the camera, he said "We are the Rogues and we approve this message."

Multiplex said "Speedsters move out."

Reyna took the Flash and their youngest Rogue Zoom. Multiplex walked off. When the cops tried to move towards him he pointed his gun at a civilian, they let him through. Interested Max Scudder brought him into the Mirror Dimension.

Max said "You made quite a splash." John was eyeing the monsters around them. Max saw "Oh, don't mind them. They work for me."

John looked straight at Max, "What do you want?"

Max said "My father to stick to his ways. That's not why I brought you here. I'm going to help you grow your empire. I can give you the illusion of teleportation."

John asked "What if I refuse? Are you going to keep me here?"

Max said "No. I'll just do everything in my power to beat you. I'll send monsters to destroy your bases. I'll help my brother Scott master the Mirror Dimension so he can join Legion. It won't come to that, we both know you were going to invite me anyway. I want to be your second in command, power over all Rogues except for you."

John said "You can join but I already have a chain of command set. No instant seniority."

Max said "Your Rogues will not talk down to me."

John said "No Rogue will talk down to a teammate."

Max looked him over then looked him in the eye "Deal."

John said "You will drop me off in front of our base." Max nodded, Multiplex appeared in front of his base.

Multiplex walked in, he stood in front of his team "We will expand our empire. Time for some hostile takeovers." They all nodded. He gave a head jerk then they left. The plan was to take over the entire criminal element, they weren't recruiting legacies.

Most superheroes they defeated were in cells the previous owner set up. The Flash's collar was activated and he was alone, bound to a chair in an empty windowless room.

Multiplex visited the locked up Leaguers, Superman said "You're a monster. You turned that boy by twisting the truth."

Multiplex said "No denying that. Better a monster than a weapon."

Batman asked "You were just a kid when Danton died. Matt is older than you were then."

Multiplex said "I know. I don't remember either of them but murder is murder, blood is blood." He left.

He brought Flash food. He asked "How is everybody's favorite killer?"

Flash asked "Why don't you just kill me? You've proven you can."

Multiplex said "I did give you that option."

Flash laughed "Is it feeding time?"

Multiplex said "I only have one extra meal and I have your friends."

Flash tried to jump out of his seat but the cuffs stopped him, "You're not going to hurt them."

Multiplex said "Not unless you force my hand. Who gets the food?"

Flash said "Not me, give it to Batman."

Multiplex took the tray away. He returned to the cell block with a bag in hand. He tapped a few buttons, Batman's chains retracted as the cell barrier went down. Multiplex tossed the bag inside, he pulled a sealed bottle of soda off his belt and threw it in. "Thank Flash. It was his call," he tapped buttons on the holographic tablet that acts as a control board. The barrier went back up and chains dropped down. Batman looked in the bag at the food. Multiplex said "I know you have exactly zero superpowers and on a normal day Flash is a speedster but this still surprises me. Flash hasn't eaten since I got him which is hours more than you."

Superman asked "What about last night at the precinct?"

Multiplex said "Only those in the lobby ate. He was locked up by then." He shrugged and left.

Outside the lock up Multiplex muttered "Score one for Flash." Two weeks later the reign began. People lived in fear of the Rogues as Leaguers were taken down daily. No one was safe.

As the reign of terror got into full swing Multiplex came into the Flash's room to talk among the fearful cries. He said "Merry Christmas."

Flash said "It's Christmas already."

Multiplex said "In about a week it will be, not today. Today your precious STAR Labs falls. I can't guarantee your friends will survive the onslaught."

Flash said "Give me the gun I'll do it. I'll kill us both. Just don't kill them."

Multiplex said "You had your chance to take the easy way out. Today I have a different deal. Kill Batman and I'll let your friends live. What do you say?"

Flash said "I can't, I can't kill my friend. I'm not like you. I value my teammates, I value people's lives. I'll never be like you."

Multiplex said "Wow. You've said a lot more than I thought someone in your position would be able to." Flash had eaten very little. For a hero, hearing the screams of the innocent is the worst torture anyone could put him through.

Flash said "Please don't hurt them. Multiplex, you know I'll beg you."

Multiplex said "I'll give the people New Year's Day."

Flash said "Thank you, Multiplex, thank you."

Multiplex walked up and started beating the Flash. "Everything costs," he said as he stopped and backed off.

Flash said "The people are innocent, don't take your anger against me out on them."

The week of Christmas, Multiplex made an announcement "I will let you have Christmas and New Year's Day. The Rogues will take time off, we'll even let your cops do their jobs. So long as rebels don't try anything."

He walked away with scared people making a path for him. It was some heroic hacker who thought he could stand in for the Justice League that bothered him. He preached the Light of Hope and he was a great hacker. He covered his tracks, held the rebellion together.

Multiplex made a trip to the Flash's cell "Merry Christmas."

Flash said "It's Christmas, already."

Multiplex said "I know how you feel. I lost track of the year."

Flash said "Can't you take Christmas off?" He clenched his fists, still chained to the chair.

Multiplex said "I plan to, it's not Christmas today. We'll give people a break then. Cops can even go back to work."

Flash said "You're a monster."

Multiplex said "I know."

Flash asked "Is there a point to this visit?"

Multiplex said "Not really. Can I take your mask off? You can see there are no cameras."

Flash said "Go to Hell."

Multiplex said "I'm sure I will. Is that grown up for no?"

Flash said "You're not really asking."

Multiplex asked "Do you have a family? Does anyone care about the man under the mask?"

Flash looked up at him, "God, that must feel nice. And you feel the same?" Multiplex sounded almost amazed.

Flash just glared up at Multiplex, who admitted "I know Matt loved me but I just, I can't truly feel the same anymore."

Multiplex dropped his head into his hand, "I can't feel that way about anything. Nothing will humanize this monster I've become." He broke into a coughing fit then straightened up. "I'll be going now, nice chat." He smiled and left.

He rushed through the base towards his quarters, as the coughing got worse. Leaning against the wall, leading to his room was Mirror Master, "You're running out of time."

John put one hand against the hall wall, Multiplex said "He's not ready yet. He's not broken. Get the Snart girl. Bring her back. I need to talk to Weather Wizard about the raid."

Mirror Master said "You need to get better first."

Multiplex snapped, "Send me Weather Wizard."

Mirror Master said "You got it. I'll get Cara too."

Multiplex straightened up and stood out in their front room. The former meeting room looked like some kind of storage room, full of crates. Weather Wizard came in "You wanted to see me, sir." He was rightfully scared, he ignored a direct summons and had to be fetched.

Multiplex said "Yes. You'll personally lead a raid on the Central City STAR Labs outpost. Have the scientists locked up away from the Leaguers. We are going to cripple what's left of the League through these raids. You will be responsible for synchronized raids against STAR Labs locations, use the criminals. Nobody dies. Only knock out the legacies, leave them there. You will be responsible for the raids and personally leading the Central City raid." He started with his back to Wes, on the opposite side of the room and ended in Mardon's face.

Multiplex backed off so they were face to face "Am I clear?"

Weather Wizard said "Of course, sir."

Multiplex asked "Why are you still here? Get the teams assembled and get this done before Christmas. We are taking December 25th off." Weather Wizard nodded and left. They took the scientists then raided the building for equipment before destroying the building with legacies just outside the blast radius and cleared out, moving on to others, like Mercury Labs. The equipment was moved via the Mirror Dimension.

Max came back with Cara Snart, John Black greeted them "I am glad you made it." He looked at Max "Was the bomb planted?"

Max said "Yes. Somewhere they'll never find it, at least not in time."

"Good." Turning back to Cara, John said "I am especially happy we were able to recruit you."

Max saw John's cane, "Sir?"

John held up the cane "Just for show." He put it back down and leaned on it, "I can do anything I want to."

Cara said "I'm glad to be here. Let's just get to work." She tried to pass him, Max grabbed her arm.

John said "Not quite yet, before you can join we have to trust you. Can't be too careful about traitors." He smiled.

Max said "She'll do anything."

Cara said "I will and I can speak for myself."

John said "That's good, both things are. Now you need to get your uniform. Your father wore a parka so dressing like him will help you blend in more than Max can."

Cara said "Cool." Mirror Master lead her away.

John hobbled off to a big chair, he loved the extravagance being the Rogues' leader granted him. Truth is he was dying, as he sat down he wondered what it would take to transfer into a healthy body. He wanted the Flash's, possibly the only other man with the potential to see into the timeline like he could. But the fact was his little brother might be the best option. He fell asleep in his chair, weak from making his multiples look strong. When criminals went on guard duty he absorbed his multiples.

On Christmas day Multiplex made a decision. With a disguised multiples he visited the last surviving Black. Matt was not in the mood to deal with his brother so Duplex attacked. Multiplex knocked him out and took him into custody. With mostly criminals on guard duty Multiplex could give off the illusion of strength, he stood in front of Duplex's cell. When Duplex came to, Multiplex said "I did not want it to come to this. I wanted, I didn't want this to burden you but you forced my hand."

Duplex said "Real tough, kidnapping your own little brother."

Multiplex said "I did not kidnap Matt Black. I took Duplex into my custody, he had an army of duplicates."

Duplex said "You know they're one and the same."

Multiplex said "Really? I'm Multiplex, I'm more than just John Black. John Black is dying, I'm standing strong. John Black can't stay awake for 12 hours, I can keep going for days. John Black was a victim of the U.S. government, primarily the military. I scare the government and the military. I am not John Black, I am Multiplex. I guess I have no true family. I guess John Black's brother can't accept his true power and succeed him as me. I guess Matt Black is weaker than I thought."

Duplex said "Let me talk to John Black. You won't listen, he will."

Multiplex asked "Where do you see John? He's gone, he's not here. I'm here. If you will not succeed him then I guess I'll have to use a less suitable replacement. Flash will do, he's breakable."

Duplex said "Please, John, snap out of it."

Multiplex spoke in a calm voice like he really thought John was someone else, "Matt, just take my place. Carry on our father's name." Multiplex switched back "You heard him."

Duplex didn't fall for it "You just faked that. We both know you don't really believe you and him are two different people. We both know you just did that for effect."

Multiplex said "You're smart. Maybe I'll bring you to the transfer to help the scientists there. You can see me take over the Flash. How does that sound?"

Duplex ran at the door only for his chains to stop him short. He looked back, as if just realizing he was chained. He faced forward "You're not a monster, you're nothing. You manipulate people because when it comes down to it you don't have any real power. Danton died because his power was so weak. He couldn't even maintain the illusion he was just another multiple, after he put so much thought into that plan." His voice rife with sarcasm.

Multiplex said "Danton? You mean your dad. Have you forgotten your own origin story?"

Duplex said "I haven't forgotten anything. I was just making sure my brother, John is still in there."

Weather Wizard blasted Multiplex with wind then lead Rogues as they surrounded their leader. Multiplex turned to Duplex's cell "Watch, you might learn something." He looked up at Weather Wizard, "Kill two birds with one stone." He leapt up and viciously attacked Weather Wizard. Pounding him away from the Rogues.

Multiplex pulled his gun, he kept beating the Rogue until he fell to the ground. Multiplex cocked the gun and aimed it at his associate, Weather Wizard, Wes Mardon. He said "One Mardon is as good as another."

He pointed the gun up and knelt next to the Rogue, he whispered "Try that again and you'll be the one shooting Marcus." He stood and kicked the man a few times.

Then turned at the rest of the Rogue traitors, they ran and a multiple stopped them. Zoom was the smartest, he dropped to his knees in front of Multiplex and looked up at Multiplex "Please. He said you were dying, called it a mercy killing. It might've been a joke. Please don't kill me." Seeing no other choice, the rest of the crowd joined him in begging for mercy.

John gestured for them to make a path. He walked down the aisle, shooting a few of the kneeling Rogues, any repeat attempted assassins. Multiplex said "If you can stand, get out of here." The survivors got up and crowded out of the door.

Then something unexpected happened, the Flash bust in and began beating on Multiplex. Taking the beating Multiplex radioed "Connect the feed to my phone. Kill them." He pulled out a smartphone and showed innocent people being shot. "You better stop if you don't want 20 dead." Flash stopped and fell to his knees.

Multiplex asked "Did you really think beating me would do anything? Damn, I bet you did. Guess we have to work New Year's day." Guards took Flash away.

Duplex said "Looks like you have another traitor."

Multiplex said "Probably some dumb criminal, Rogues know better. They betray me and their family dies. Criminals only know rumors about torture. They probably think that's all they are, rumors. They're not. We need to amp up the anti-rebel work."

He walked out, Max was again leaning against a wall. Mirror Master teased "I knew he'd say no. Scott is the same way. They've gotten inside our brothers' heads."

Multiplex said "Stand guard outside Flash's room. No matter what, do not enter. I need to prep him for the transfer."

He called out "Weather Wizard."

Weather Wizard heard and ran right there, he'd just betrayed Multiplex twice, "What do you need?"

"Tell the scientists to make a new montage and extend the clips so there's no denying the people died." He held up the smartphone.

Weather Wizard said "You got it." He took the phone and ran off.

Mirror Master said "Man, you got him running scarred like some lackey. Lucky he didn't really kill you."

Multiplex said "I don't want to rely on luck. Let's go to the Flash's room."

They walked off, Mirror Master leaned on the wall next to the door when Multiplex walked into a rebound Flash, he leaned over, slipped his fingers under the mask and onto Flash's temples. Flash screamed out in pain, grabbing Multiplex's wrists then the pain subsided and he saw the future. Time flashed by in front of him, Flash saw the timeline like Multiplex did. After a few moments, Multiplex pulled his fingers away. The jolt back to the present made Flash jump, his chair tipped and he fell. Multiplex fixed his chair then left. Mirror Master followed him away from the door. Max assigned two low ranking Rogues to watch Flash without a word.

Multiplex said "Get Cara, I want a full medical evaluation. What does her brain look like? How is she health wise? Are her brainwaves normal? I want the full deal and I want it in three hours, go." Mirror Master nodded and left.

Multiplex ordered every criminal he could spare to lay siege on every major city he could think of. Then he ordered remaining Rogues into the front room. He grouped Rogues into teams of 3 to aid the sieges. He saw everyone off.

Multiplex was left with founding members and Zoom. He pointed to Zoran (Reyna) "Drive our boat to the Gordon City shipping docks. Make the docks' crew move our container to the ship, the thing is cleared for that. Use your speed to go through discipline records for our criminals, find the IDs of all repeat offenders. Lock the repeat offenders in the container, handcuffed to each other in rows. Pack them in tight. Drive the boat to sea, stay in Gordon City water. Drop anchor. Don't even touch the container, just abandon ship and return here. Got all that?"

"Yes," Reyna sped off.

Multiplex turned to Girder "Review CCTV footage of our disciplinary bases and cell blocks. Find any of our guys not doing their job or falling asleep on the job, I don't care how long their shift was, find their name and make a list. Go." Girder ran to the security office.

Multiplex looked at Weather Wizard and Zoom "Kidnap every legacy and their families. Lock them up, you know where. Zoom, I'll call you back when it's time for your solo job. Weather Wizard, leaving the ten mile radius around the precinct we started at alone, rob every store in Central City. You know what I mean by rob then go through and rob every person in Central City. The kidnapping comes first. Do you understand your instructions?" They did.

Multiplex looked at Weather Wizard alone "What are your orders?"

Weather Wizard said "Kidnap every legacy and their living family, that includes what's left of the Mardon family and non-villain parents with household. Lock them up in the disciplinary offices then rob most of Central City, the ten mile radius outside the precinct we got Flash from is the exception. Rob the stores then the people. Zoom returns when you call, I return when I'm done."

Multiplex said "Good, go."

While John was delegating, Duplex got to work, making his move. He used the chains to tear up his wrists until the blood was gushing, his wrists were slit.

He called to the guards "Multiplex wants us alive so you're as good as dead."

They turned to see the blood, pointed guns. One radioed "We got a suicide attempt here."

Multiplex ran in and supervised. He nodded to the guards, they moved into the cell and unchained the prisoner. Duplex quickly leaned back and kicked the lead with all of his weight. The other two holding his now healed wrists tried to pull on him but he already had the advantage. He twisted around, moving his weight to take down the guards. Multiplex rolled his eyes, Duplex ran at him. He took the boy down in one strong punch to the temple.

Multiplex grabbed his wrists, "Just what I thought." He pulled out the packages hidden under the skin of Matt's wrists. He said "I'm actually glad you did that. I was wondering who in my ranks was worth killing."

He pushed Duplex, keeping his grip tight around Matt's wrist. He pulled his gun with his free hand and in three shots killed the guards Duplex beat. The trauma of their needless deaths was enough to trigger something in Duplex. He got angry and his duplicates beat the other guards to death. Multiplex turned, releasing Matt's wrist and said "Thank you for killing the others. Their replacements will be here soon."

Duplex said "They're not," his face went ghostly white, "They're dead." He dropped to his knees.

Multiplex said "You're still not ready." He grabbed Matt's wrist, pulling him up "You still can't handle true power. Guess I've stalled long enough." He threw Matt into an oncoming set of multiples. As he left he radioed "Send more guards in, these are kind of dead. Couldn't even handle an escape attempt with the prisoner still in the cell."

The shock washed away from Matt, "You killed those human guards for not taking down a guy with superpowers."

Multiplex radioed "Mirror Master, let's begin the transfer." Mirror Master took the Flash from the chair and strapped him into one of the transfer pods. Dr. Snow was forced to operate the machine or her coworkers would be killed. Multiplex climbed into the other pod, Mirror Master strapped him in.

Multiplex asked "Are you sure you want to do this with the mask on? When this is over, your face will be my face."

Duplex was watching with multiples keeping him in place. It clicked what was happening, he cried "Please John, don't do this."

Multiplex ignored him. That was the trauma, that was the last nail in the coffin. It triggered his true power. The Flash was already nodding off from the anesthesia. Duplex took down the multiples.

Mirror Master declared "This is not my problem." He ditched the Rogues base.

Matt broke Multiplex's chamber. Dr. Snow stopped the transfer to save both lives then she turned the machines off. Duplex released the Flash before taking the packages from Multiplex and handing them to Dr. Snow. She opened them, one gave her just what she needed to wake Flash up. Duplex had forgotten what the boxes had. The Flash's collar had been removed for the transfer.

Duplex and Flash took the base. They locked Multiplex in the first cell they could find. Flash ran the Rogues to Iron Heights prison for proper containment, leaving Multiplex with them. In the superhero cell block, he asked "What do we do now?"

Duplex said "I don't know, my job was to get in and get that box to the doctor."

Flash looked at him, Dr. Snow explained "We figured the doctor would be a civilian. This was before they raided STAR Labs."

Duplex said "I think I can get us the codes. Wait here." He did the speed trick John had shown him before forming the Rogues.

Matt stood in the middle of an empty living room with a bar and a huge TV. He did his best Multiplex impression "Matt did take his rightful place after all. Mirror Master, come here, traitor. This is your first strike." Mirror Master appeared behind him.

Duplex split into two chains of duplicates, doing the speed trick. One chain took the collar and remote, putting Multiplex to sleep with the anesthesia. The other took Mirror Master to the cell block. Absorbing the collar chain from a distance, Matt put the collar on Max then stopped.

"Brilliant. Of course, he'd know the codes," Flash turned from Max to Matt, "How'd you?"

"Simple voice trick and change from normal phrasing." Flash stared at Duplex "I made him think I'm Multiplex."

Ronnie said "That makes sense."

Duplex said "For a guy who can see and hear through any reflective surface, he's sure gullible."

Mirror Master said "True, probably from living in the Mirror Dimension my whole life. Take this collar off or get overrun with monsters."

Duplex asked "How do you think we know it's more than mirrors? Jay told us. I don't think your friend is invading anywhere." Mirror Master grabbed for Duplex but Flash ran him into the wall by the door.

Flash said "Man, you really are stupid."

Duplex said "And you're going loopy." Flash let go of Mirror Master, "Dr. Snow, how were those boxes supposed to help normal people win this for us?"

Dr. Snow said "This should help us now." She injected Mirror Master with the contents of a syringe.

After a minute she said "Open the cells. Let the Leaguers go." He got up and did just that.

Cisco said "That is awesome. Also very dangerous, how does it work?"

Duplex said "It overrides the frontal lobe, right?"

Flash said "I didn't know Batman mentored superhumans on that level."

Duplex said "I'm a science prodigy."

Flash said "Right." He extended the word for effect, trying to play it off.

Duplex turned to Dr. Snow "Would Multiplex's device really let him transfer his consciousness into Flash?"

Dr. Snow said "It was a very complex setup. It would've done more than that. It would've effectively caused a body swap."

Duplex said "Is it dangerous to put him back in the broken pod? Just to keep him unconscious."

Mirror Master stopped what he was doing, he was shaking off the drug's effects. Dr. Snow walked over "Let the Leaguers go." He continued releasing Leaguers.

Cisco asked "Are you going evil?"

Duplex said "As long as she keeps him under like that he'll tell us everything. She's not going evil, we can't unlock the cells." He pointed to a vent "That's for poison gas. The barriers don't block air."

Cisco said "Then keep it up, we do not want to die. His eyes were fixed on the vent.

Duplex said to Dr. Snow "If I put Multiplex in one of those damaged pods to keep him under, would that hurt him or anything?"

Dr. Snow said "This had better be a hypothetical. Those pods are partly electric, you broke them, they could spark on fire or electrocute an occupant."

Duplex said "Flash, please go get him." He ran and brought Multiplex back.

Superman suggested "You should take him to Iron Heights."

Dr. Snow said "He's dying from the military experiments."

Duplex said "I remember him being taken away." They all looked at him except for Mirror Master who was busy completing his mission.

Duplex said "What? I remember my brother being taken away from our home. That surprises you. Guys in dark suits, like agents in the movies, took him. Iron Heights is government run, right?"

Superman said "Some of the things he said, 'better a monster than a weapon'. Maybe we should keep him in our custody. He's too dangerous for Iron Heights."

Duplex said "Whatever you gotta tell yourself." He turned to Dr. Snow, "So the transfer system is broken, it can't be used again."

Dr. Snow said "Exactly, you did a great job breaking it. You didn't need to break both pods."

Duplex said "The machine is completely useless, no point trying to fix it. Better that than one pod being used to recreate the science."

Dr. Snow saw the Leaguers were all free, "Mirror Master, over here." He came over and gave him a knockout drug.

"Wasn't using him for information the point?" Duplex asked, "Wasn't that why Martian Manhunter didn't try taking the codes? Because it'd be easier to ask him for the information after the League was out. Or was that just an excuse we used on Cisco?"

Dr. Snow said "It's fast acting, not long lasting."

Duplex said "Okay, here's the remote to the collar if anyone wants it." Flash sped up, took it and put the collar back on Multiplex.

"You didn't even change the settings. Good thing he didn't know that," Flash commented.

"He thought I was Multiplex." Matt smiled and the Leaguers smiled back.

Dr. Snow said "Technically you are. You're the only one still qualified for the legacy name."

Smiles faded, "Not the way I meant it, I'm not. Flash?"

"Yeah?"

Duplex said "Let's get out of here, it's a future crime scene." Flash zipped everyone to the Central City STAR Labs outpost which was ashes.

Flash asked "What happened?"

Duplex said "Yeah, that. They kidnapped the employees, knocked out legacies, raided the place then blew it up. I mean the first two things were simultaneous." He backed up across the abandoned street, ran up and jumped the fence.

Ronnie called "That was a little extreme, you know the code."

Duplex said "I just don't feel like being electrocuted trying to enter it." They saw the exposed wire surrounding the code box.

Cisco hollered "You forgot to mention that."

Matt said "He was asking about the building not the fence and at any rate that happened a few days later."

Ronnie climbed the fence over, "I think this is the safer route." Everyone else who couldn't fly followed his lead.

Batman asked "Are all STAR Labs like this?"

Duplex said "For a Central City native, he has some grudge against Gotham, they got all the hate. As far as crime count, your city is the safest in the country. Still the most dangerous but not many crimes."

Kid Flash and the other still free speedsters ran by, circling around the fence to attack. Then stopped, realizing who was gathered. Kid Flash greeted Flash.

Flash said "Wondering when we'd get the news you guys were dead."

Duplex stretched the truth "They kept us under control and together. We should probably get the other fugitives here." The League didn't get the joke but Duplex and the other speedsters had a laugh. One ran away, he brought the rest of the free heroes to the scene.

While that speedster gathered their group Duplex said "Flash, you should probably take Mirror Master to Iron Heights." Flash picked up the unconscious Rogue and did just that.

Duplex turned to Superman "We should probably leave the burned down building, beam over to the HQ somehow." Next thing he knew he was sitting at the League's meeting table.

Kid Flash asked "So who loses their seat?"

Flash said "You do."

Kid Flash said "Oh come on." He huffed out.

Duplex said "Some would argue that he should replace Flash since he was free longer. I just think we need to tell people you're free."

Superman said "That was an oversight."

Duplex asked "Does this mean I'm on the list for next year?"

Flash said "You're just like him. You can't focus."

Duplex said "He offered to spare STAR Labs, didn't he? He played with you on it. What was the tradeoff?"

Flash "He did play with me like that."

Duplex "What was the tradeoff?"

Flash "He was just playing."

Duplex "The tradeoff was huge. What was it?"

Flash turned it around "How did you know about the offer?"

Duplex used the chain speed trick to run behind Flash's founder seat "Indecision isn't our only commonality neither is our blood."

Flash said "That's not an answer."

Duplex "You want a straight answer, you first."

Flash "Kill Batman. Your turn."

Duplex "Multiplex isn't an idiot. He genuinely thought you'd agree."

Flash "Your turn to answer my question."

Duplex "Should've made me promise one." He took a sharp breath then suddenly doubles were behind every Leaguer.

A voice took over "I told you I'd be settling with Flash."

Dr. Snow ran in "John has amnesia, it's like he and Multiplex really were separate."

Cisco said "I think they know."

Multiplex said "Sit down now." They sat down.

Flash said "Matt and John aren't the same person. Matt is stronger."

Multiplex said "He's really not. If anything John was stronger."

Duplex took over "Flash kill me. It won't," he was silenced by Multiplex.

Flash said "You can't take him over. John let you in. Matt didn't. That's why John sounds like you."

Multiplex said "I have one week to get that invitation."

Ronnie said "Flash kill him so Multiplex will leave." Most stared at him like a loon but Flash understood. He drove his hand into Matt's chest. Multiplex abandoned the dead, Duplex absorbed the doubles. That healed him. He hugged Flash, firing a gun into Flash's back.

Multiplex said "I'm not that easy to get rid of." He stepped back and Flash fell.

Kid Flash ran in and attacked Multiplex. Multiples surrounded Kid Flash, he was restrained. He fought out of their grip. Multiplex slipped his fingers onto the hero's temples. Multiplex said "Really would've been settling with Flash."

Kid Flash socked him in the mouth. His multiples pulled Kid Flash to the ground.

Kid Flash said "You really don't understand strategy. They needed time to open the cell."

Multiplex said "You stupidly brought me up here. What happens next just remember that."

John came in "You're such a liar." One of his multiples appeared behind Matt with a gun to Matt's head.

John said "You don't want Matt and we both know you can't go into any non Black. Will a clone of one work?"

Multiplex surrounded John with multiples. John fought with the multiples. He didn't give in, he dominated the fight. Matt was wearing down as John Rogue sped over.

Multiplex grabbed John's throat "Yes a clone of John Black will work."

A cruel light entered John's eyes then left. He said "Hey, bro."

Matt said "I'm not falling for that again."

John told him the truth "You just discovered Multiplex isn't a name but an entity."

Matt asked "What just happened?!"

"Ask the Leaguers, Kid Flash or the scientists." John got on his knees and put his hands behind his head.

Kid Flash said "Like we're gonna risk Multiplex getting out. Get up."

John stood, facing Kid Flash "Thanks." He turned to Matt "Check your pockets for the collars' remote."

Matt responded "You made more sense when you had lost your mind."

John said "Just check."

Matt pulled out the remote "This is for your collar."

John took it, hit a button and the collar released. He made multiples and picked up the Flash then followed Dr. Snow out, carrying Flash. She pointed to an open pod, John didn't hear a word she was saying. He just put Flash in the pod she pointed at.

Ronnie lead John away and put him in cell like quarters. He locked the door behind John. Returning to the lab he told his wife Dr. Snow "I don't like that guy. Are you really using cloning on Flash?"

Dr. Snow said "He's not dead yet. I'm saving his life. That's legal."

Cisco said "Let's leave her to it. Don't want him dying." Ronnie took the not so subtle hint and left.

In the meeting room, Matt repeated "John reabsorbed Multiplex. Shouldn't that screw with his head again?"

Ronnie came in "Well if what they both said is true then only you and John can hold Multiplex, who called John the stronger Black."

Kid Flash agreed "Maybe John has built up an immunity to the effects. We don't know what Multiplex's deal is."

Superman asked Ronnie "What's the situation with Flash?"

Ronnie said "Dr. Snow said he's still alive. She's using medical cloning, the legal application of cloning technology, to heal him."

Duplex said "Legal use as opposed to using the illegal form on Justice League' equipment. Of course she's not breaking the law here, Firestorm."

Ronnie asked "How did you know about that?"

Duplex said "You mean how Central City STAR Labs outpost is staffed by ex villains. I looked up your names. Very clever hiding in plain sight."

Ronnie said "Not hiding and there's part of the story not in the public records."

Duplex said "You mean how another scientist, Firestorm's conscience died in your last battle. So you have no powers. Unlike your wife Killer Frost, who could use her deadly powers today."

Ronnie said "I have my powers. It's just harder to use. That's not in any records."

Duplex said "Using Firestorm's powers would kill you."

Kid Flash asked "Did you peek at the timeline?"

No time to answer as Killer Frost and a possessed Flash crashed the party. Flash raced in, his first target was Kid Flash. Duplex said "Knock him out, Kid, So we can undo the brainwashing."

Ronnie said "Can't hold back." He jumped on Killer Frost. She put her hand on his throat.

Duplex sped over "I've seen your stats. You're not bulletproof." He pointed a gun at her.

Killer Frost threw Ronnie down, "Heroes, we both know you won't kill me."

She grabbed the gun, Duplex's eyes glowed pure white with power as he created an army to surround her in seconds. His eyes continued to glow, Flash stopped fighting the League and sped over.

Flash knelt "The true Multiplex has risen." Duplex had felt the overwhelming surge of power but he kept it in check.

Killer Frost was scared by his power, "You don't look just like the others now." Duplex glared at her, eyes bright with power. He took two steps towards her and she stumbled back in response.

Duplex turned back and stalked towards the possessed Flash, Flash said "Don't master. Don't do this. Stop."

Duplex put his hand on Flash's shoulder, he lifted the hero to his feet and pulled Multiplex out, releasing his grip when Flash was restored. Then used the same move on Killer Frost. He released her and took a step back, closing his eyes. Ronnie asked "You okay?"

Duplex opened his eyes, back to normal brown, "I'm fine."

Kid Flash said "I vote he gets League membership."

That got a laugh, Flash said "I second that."

Superman said "I don't know what just happened but I'm with the Flash."

Ronnie said "Put it to a full vote."

Wonder Woman said "All in favor?" Everyone raised their hands, even the non Leaguers.

Batman said "Looks like you're in."

Colonel Cold said "Of course the ceremony is the same time every year. So it's unofficial for a few more months but yeah you're in."

Duplex said "Of course. Cool." He sped out.

Kid Flash said "That was weird."

Flash asked "What's today's date?"

Ronnie put it together "You're right it's the anniversary." Flash ran after Duplex.

Wonder Woman asked "Anniversary of what?"

Dr. Snow said "The day Flash killed Danton Black." That silenced everyone. The whole world knew about Flash's crime since Multiplex started the Rogues' reign by taking over a Central City police precinct.

They stood around in stunned silence until Batman broke the silence "We have to do it."

Heat said "There's no reason to get involved. Cold back me up."

Colonel Cold drew his gun, pointed out then pointed up. He said "Real Rogues don't kill." Through his dark blue goggles, the team saw him glare at Heat.

Heat started "What about Cara's," Cold cut him off with a swift slap across his face. Leaguers began taking their seats.

What Colonel Cold lacked in raw strength he made up for in skill and intelligence. He couldn't stand other Leaguers' behavior sometimes, Colonel Cold had no powers but he could do something about his annoying teammates. Considered one of the most dangerous Leaguers, he didn't care who anyone thought they were. All that mattered to him as a hero: did you break the law? As a person, behind the goggles he knew the world was full of grays. In both respects he was cold and believed in the idea of dumb laws. He was no one's lackey, he answered to no one except himself.

His partner Heat was a different story. Behind his red goggles wasn't just Heatwave's son, he was a Spanish American orphaned by a justice system when it played hardball for intel. He has managed to stay warm and happy. His world has little black in it. With his strength, they balanced each other.

Heat recovered from the gun handed slap fast, his mouth was bleeding, "I say we stay out of it. Don't shoot me for that."

Colonel Cold said "Don't bring something up you know nothing about."

Heat said "Sorry. Didn't she die because,"

Colonel Cold grabbed him and slammed him in the table "Hm?"

Heat said "Alright I'm dropping it."

Batman said "We need to vote to kick Flash off the team."

Colonel Cold said "Alright then. All in favor?" He raised his hand and others slowly followed.

Heat said "All opposed?" Some raised their hand with him.

Superman said "Majority rules then. Flash has to leave the team."

Heat said "This proves Cold and I don't have a hive mine like some thought." He stood and huffed off.

Colonel Cold said "I would've thought Heat would be for and I'd be against something like this. Who's on monitor duty?"

Superman said "Maybe you and Duplex."

Colonel Cold said "I already have a partner, I'm not holding the rookie's hand. I didn't sign up Matt and I'm not signing up for Duplex Black now."

Superman said "I don't even think Matt has a League mentor. We're outnumbered here."

Colonel Cold said "That made John's job easy. Just offer a chance to use their powers. We shouldn't be in the mentorship business if we can't handle it." He couldn't be clearer, he could dumb it down but that would just be rephrasing.

Superman said "Maybe you're right." That was the first straw but not the last. He was supporting his point, Matt didn't get a mentor.

Colonel Cold sighed and gave "Fine I'll watch the kid but you have to convince Heat to stay here for the shift."

Batman said "Done." Colonel Cold stood and left, scratching his head with his cold gun.

Superman asked "Do you know how you're going to convince Heat? He's not the most rational Leaguer."

"I can convince him. You've got the harder job, telling Flash he's out." Batman coolly left.

Batman found Heat hadn't left the building. He was at the controls of a training room. Batman said "You need to set a pre session or the simulation will start and lock you out."

Heat said "I'm not going to use the room. I'm going to use the console to access the code after I set difficulty levels for the diverse League. There's guys like us with no superpowers, speedsters and gods."

Batman said "That's a brilliant idea. Are you adding the Rogues to the simulator's library?"

Heat said "Yup. I know you're supposed to convince me to stay up here with Colonel Cold and Duplex."

Batman said "Just showing the kid the ropes like we did for you two when you joined."

Heat said "I don't know why Colby thought I'd need convincing, I don't."

Batman said "Good." He left.

Flash had found Duplex using his powers in the garage. He was building a custom bike, his powers made him a mechanic team. Flash said "You build that whole thing."

Duplex said "Ronnie gave me access after training. He helped me get the parts. It's all custom. I'm not stupid, Flash, and I'm not angry. I know what today is but you don't have to worry."

Flash said "That doesn't worry me. I know you barely care. What I did will probably get me kicked out of Legion. So there's that."

Duplex said "I could use your help on one part of this build. I want this thing to never run out of fuel. I need some help on the alternative fuel sources."

Flash asked "What fuel sources?"

Duplex answered "The kind that makes me want to build from a distance. Could you build the battery pack? It's the easiest secondary fuel source, not an innovation."

Duplex stood up from behind the bike, his doubles continued to build. He went over to a large tool chest. He put items into a small open wooden box. He rifled through the chest drawers until he found a picture, he put the photo in the box.

Matt told Flash "This is what Ronnie thinks it should look like." He handed Flash the box.

Flash asked "Should? Didn't you say it already exists?"

Duplex said "Well it has to be smaller than the existing one, thing is a secondary source in a custom bike. If you need help then talk to Ronnie." He returned to the bike and clicked the hologram off. The bike was just a bunch of parts. Bit by bit it would come together. Matt had to make every component smaller.

Ronnie came in, he stopped Flash by taking the box. He said "Stop. You'll blow the place up this way."

Duplex said "I wish we could start with the new fuel sources. If we could find a way to make them all work for this, that would make a huge difference."

Ronnie said "I'm excited about this project but we need to be smart moving forward. We can't just miniaturize crucial components." Matt became one man, absorbing his doubles.

Duplex said "Right. Back to the blocks then." He was referring to building parts like engine blocks.

Ronnie said "No. Can you help rebuild the outpost? A one man construction crew."

Duplex said "We both can, right Flash?"

Flash said "Sure. The League needs STAR Labs." He ran the three out.

They cleared the sites of ruble. Duplex drove heavy machinery to clear the site like normal people would. Good thing the STAR Labs had more than their outposts, they got the needed materials to rebuild through the other locations.

Ronnie said "With this outpost we can start working on those fuel sources. Cisco, Dr. Wells and I can help, if you're okay with the additions to the project."

Duplex said "It's no problem."

Ronnie said "Okay." Then the onslaught of monsters and criminals began. Flash ran Duplex to the city. They were the first responders.

Duplex made an army, his eyes glowed with power. He realized that making duplicates made him feel stronger, it didn't weaken him. He knew the effort tired Danton and that's how Flash found him. As the thoughts entered his mind single soldiers in his self made army took on criminals while teams took on monsters. He noticed their eyes didn't glow, it clicked what Killer Frost had said. He was the only one with glowing eyes. They only glowed when he made an army, making a construction crew didn't trigger the change. Moving around, taking on as many as he could, Duplex closed his eyes so the glow wouldn't give him away. Leaguers joined the fight, entire hero families alongside legacies fought the monsters.

Duplex called out "Flash, any of you, evacuate the civilians." Barry and Wally got on it.

Duplex absorbed and replaced doubles before they could be killed, he didn't want to test the limits of this change. Fighting was almost like a regular ballet to some civilians, the Leaguers were the ballerinas. Duplex focused, they couldn't keep this up. With their army of heroes and heroes in training they were still outmatched. He backed off the monster he was fighting, his eyes cooled as his men lost their main mind.

Batman noticed, he yelled "What do you think you're doing, Duplex?"

Duplex answered "Tactical retreat. We're outmatched. Back off or die and leave the people defenseless. I'll cover you."

Batman wanted to argue, instead he said "Duplex is right." He started moving away.

Colonel Cold added "Let's live to win later." He lead the legacies away.

Duplex exploded with power, he drove himself passed the edge as everyone ran to get clear. One minute he saw heroes moving away from the fight then he briefly blacked out with the surge of power he created. It was too much power for one man to take, good thing he wasn't one man. With everyone getting clear, it was just him on the battlefield. The tide turned towards his favor. He had created a bigger army. As they ran the heroes saw the army was full of glowing eyes. Matt's mind had become a hive mind, every man in his army had an active mind. Duplex was fighting on a whole new level. Eventually his power would fail, he would falter as he got tired, he may even fall but he would buy his team time. Today Duplex saved Central City, that thought helped him push through the eventuality.

Once clear of the fight, through the rebuilt Central City STAR Labs outpost they regrouped in their HQ. Everyone forgot about firing Flash, the thought was far from their minds at the moment. They all agreed to activate their various bases. The outpost crew agreed to pool as many Nova scientists as they could. It was amazing what a little monster invasion did for Legion's effectiveness, everyone worked effortlessly well together.

Duplex had his day in the sun but it was Major Mirror, Scott Scudder who won the battle. Max had gotten out of the charges by becoming a witness. He told some heroes and federal agents everything. In return they agreed to leave him be in the Mirror Dimension, he'd even swung fair judgement for all monsters. That deal created the Central City invasion and Scott pounded some sense into Max. Another two deals were made that benefited both parties, Scott's side more than the first of the three*. Some argument against making deals with the other Dimensional Devil, widened the rift within Legion. Duplex did fall fighting the invasion force, he was hospitalized inside Legion's HQ.

See Max Scudder's Mirror Master solo book.

No one in the Justice League trusted John Black, he was allowed restricted access in the headquarters because it was his home. Restricted access allowed him into the cafeteria, his room and on select computers for schooling. They didn't put him in the system, instead he used a key card to get around the HQ. After Scott made the deals with Max and things cooled down, John was escorted in handcuffs to the only rebuilt outpost. He sat down on the hospital bed and the cuffs were taken off, Leaguers provided security.

Dr. Snow told him "Take off your shirt, we need to run a few tests." He complied. He helped out where he could, doing chores around mainly the HQ but some around the bases that legacies were relocated to. Dr. Snow hooked him up to machines for the first few tests, he felt a familiar jolt of electricity to test his body's response to stimuli.

John said "You're electrocuting me."

Dr. Snow said "Just seeing your vitals response."

Superman was one of the guards, "Ease up. Is that really necessary?"

John said "It's always necessary, even when it's not vital nor crucial, it's necessary." He'd discovered that dropping hints about the experiments had an effect on Superman, humanizing him to ET.

Dr. Snow said "I just don't understand why everyone is so committed to forgetting everything he's done. He tried to kill Flash with that machine of his so he could take the hero's body."

John said "I was dying. I didn't try to kill anyone with that machine. I just wanted to survive myself. I think the word is darwinistic."

Ronnie stepped in and held Dr. Snow back. Superman said "Only run tests you absolutely have to."

Dr. Snow said "Fine. Multiplex, hold out your arm I need blood samples."

John said "Don't call me that name." He held out his arm. As she drew blood instead of changing vials like normal doctors would, she removed the needle and moved down the vein with a new one.

When she was done John said "I've had a lot of blood drawn for a lot reasons but I never knew the needles had to be changed so much."

Batman said "We're done here. Only one needle was needed."

Superman said "John, put your shirt on." John complied.

Dr. Snow said "I'm not done with the tests. I need to know how his powers work to help with anything."

John said "Ask the army, I've had these tests done before I'm sure."

Batman put the handcuffs back on and the two escorted him back to the headquarters.

John said "I really don't care how unnecessary her methods got. I've been through it before. You don't think the army saw me as a legacy before Calum Lazarus coined the term."

Batman said "Repeat that last part. Who coined the term?"

"Calum Lazarus, you know him?" John answered.

"That's not the point," Superman focused the trio, "The point is what Dr. Snow was doing is not something we condone. She should've stayed on the conventional side of things."

"Kept things by the book? She didn't come at me with a knife to test my healing capabilities. She didn't put one of my multiples in cold storage in case the tests killed me. She didn't cross any big lines as far as I care," John explained.

Batman figured out John's game, he took the cuffs off and said "I have work to do. John, go back to your room."

John said "I need someone to open a few doors. Restricted access, remember."

Batman said "Fine, I'll take you that far then I have to get back to Gordon City." He lead John away from Superman.

Once out of Superman's hearing range, he said "Nice trick with Superman. Playing at his humanity."

John said "I don't know what,"

Batman said "Drop the act. Hinting at your time in the military's custody, making it sound so horrible."

John said "It was and I've never lied about it."

Batman said "You make it sound like it was never ending."

John said "I've never lied about it, I never said it was constant for all those years."

Batman said "I know about your stunt with Flash, that trick with STAR Labs. Trying to bargain with him."

John said "You mean the Christmas trick. I remember a lot of my life, barely anything before or around the day Danton died. I wish I could give myself amnesia, just the bad parts with the army and being Multiplex."

Batman said "Martian Manhunter could give you that but your mind would have to be open to him."

John said "I'll think about it. Can I see Matt anytime this year?"

Batman turned up the intimidation, "I'm onto you."

Unfortunately Wonder Woman was walking through just then. She pulled Batman off John, "What is wrong with you?"

John said "He thinks I'm playing a trick on Superman, hinting at the army experiments. I don't know why. Asking about Matt set him off."

Wonder Woman told Batman "Leave, now." He glared at John then turned and left.

Wonder Woman turned to John "You can't see Matt right now. When he's ready to see you he'll see you."

John read her face and sad tone, "He's hospitalized up here. I think we have what's called a mutation. Pretty sure it's the same mutation." Wonder Woman looked at him, her expression was unreadable. John said "He's my brother."

Wonder Woman said "You have restricted access, I can't take you beyond those parameters."

John said "Right." She walked him to the cafeteria, like she wanted them to talk but couldn't figure out how to start the conversation. He stopped as she turned and returned to his room. He laid on his bed, he was just waiting for an escort to his chore route. No one trusted him, no quarter given.

Kid Flash zipped in "You know things about Flash, I wanna know. I'll pay you for the information." He held a Leaguer ID between two fingers, keeping his arms crossed. He leaned against the wall across from John's bed.

John said "Not interested."

Kid Flash said "This is unrestricted access." He leaned over John, shocked by the answer he just received.

John said "It's disappointing my brother and might get me sent to Iron Heights Prison, I don't want that."

Kid Flash asked "How did you know about what Flash did? At least tell me that, maybe I can find the information myself."

John said "Means. Motive. Math. His power covers means. My father's intent gives us motive. History, the timeline, the math tracks."

Kid Flash said "Flash didn't say anything while you had him, he was your prisoner and said nothing."

John said "He didn't say anything I will tell you. The darkest day in life is when you deal with discovering how human your heroes are."

Kid Flash grabbed John, pulled him off his bed and shoved him against a wall. Probably what Batman wanted to do, given the chance. Wonder Woman was monitoring the cameras, she came into the room and grabbed Kid Flash. He dropped the card and she saw the stolen item. He was so dead.

John said "As upset as I should be I think you're blowing things out of proportion."

Wonder Woman turned towards him and he sensed Multiplex's hand in things, she was turning into another poor soul the monster would victimize. John put his hands on her arms and focused, he sucked out Multiplex's influence. As she came to her senses, she threw him at the door, it automatically opened and he hit the metal hall wall hard then John stood up, groaning.

Wonder Woman stalked towards him "What do you think you were doing?"

Before he could answer, Kid Flash said "I think we should get you both to the med bay. You tried to kill me, clearly you now have amnesia. John, you just hit a metal wall, brain damage is likely." Wonder Woman pushed past him and pulled John off his feet. Kid Flash panicked, he ran off to get back up. He grabbed Batman and Superman.

Kid Flash said "Do something. One minute she's angry at me. Now she's turned on John, threw him straight into that wall." He gestured to the scene.

Batman pulled out a batarang, Superman walked towards Wonder Woman "Calm down. Let's get this all sorted out. I know Kid is skipping a few details. Just calm down and we'll get this all figured out." She turned, dropping John and attacked Superman. John focused his new found power on Wonder Woman, she fell to the floor asleep. John put his hands up, don't shoot style. Batman put the projectile away. Superman seized John's arms, guided them to his sides and escorted him away. They went into the cafeteria.

John knew Superman was possessed by this Multiplex thing. He said "They don't suspect a thing. Isn't that right?"

Superman looked over his shoulder then glared back, "Correct, master."

Good he got the charade going, now he just needed someone he could trust with the information, someone they wouldn't suspect or possess. A name came to mind, John said "There is one potential problem. John Black may prove useful. Take me to Flash." Superman grabbed him and flew him away, near Flash's battle Superman quickly dropped him off without letting himself be seen.

Using his powers John won the fight for Flash, the speedster said "They're letting you out now."

John said "Not exactly. We need a place to talk away from STAR Labs and Legion. It's about Multiplex." He kept his eyes open for a soul, maybe a spy. Flash saw his paranoia, he sped them to the middle of the desert.

Flash asked "What do you need to talk about?"

John said "Nothing major just a possible invasion. Remember how things like Multiplex took over you and Killer Frost. From what I can figure Multiplex is some kind of noble, he has servants but also serves someone else. I took one from Wonder Woman and Superman is still possessed. When I took it from Wonder Woman she seemed to be sent into a rage. She attacked me then turned on Superman when he tried to talk her down. In short it's a big problem, an invasion."

Flash said "You used Superman's possession to get out of the HQ. You played the Multiplex card."

John said "Yeah. Superman proves this thing affects, well, Supermans."

Superman followed them, he heard John was faking it and attacked. Flash called in the Justice League, members were being brainwashed rather regularly, especially really strong ones like Superman. They subdued Superman and brought him in. Flash told them that John brought the Superman problem to him, that kept John out of the doghouse. Flash even swung it so he could mentor John as an at risk legacy.

Flash took John to his house after sorting things out. Flash took off his mask as he walked John in. He said "My name is Barry Allen."

John asked "How'd you swing this? I thought the League didn't trust either of us at the moment."

Barry said "Kid Flash is a reserve Leaguer. I asked to take you on through the legacy program."

John said "Right. Isn't that supposed to be preventative?"

Barry said "Yes but some Leaguers have it in their heads that you and Multiplex are two separate things."

John said "We are but I see what you mean."

Barry's wife asked "Who's this?"

John said "John Black, ma'am."

Barry said "He's Danton's son. John, this is my wife Alice."

Alice said "He's a charmer, isn't he?"

John said "I almost forgot charm and old-fashioned manners were synonymous. Ever read to kill a mockingbird?"

Barry asked "Why did you read it?"

John said "I didn't. I just know it's a classic, which tends to mean old."

Barry said "That's not what classic means."

John said "I don't see references to new stuff being seriously called classic."

Barry said "Just drop it. To kill a mockingbird is set back in civil war reconstruction so you have a point."

Alice asked Barry "Since when are you bringing legacies home?"

John said "Superman and Wonder Woman tried to kill me, we're trying to figure out why."

Barry said "Right. Plus the STAR Labs buildings are gone. That makes it hard to house a legacy that the League members want to kill."

Alice said "Superman?"

Barry said "That's not for the paper." He looked at John "You can stay in Kid Flash's room tonight."

John said "I thought he was a teenager."

Barry said "He's on monitor duty tonight."

John said "Got it." Barry ushered him away.

In Kid Flash's room, Barry said "Same deal as the HQ. Go to school online, do chores and a few trips to STAR Labs to understand what happened with Multiplex."

John said "You mean after Batman talks to Dr. Snow, the last visit was cut short when her methods crossed into unnecessary."

Barry said "Yeah. I need to know what happened when you were ruling the Rogues for my work excuse."

John said "You heard the screams. Play the fear card, your boss will get it."

Barry said "I work for the CCPD."

John said "Even cops were scared, they stopped working."

Barry said "Okay then."

Flash pulled his mask over his eyes and zipped out. On his way to work he stopped multiple crimes. He zipped through the workload at the crime lab in his civilian identity. With the work done he apologized to his boss for his absence, his captain didn't seem to care. Captain Smith's mind was somewhere else. Barry ran through the department's forensic workload as fast as he could, submitting the completed work with other forensic scientists' names on their work.

Running home in time for dinner, Alice had warmed up to John. Using his powers John had done most of the house chores like a free maid service. He even helped cook dinner. Barry came in just in time to explain how he gave away his nephew's room to Multiplex. Dinner was awkward since he made that executive decision. Without realizing it John discovered Kid Flash's real name.

That night Kid Flash, Flash and John met in a closed industrial park. Flash said "You can control these things as long as they think you're Multiplex."

John said "Seems that way. I don't understand why removing one of those things sent Wonder Woman into that rage. It kinda did the opposite for you and Killer Frost."

"Power set? Maybe something with the biology?" offered Kid Flash, "Flash and Killer Frost are both metahumans. Wonder Woman is, well, an Amazon. Superman is an alien."

John said "Right. I wish we knew what Multiplex is, that would be the first step in figuring out what the hell is going on."

Flash said "Same here. This is frustrating but between the three of us were can figure this out, we have to."

John asked "Why did Multiplex want you to kill Batman? Is there something stopping his from shooting the guy? Batman is just human, right?"

Flash said "You might be onto something."

John looked up "Is that Superman flying around?" Superman dive bombed them. Flash got John clear.

Kid Flash said "They must think that they undid the brainwashing." John made an army to attack Superman.

Changing his voice to match Multiplex, John said "You are an absolute failure. You attack your master. Leave Superman before you ruin the plan." Superman shook off the mind control. Kid Flash went at John.

"Cool your heels. It's me, John," back to his normal young voice. Multiplex sounded like a 20 year old. John sounded like a middle schooler.

Kid Flash stopped short, Flash put it together "It was a trick."

John said "Careful. Never know who to trust."

Superman flew over to him, he landed "Thank you. Batman was right, you could end that."

Flash said "It might be time to bring in Martian Manhunter."

John said "If you have a wife you should probably tell her." He looked from Superman to Flash.

"Right." Flash sped off and came back, "We're good."

At the HQ everyone not in the infirmary sat around the conference table looking at John. "John can absorb these things. He can contain Multiplex. We need to know more about Multiplex to deal with this," Superman was at a loss for the word

"Invasion," John offered.

"Invasion," Superman repeated.

John said "I can't believe we're talking about this. It's sounds simple enough. Using me to reach Multiplex."

Batman said "Nothing is ever that simple."

John asked "Does repeating the plan really help?"

Batman said "Not usually."

John said "Then we're wasting time."

Batman said "Agreed."

By a monitoring console Martian Manhunter and John sat in front of each other. Martian Manhunter said "Just relax." John went to sleep. The instructions reminded him of a movie.

Martian Manhunter investigated Multiplex in John's mind but Multiplex was too strong for Martian Manhunter. He broke loose, taking over John's body, multiples and all. Duplex charge his power, he put his hands on John's face and pushed power into his brother. Duplex's whole body glowed, Flash backed his play by stopping multiples' attempts to kill Duplex.

John regained control of his body, "Hey. When you reached a breaking point you became one pissed off superhero."

Flash jogged over, he touched Duplex as he pushed through "Ow. You"re overheating."

Duplex said "Light is heat. Turn a light on, wait 2 minutes, it'll be hot."

Flash joked "You do glow like the sun."

Duplex said "My eyes glow, I can't see it."

John asked "What did you do to me?"

Duplex said "No idea. It was the opposite of pulling Multiplex from you, whatever that is."

John said "Okay?"

Flash shifted focus on Martian Manhunter "Do you know what Multiplex is or how to stop the invasion?"

Martian Manhunter said "Multiplex seems bound, trapped inside John. I think I can protect us against further possession."

John said "First Multiplex uses me to amass an army of criminals and bad legacies. Then it possesses Leaguers. Multiple things don't add up. Multiplex is apparently tied to our bloodline and needs permission to possess us, why does it need the League or the Rogues? We are an army. Why did Multiplex ask Flash to kill Batman? What is it?"

Kid Flash offered "Maybe it can't possess humans without powers. Look at everyone Multiplex has possessed. John, Flash, and Killer Frost are all metahumans. Superman and Wonder Woman are an Superman and an Wonder Woman. It only possesses supertypes. Batman is human but Multiplex must see the threat he poses."

Duplex asked "Didn't Multiplex want to take over Flash? If it's tied to our bloodline then plain and simple it can't possess Flash."

John said "Unless Flash and I became one and the same. That's what the machine was for."

Duplex said "Right. We are an army. Why does Multiplex need anyone else? Why didn't Multiplex just kill Batman himself?"

John said "It wanted to break Flash before taking over, remember. I'm not sure it saw Batman as a threat. If it did then Batman would probably be dead."

Kid Flash asked "If we don't know what Multiplex is then how do we know it is an it?"

Duplex said "It's not living. No metabolism, heredity, growth or development. 7 characteristics of life is how scientists determine living and nonliving. It doesn't qualify."

Kid Flash said "Right."

John said "It develops. Probably with the one it possesses. Remember Multiplex ran the Rogues not John Black or any Earth based legacy."

Duplex said "Repeat that last part. Or any what?"

John said "Earth based legacy. I'm just guessing with the invasion idea."

Duplex said "Never mind."

John said "Okay. This deal with Flash and Batman is confusing. Alone it raises questions."

Flash said "One thing that doesn't make sense about it is how it ended. It's like Multiplex gave up and moved on."

John said "Multiplex is weakest surrounded by normal humans. I actually remember what happened while it was in control. It kept getting drained, it was happening faster and faster. I thought my dying was causing it. I think the more humans in the base, the faster it was drained. Criminals, Leaguers and STAR Labs scientists, all humans. As more came in, it was drained faster."

Duplex asked "How did taking a whole precinct of humans hostage not drain it?"

John said "Maybe it wasn't all the way here yet."

Flash asked "If humans weaken it then why bother with a planet full of them?"

John said "Wait a minute. I think you're onto something. What was it doing with the humans?"

Duplex said "Scaring them."

Kid Flash said "It was killing them. The Rogues killed a lot of people. That's what scared people, the threat that they may be next to die."

John said "It wants to end its weakness. That explains wanting Flash. A speedster could kill millions in one hour."

Flash asked "Then why not use me for that when one of its own possessed me?"

John said "The League threatens that plan. They can stop a speedster."

Heat said "That's stupid. The League voted Flash out for those people he killed as a rookie."

Flash said "What?"

Heat said "I was against it but majority rules."

Flash said "You voted me out?"

Colonel Cold said "Real Rogues don't kill."

Flash said "Okay?" An alarm went off. John jumped in his seat. Flash and the Justice League crowded around the nearby computer array.

Superman said "I don't think Batman being human was the problem."

Through John, Multiplex said "The invasion has begun."

"You've been planning this the whole time. The Rogues were a distraction," Matt's eyes glowed with anger.

Multiplex said "Your eyes do look like light bulbs. The blue light is leaking from your head through your sockets. Amazing.That can't be healthy."

Duplex calmed down. First the faint light wrapping his body disappeared. The room seemed to lose half its light. Then his eyes cooled, his goggles were still on.

Matt said "Multiplex doesn't exist here. John Black does. Humans weaken Multiplex. John is mostly human. That's the real difference between the two. Multiplex is trapped, John is free."

Multiplex said "Yeah. I can possess anyone."

Duplex said "Not anyone. Multiplex died with Danton Black. John was just narcissistic enough to take the name. Multiplex can't exist without the name being taken. It can only possess one body. I'm the true Multiplex." Multiplex left John.

Flash got Matt's plan, he said "I'm the real Multiplex."

Batman caught on "I'm Multiplex."

Heat said "I'm Multiplex."

Wonder Woman and Kid Flash joined in the chant then Colonel Cold and Martian Manhunter. Everyone called themselves Multiplex. Duplex's eyes glowed and although he couldn't see or hear Multiplex he could imagine what the defeated thing did. Turning around to see Leaguers, he saw all eyes were glowing like his. He closed his own and focused, when he reopened his eyes, everyone else's eyes were back to normal.

Duplex said "Now I know how an adrenaline junkie feels. I think I'm crashing from the crazy eyes." He stumbled a few steps towards John then behind John, he leaned on the chair to stay standing.

Matt slid into the chair as John stood to say "You didn't stop anything. Whatever Multiplex is, his kind is still invading. I think I'm the one letting them in. I think Multiplex was just the first here, I don't think it was anything special, not even a scout. It was just the first breacher."

Flash said "I see where this is going. You're not doing that, we won't let you."

John said "You can't stop me. If I'm their way in then me going to their home will close the portal."

Flash said "Actually that's not where I thought you were going with this."

Superman said "We still can't let you do it."

John said "STAR Labs might need some data on me so they can help John. Is there anyway to speed that up? Superman, my father's death stopped Multiplex last time. Just listen to me, I think that doing this might stop Multiplex from infecting Matt. This is just about ending the cycle with Blacks and Multiplex. I'm just protecting my brother. Let me do something right and help my family for once."

Superman said "Fine but we finish testing with STAR Labs first and no rushing it."

John pumped his fists, visibly happy "Yes!"

He straightened up, stepped forward and held out his hand "Square deal." Even Batman smiled as Superman shook on the deal.

Heat said "We'll do our best on containment."

Duplex said "If anything can count as good news, I think our little trick for Multiplex made everyone in the room immune to his kind."

Batman said "John, you do realize you can never come back to Earth. If you are the invaders' door then returning would reopen the door."

John looked at Matt, he understood Batman's point, "I know. I can never see Matt again." Matt hadn't understood it before John's response.

Matt said "I can't believe you're okay with that."

John said "Like I told Superman, this is about protecting you."

Matt asked "Have you even stopped to try remembering anything before being Multiplex costed Danton his life?"

John said "Sharks have to move forward, they can't move backwards. I don't know how I know that."

"Oddly enough that is kind of common knowledge," Matt answered.

Superman said "You both need to come down to STAR Labs. We need to know why Matt's eyes glow when he uses his powers."

John said "Right and Earth needs protection. Why are we still up here?"

They went to different locations across the world, trying to imitate asserting control. The two Black brothers went to STAR Labs with Superman.

Matt explained "We need to finish testing before John goes and sacrifices himself to stop the invaders who are possessing people."

Ronnie looked up at John, "You're going to sacrifice yourself?"

"I'm only trying to save Matt from this cycle of Multiplex possessing family members." John clarified, "By sacrifice myself he doesn't mean get myself killed. I'm closing the invaders' portal by going to their homeworld. That's the plan at least. Do me a favor and never let anyone use the Multiplex name in case this fails."

"No telling how long the League can handle this invasion," Superman added. "I doubt time is on our side."

Cisco heard the urgency, "We can use a cloning pod for most of the tests."

John asked "The what?"

"You step in this machine and it closes." Ronnie explained, "Once inside it scans you and takes all of the samples we need."

"We use it mostly for healing, we can clone healthy tissue to replace damaged and infected tissue," Cisco added.

"Got it," John cut them off.

They took him to a room full of pods. Cisco went to the controls and opened one for John. A few minutes later the testing was done.

They came back into the main lab, John said "Before we leave?" He whispered something in Matt's ear, they hugged then stood in front of a wall for a picture that Ronnie took.

John said "Let's go." His voice was level, making it clear to everyone that he had accepted his part in the plan. He and Superman walked out of the building. Matt suddenly remembered he was drained.

Most of the fight was in one location. Through his connection to Multiplex, John found the portal hidden there. It was right in the middle of all the fighting, hanging in the sky above the middle of the street. John used a variation of the sped trick that he and Matt had mastered. Instead of a straight shot he had to do some ducking, leaning and sidesteps as he made the chain of multiples. He got just beneath the portal, now what? People were all rioting, some ganged up on heroes. John put his hands on shoulders to raise himself closer to the portal, he had to move fast on the rioters. As people were tackling each other, John moved to the higher shoulders.