Disclaimers
All characters appearing in D.C Comics & Time Warner, Marvel Comics, Gargoyles/Gargoyles: the Goliath Chronicles, cartoons created by Murakami Wolf Swenson Inc. & IDW comics, media created by Joss Whedon, DIC Entertainment and Toei Animation & Akira Toriyama are the property of their respective owners. No infringements of these copyrights are intended and are not authorized by the copyright holder.
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Legion of Superheroes – Episode One Atlantis Under Siege Part I
By
Celgress
Watch Tower II - Vigilance Station in orbit around Earth, late January 2016
"In related news, renowned International shipping magnate David Hyde principal shareholder, owner, and CEO of Golden Trident Shipping held a press conference in Geneva Switzerland earlier today. Mr. Hyde addressed a spat of recent attacks on Atlantic container vessels by alleged agents of renegade Atlantian prince Namor aka the Submariner." The female newscaster said.
The image on screen switched to David Hyde standing behind a podium bathed in light from flashbulbs. Hyde, reportedly from coastal South Carolina, was a tall well-built dark-skinned man with cross cropped black hair. He wore an expensive purple colored silk suit with matching tie.
"No longer can we in the shipping industry endure unceasing attacks by disgruntled aquatic super beings. Until now we have absorbed the losses we've incurred without passing costs on to consumers. However, such a policy is no longer feasible given the current economic reality of ongoing terrorism." David Hyde paused for a moment allowing his words to sink in. "Which is why the International Consortium of Surface Shipping Agents, of which I am the current president, has decided to throw our full support behind the presidential bid of Senator Robert Kelly. In return for our endorsement, Senator Kelly has personally promised me a swift solution to this current crisis once he becomes the President of the United States of America by creating a specially equipped task force that will police our high seas. This proposed force will be modeled after the so-called 'Black Oops Guardsmen' who are attached to the American Special Forces."
"This is why I've come before you today." Mera the Queen of Atlantis and wife of Aquaman stated gesturing at the overhead holographic display that dominated the roundtable. "Arthur and his brother Namor have never been on good terms. Namor is envious of Arthur being chosen by their late mother to succeed her as the ruler of Atlantis. Still, I can't see him doing this. Namor would never harm Lorena. I do not believe he or his men abducted her. I would consider the Legion's help in this matter a personal favor. Return my daughter safely to me, I'll be forever in your debt." There was a hint of sadness in her voice.
The teenage Lorena Curry formerly Marquez more widely known as Aqua Girl was the adopted daughter of Mera and Aquaman and princess of Atlantis. Lorena had gone missing two weeks ago. Many in Atlantis, including Aquaman and the Royal Court, suspect Namor's Rebels of being responsible for Lorena's kidnapping. Mera, however, was not so sure Namor was involved.
"I'll be frank." Wonder Woman said folding her hands in front of her. "I don't like going behind Aquaman's back. His is a valued member of the Legion."
"Is there no way Aquaman could be brought on board with this investigation?" Mr. Fantastic asked.
"I'm afraid not," Mera said. "If you don't help me retrieve Lorena, Atlantis may be plunged into civil war. An Atlantean Civil War would be disastrous for both the surface world as well as the subsurface world."
"Indeed," Martian Manhunter said.
"On behalf of the Legion of Superheroes as President, I thank you for requesting our assistance Queen Mera." Captain America said.
"We'll consider your proposal and be in touch soon," Batman said by way of dismissal.
"I'd advise you don't weigh your options to long. I cannot guarantee events in Atlantis will remain stable for more than a few days." Mera said before she left with her entourage of Atlantean Guards including Kaldur'ahm the current Aqualad. Mera nodded politely to each member of the Governing Council and Captain America.
"It would appear we have a decision to make." Professor X said grimly. The others agreed. They only hoped they would make the correct choice.
Infirmary
Karen Starr-Luthor Powergirl sat on the examination table kicking her legs absently. She did not like medical checkups. They remained Karen of her beginnings as a clone of the now deceased Supergirl. Some government scientist was always prodding her back then. None were worse then ARGUS Director Amanda Waller. The compassionless heavyset African American woman never missed a chance to examine Karen or have her complete some ridiculously unnecessary test in her presence. Oh, how Karen had hated Waller's frequent visits. A smirk ghosted over her face when she remembered Amanda Waller was dead killed by Waller's own Frankenstein monster the composite entity Gurzil. Perhaps there was some justice in the universe after all.
"Sorry I kept you waiting so long." Dr. Hank McCoy said. The blue furred bushy haired X-Gene mutant was dressed in a white lab coat. In his clawed hands was a medical chart which he was reviewing from behind his thick eyeglasses.
"No need to apologize, Dr. McCoy," Karen said. "Um, whats the verdict doc? Am I going to be okay?"
Karen had become increasingly sick in recent weeks especially in the mornings. Being a clone she was concerned she could be undergoing a condition called cellular degeneration. The syndrome was a type of genetic unraveling common to clones of more complex entities like herself.
"Is it cellular degeneration? Please tell me if it is. I need to know the truth." Karen finally mustered the courage to ask.
"Nothing so dramatic." Dr. McCoy said looking up from the chart.
"What is wrong with me then?" Karen said.
"Nothing is wrong with you per se." Dr. McCoy said locking eyes with Karen. "Mrs. Luthor you're pregnant."
"What!?," Karen blurted out an expression of pure shock on her face.
"You're pregnant," Dr. McCoy repeated. "About six weeks by the look of things."
"Wait, I'm a clone. I can't get pregnant. I was told all clones are sterile. Your tests must be wrong." Karen babbled.
"Apparently not all clones are sterile. You are living proof of that my dear." Dr. McCoy said jovially.
"Are you sure there isn't some mistake?" Karen said.
"Quite," Dr. McCoy said. "I ran the tests in questions three times to be sure. Plus your ultrasound was conclusive. There is no doubt in my mind. You are with child."
"What am I going to tell Lex?" Karen said aloud more to herself than Dr. McCoy.
"I can talk to him with you if you want?" Dr. McCoy offered helpfully.
"No, that's alright. I'd rather tell him myself, thanks anyway." Karen said with a forced smile. "Um, Dr. McCoy could you please keep this between us for the time being?"
"Of course," Dr. McCoy said. "I would never consider violating doctor-patient confidentiality."
"Believe me I appreciate your discretion, Dr. McCoy," Karen said. She stood up ready to leave.
"I'll book you for another appointment in two weeks time." Dr. McCoy said getting ready to jot the information down on a tablet that he picked up from a nearby counter.
"Is anything wrong?" Karen asked. "I thought you said I was healthy?"
"Not that I'm aware of. The test picked up nothing out of the ordinary. Readings are in line with your somewhat unique Kryptonian physiology." Dr. McCoy said choosing his words carefully. "However, given the unprecedented nature of your pregnancy, I would prefer to monitor its progress closely over the coming months."
"Sure," Karen said. "Same day of the week and time?"
"Very well I'll pencil you in." Dr. McCoy said.
"See you then," Karen said waving as she departed the medical wing.
"Until then," Dr. McCoy said waving back.
Not long afterward Karen was outside the main conference room waiting for her husband. When Lex appeared she could tell he was upset. Perhaps it was not the best time to tell him her news. He was the first one out of the room followed a few seconds later by several others.
"What's wrong, Lex?" Karen asked.
"Nothing aside from an early session being called because Ironman had to leave. His brat Remi or Reny or Riri, or whatever the hell her name is, was thrown out of school for hacking." Lex Luthor ranted. "I swear superheroes shouldn't have families. They just get in the way."
"Always tactful, eh Lex?" Green Arrow said.
"Mind your own business, Ollie!" Lex snapped.
"Leave him be Ollie." Black Canary said. "Can't you see he enjoys being a miserable person."
"But we're a family." Karen objected ignoring the other couple.
"That's different," Lex said. "We're adults. Tony recently marrying his long-time assistant Pepper Pots was one thing. I can approve of that. Them adopting some semi-street urchin because they knew her dead mother is another thing. Children are nothing but snort nosed parasites, crying brats who monopolize one's time. I have no use for them."
"You really think children are that bad?" Karen asked disheartened.
"I do, they ruin everything," Lex said. "I'm grateful you can't have any, my love. Come along now there are matters back at home which require my attention." Dejectedly Karen followed Lex away from the conference room.
A small island somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean
Otto Octavius the Superior Octopus was less than pleased. In fact, he was livid. With great anger, he opened a communication channel with his co-conspirator, Black Manta. The image of the aquatic villain filled the large monitor. Red eyes shone eerily from his bulbs obsidian helmet.
"Black Manta," Superior Octopus said curtly as his four metallic tentacles lashed about in perturbed fashion. Behind his grey & black mask with its green goggles, his face was contorted in a sneer of disapproval
"Superior Octopus," Black Manta said. He seemingly did not notice the agitated state of the other supervillain.
"You told me Aquaman would pay our ransom. He hasn't." Superior Octopus said.
"There have been, complications." Black Manta said.
"And these 'complications' would be?" Superior Octopus asked through gritted teeth,
"Namor the Submariner has been erroneously credited with the abduction of Princess Lorena." Black Manta explained. "Not to worry I'll soon prove the rumors inaccurate."
"I need not remind you my plan requires the Great Water Stone which powers Atlantis to work." Superior Octopus said. "With the Stone, I can exponentially boost my elemental control ability (see "Adventures of Spider-Man and Spinneret"). I'll then be capable of controlling the sea level of Earth."
"Thereby flooding every coastal city on the planet unless the governments of Earth grant our demands." Black Manta said reciting their master plan. "A multi-billion dollar payment to you and an island nation for me."
"Precisely," Superior Octopus said. "But none of this will happen unless Aquaman gives us the Great Water Stone to save his daughter's life."
"Don't worry, he will," Black Manta said confidently.
"I sincerely hope so. Unless you make progress into the next three days I'll take matters into my own hands. I'll demand you and your men hand the princess over to me." Superior Octopus said ending the transmission before Black Manta could protest. "What an infuriating individual! If only I did not yet require his assistance I'd divest myself of him immediately." He exclaimed a moment later pacing around the communication chamber of his lab. Otto was a ball of nervous energy.
"Aw is my handsome genius upset." A sultry female voice said.
Leanly muscled arms wrapped themselves around Otto from behind. Slowly they turned him around. The arms belonged to a raven-haired beauty of medium built with tight curves and a well-portioned bust. Codenamed Pteroinae she was one of several government created clones of Laura the daughter of Wolverine and Lady Deathstrike. Her original designation had been X-23 before Otto liberated Pteroinae from her captors. He modified her so she could survive underwater as he could. He also made her devoted to him and skewed her moral compass so she would approve his criminal lifestyle. During his semester at Stanford University the fall before, Otto unintentionally fell in love with the spunky Laura but she rejected him once she learned of his true nature (see upcoming flashbacks of "Adventures of Spider-Man and Spinneret"). He named X-23 Pteroinae after a subfamily of scorpionfish due to the twin retractable hand spikes she inherited from her "sister"
"Not in the least, my dear," Otto said after Pteroinae whose civilian name was Alannah (which meant precious gift) removed his mask.
Alannah leaned in close. Her lips brushed against Otto's own. "Good, I hate when you are upset. You shouldn't sweat the small stuff." Her arms snaked around his neck. "No matter what, you'll always have me."
"You are truly a treasure beyond compare my dear," Otto said kissing Alannah's neck.
"I think we should continue our discussion in the bedroom. It would be better suited to our needs. Don't you agree?" Alannah teased licking the side of Otto's face.
"An excellent proposal," Otto said scooping Alannah up in his arms.
Secret Hideaway of Black Manta
With a snap-hiss, Black Manta removed his helmet to reveal the face of David Hyde. He smirked with satisfaction. His plan was progressing swimmingly. That overconfident fool Otto Octavius suspected nothing. It had been Black Manta who framed Namor and his men for the kidnapping of Princess Lorena. After the royal brothers engaged in all-out war he would be left to pick up the pieces. One way or another he would win regardless of it Superior Octopus gained his ends. Black Manta loved playing people against each other.
Black Manta strode out of his personal office. He passed several of his men who saluted him on his way to the brig. They knew better than to show a hint of disrespect, Black Manta had killed people for far less sometimes even on a whim or to prove an arbitrary point. He put back on his helmet before he entered the brig. He did not want the sole prisoner to know his dual identity.
Black Manta knelt down his gloved left hand gently stroked the cheek of the bound and gagged Lorena. "if your daddy doesn't pay up soon princess I'll be forced to hurt you." He threatened in his electronically distorted voice. "I might even have to kill you like I did your baby brother the firstborn biological son of your parents. Then I'll mail your body back home one piece at a time." Lorena flinched away from his touch. "I bet your daddy and maybe your mommy would try to kill me again if I do that. They tried before you know when I murdered the princeling but failed. Your parents have never been able to end me." Black Manta stood up. "You'd best pray they give in soon princess, or else." Black Manta made a slashing motion across his neck with his right thumb. "Be seeing you again, or maybe not." Black Manta said closing and sealing the down behind him with a loud clang. Although usually strong Lorena could not keep a tear from trickling down her face.
To Be Continued