Justice League: Spartan Alliance

by Freedom Guard

Here we are...the second of my new Halo crossover ideas...and like before will not be updated as frequently. I'll leave it here and see how it fairs against the others okay? No planned pairings as of yet, will change when decision is made. Story is now on Ice, updating all NON Halo stories is priority one.

10. Chapter 10

Justice League: Spartan Alliance

Disclaimer: I do not own anything related to DC or Bungie so don't bother asking.

Chapter 6

Deep Sea Diplomacy…

( ): Thoughts

…

In the Watch Tower…

Superman shook his head a bit as he looked at the images of the battle in Metropolis though it was not in a bad way. He, J'onn, Hawkgirl, Flash, and Green Lantern had arrived back to Earth after a long effort in dealing with the events surrounding the Man-Hunters and the Guardians. They had cleared Stewart's name and also stopped what could have been a disaster of galactic proportions and it was good that John finally got to be free to operate as a Green Lantern. He and Shaeyra were not too happy with how some of the other Lanterns had turned on him for a crime he had never committed but he eventually made peace with them and now they were back.

Batman was there to greet them in his own way along with the Master Chief and Wonder Woman and they were able to see just what had happened while they had been away from Earth.

The events in Metropolis were fairly big as John and Diana had managed to help Steel and Supergirl with the group of Intergang along with two old headaches, that being Luminous and Metallo who had decided to cause more trouble while Superman was away on the mission to clear Stewart's name. Metallo had been a major concern due to his Kryptonite heart and so was Luminous who's use of lasers and solid light technology had been a concern.

Metallo had been a real danger to Supergirl but she was aided by Diana while John and Steel took on both the cyborg and the renegade scientist who had once tried to kill Lois and also defeat Superman using red sun radiation. Thankfully the battle had not resulted in severe injuries though Supergirl had to rest in order to recover. She had suffered very dangerous injuries due to Metallo's kryptonite heart and his lasers and had to be tended to for a while in the Watch Tower after the battle and when John took Metallo's kryptonite heart while Diana dealt with Luminous along with Steel.

Metallo and Luminous were soon hauled away and would be kept in isolation cells as John concerned himself with checking on Supergirl. It was when she fully recovered, that she was able to spend time with the two heroes along with Steel in the Watch Tower as well as meeting Cortana herself, much to Batman's chagrin as he had managed to stop another attempt on Commissioner Gordon's life by the Riddler and had come in to check on the Watch Tower and see what had been going on since he had been last in the tower. Supergirl then left along with Steel in one of the Javelins as the Dawn was still elsewhere and the Spartan was not yet sure that showing the interior of the Dawn to Kara was the best of ideas at this time.

As soon as the images ended, Superman spoke to the Spartan.

"Not too bad, and I have admit that what you and Diana did in Dakota, Africa, Brazil, and Metropolis was pretty good, how is Kara doing?"

"She's recovered well enough though I would like it better that she takes some time to get herself enough rest. All in all, with some time and training, plus experience, she will do well enough in what she needs to do."

"You have a point there, at least Metallo is gone for now, that one always was a big problem for both of us. Anyway, you and Diana don't happen to have any other missions that we should be aware of?"

"Not right now, why?"

John Stewart answered that question well enough.

"We've been talking about it on the way back here, and we should at least call to the World Assembly and inform them officially of the formation of the Justice League. That way it will be officially recognized and not be seen as just a bunch of super powered beings coming and going, we might be helping people, but we still have to show that we're an official group."

John thought about it and so did Cortana as she was still in the MJOLNIR, in a way this was the same as when the Spartan II Program went public for morale during the war. The only difference was that several of them were publicly known, them being Superman, Hawkgirl, Green Lantern, and Flash. He, Diana, and J'onn were the unknowns and as such had to be seen in public even despite their appearances in the public out there in New York.

"You sure about that?"

Superman nodded.

"We need to do this so that the people become aware of what is going on and why we are working together, I have no doubt that this is a tall order for some of us, but if we can assure the people that we have their best interests first and foremost, then it is going to be a lot better for all involved."

"All right, I'll inform Princess Diana about this and see what she thinks."

…

In the World Assembly…

Thankfully Diana was more than willing to go along with the idea of being present in the World Assembly as she was willing to show that she was not a threat to man's world. That was good news and since Flash and Batman did not have anything that would be of concern going on in their respective cities, they were available for this. Superman was the one who decided to get things rolling for the rest of the team as he went to Lois Lane and the others that the Daily Planet to inform her and Jimmy, as well as Perry of what was going to happen.

As soon as the news came out, the public were more than eager to get the latest news about this band of heroes that were now working together. And there were plenty of rumors going on as well about the heroes who were making up this force that was soon going to be seen in the World Assembly. This sort of thing was more than enough to get the attention of all the government officials from all over the world, even from nations that had a less than stellar record with the global community.

It was going to be held in a day to allow the heroes the square away anything that was of concern to them. Superman decided to tell his adopted parents about his plans along with Kara, Flash talked to his friends and allies in Central, Green lantern went back to his neighborhood and talked to some of his old friends there to also try to reconnect with them, and Batman left instructions to his family to hold the fort until he got back.

The only exceptions to the group were the Master Chief, Wonder Woman, Hawkgirl and J'onn as they did not have anyone they knew who lived on Earth, which was why they were currently in the Dawn and talking about things on what they should say when the day came.

As the building was filled by government officials, reporters, and more besides, it was not long for the Justice League to arrive on the scene, with Superman being the fist, Batman following next, then Flash, Hawkgirl, J'onn, the Master Chief with Cortana in tow, and Wonder Woman herself. As they moved to the stage, the head of the World Assembly greeted them.

"To all esteemed members of the World Assembly and representatives of your respective nations, I bid you welcome. Today is a very special event as we have before us the same collection of heroes who several months ago fought an alien invasion of our world and today has called for this meeting. Speaking for this new team shall be Metropolis's own hero Superman."

The speaker moved away and Superman moved forward to the microphone and then spoke to it.

"Good day to all esteemed members of the Assembly, as you all have known, the invasion that happened several months ago was a blow that many of us, including myself had not expected. And I am sad to say that I unwittingly did play a part in helping this invasion, but thankfully it has been stopped and the Imperium has been forced away from Earth, but it was not gone by one hero alone, but by a group of heroes…who stand before you now."

"We all have agreed to work as a team to better protect the Earth from any dangers that may befall it's people as being in a group is better than doing it alone. This team is known in the name of the Justice League, and apart from me, they comprise of Batman from Gotham city."

Batman gave a simple nod at this as Superman continued to speak.

"Flash from Central City."

The Speedster of the bunch gave a cheeky grin and waved that the people, eliciting some chuckles along with some shaking of the heads.

"Hawkgirl."

Hawkgirl bowed her head a bit while holding her mace by the band that she had on her wrist.

"Green Lantern."

Stewart gave a nod in reply to that as he was still a bit uncomfortable with the whole affair but kept himself composed.

"J'onn Jonzz, the last survivor of the Martian race and the one who called us to fight the Imperium."

The last of the Martians nodded as well and bowed in greeting.

"And the Spartan and Wonder Woman from New York."

Wonder Woman smiled and John merely nodded as well as he was still not comfortable with the idea of so many people watching him. It was only with Diana's encouragement and Cortana's words that he decided to let this go on. This was like that ceremony back in ODP Cairo in the First Battle of Earth with Johnson and that memory made John sigh a bit more.

Superman then continued to speak to the rest of the press and the people there in the World Assembly.

"They are the core members of the League and while this group is relatively new, it is our hope that this team will be able to defend Earth far better than one lone hero. If there are any questions that you have concerning this group, then feel free to ask them to any of us."

That was when one reporter spoke to Diana.

"I have one for Wonder Woman."

Diana nodded and that was enough to tell the reporter that she was willing to answer his question.

"Are you from New York?"

"No, I was born in the Amazon island of Themyscira, and I came here to help protect Man's world since I could not sit idly by when danger threatened it."

"I see, how do you find the outside world?"

"It's interesting, there are things that I have never seen before or experienced here in this world of men, so I cannot really fully answer such a question."

It was also here that another person rose, this time it was a military man who wore the usual uniform associated with the Navy and with his medals as well as his stars, he was a Vice Admiral of the US Navy.

"I have a question for the Spartan."

John moved forward and saluted the man in crisp military fashion as befitting the man's position in the military, as well as due to his upbringing to respect military authority figures who's rank supersedes his own.

The Vice Admiral gave the same salute to the Spartan and introduced himself.

"My name is Vice Admiral Daniel Whitcomb, who are you soldier?"

"I am Master Chief Petty Officer Spartan-117 of the United Nations Space Command Navy sir!"

Admiral Whitcomb and just about everyone in the military contingent were surprised by that as they all knew that there was no such organization that was in place under that name. That was what prompted the Vice Admiral to ask his next question though this time around he used the shorter term for the rank John held as he knew that this was an NCO Naval rank. Though this was the first time he had heard of a Master Chief Petty Officer being like this before him and someone who fought the way he did in the battle-field.

"Where are you from Master Chief?"

"I am from an alternate reality sir, there in my reality it is already the year 2553."

This got the attention of the military, the government, and the media as well, that was to be expected as they had not expected the Spartan to be from an alternate reality, and certainly not from the future. Naturally there were some people who were not too keen on taking that announcement from the Spartan at face value. One such person was also a high ranking member of the military who apparently had an army commission and was a three star general.

"I am General Wade Eiling of the United States Army, I am not implying anything Spartan, but how can we be sure that you are telling the truth?"

Superman spoke at that point.

"We all in the League had taken steps to confirm the authenticity of his story General Eiling, and we have confirmed without a doubt that he speaks the truth."

That was when another reporter turned her attention to the Spartan.

"Marlene Fairchild from the BBC in London England, I have a question for the Spartan, what exactly are the differences between your reality and our own?"

John looked at the other League members briefly, silently asking them if they were all right with him revealing the information. They nodded though he was sure to leave the UNSC Covenant War out, as well as the war with the Flood, and he was certainly not going to reveal anything about the Spartan II Program either. With that in mind, and Cortana also agreeing with the choice, he answered the question that was placed before him.

"In my reality, the most common thing is that there are no metahumans, mutants, and aliens that most of you are aware of. There is also the fact that in my reality, humanity was under one global governing body, the United Earth Government, and it's exploratory, military, and science organization known as the United Nations Space Command. As stated, the UEG combines all the known countries and governments into one organization and the UNSC unites all military forces under one organization to serve as the primary defensive arm of the UEG. And in my reality, Humanity has colonized worlds inside and outside the solar system…controlling over 800 worlds, all of which are protected by Colonial Militia, Police, SWAT, along with the UNSC Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and it's other special forces branches, including the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers and the Spartan II Commandos like myself."

John might not have given the World Assembly and everyone in the room the full details of what he had told the League, but the effects of his announcement certainly had an impact. The World Assembly, and just about everyone in the room and those watching at home were utterly stunned at the ramifications of that much information. The idea of an alternate universe where there were no meta-humans, mutants, or aliens, at least the ones they knew of was shocking enough. But to learn that Humanity was united under one global government was a real eye opener for them all, and all militaries operating under a unified organization left them stunned. Even more so was the idea that Humanity in that universe actually controlled 800 worlds, such a thing boggled the mind and already tongues were wagging like mad at the implications.

Marlene managed to shake herself out of her very own stupor and spoke.

"Were you born on Earth?"

"No, I can assure you that I am as human as the rest of the people here in this building, I was born on the world of Eridanus II in the Eridanus System, Elysium City. That's all I can say as under UNSCDF Security Articles I cannot speak further of myself, as all information is classified."

General Eiling then spoke next.

"Spartan, you called yourself a Spartan II Commando, what exactly does that mean?"

John knew that this was one subject he was not keen on talking about but decided only to give the OFFICIAL details that was given to those who were not part of it.

"The Spartan II Commando Program was created under authority of the UNSC HIGH COM and as such is supported and funded by the UNSC. This was conducted by ONI or the Office of Naval Intelligence to create super soldiers with advanced technology and weaponry. I cannot give any more details than that General. For while you are of higher rank than I am, you do not have the high level clearance to inquire, and though the UNSC I serve does not exist here, I am under oath not to reveal any and all classified information under the Security Articles established by the UNSC and ONI unless given orders to do so by a recognized high ranking member of the United Nations Space Command Defense Force or of ONI."

This apparently did not sit very well with some of the government officials and the military since they were very eager to find out the inner workings of this Spartan II Program that created the Spartan. However, one government official then took to the stand.

"Will you be willing to share any of your reality's technology with us then?"

John already had a reply to that as well as to any possible things that might crop up when he least expected it.

"I will be working with the League on what technology can be considered as safe and beneficial to the world and therefore allowed to be used. However, under no circumstances will I share any armor, and weapon schematics or associated military technologies to any nation."

That certainly caused an uproar but John was able to reply.

"There is a reason for it, while this is not my world or my universe for that matter, I already have seen that there are people, men and women who would seek to use any and all means to cause harm to their fellow human beings. We had that very same problem in mine, but ours was in an intergalactic scale, and it cost more lives than it does here in their universe. I am still honor and duty bound to defend Humanity from threats both inside and outside, by any means necessary, the League and it's members were kind enough to allow me to do my duties, until I return to my own universe, for my duty is still there."

It was here than another reporter spoke, and this one happened to be from a news group in New York who were not too keen on him or Diana.

"I am Morris Trent for the New York Informer, we all have seen that you use a very harsh and quite honestly brutal and lethal means to take down criminals. And while they are alive, you could have easily killed them if you had chosen to. Considering the members of the League who do not use lethal force, doesn't your presence in the group cause problems?"

John did not deny that there was truth in that but he also knew that none of the people here had seen his life or the battles he had been in, nor the enemies he had to face. The only ones who did were the League and this was something that he knew was indeed going to be a problem and it was here that two people he did not expect came to stand up for him on this very sensitive issue that could be a real bone of contention if left unresolved. The first being none other than Batman himself as the Dark Knight moved forward and spoke.

"May I speak on my colleague's behalf?"

The audience stopped and listened, John could tell that despite Bruce's calm, and stoic appearance, this was not something he did a lot, especially in his Batman persona so this was possibly a first for him. Cortana thought the same thing as she spoke.

"Oh this should be good."

"The Spartan is a soldier by profession in his reality and as is accepted by international law, a soldier is given government sanction to use any means to preserve life, and it includes lethal force, then he or she is allowed to do so. I personally will admit that I do not always approve of his use of guns and lethal intent, but he is doing what he is trained to do. The only difference is unlike in his own universe, he has ensured not to kill his foes in our own and is doing so not just because he has agreed to what we asked of him, but it was of his own volition to do so."

"Besides, in the process of confirming his story and his identity, what we have seen and learned about his history has shown to us that while he will not hesitate to take an enemy's life, he does it only when the situation is unavoidable and no other alternative exists. We all have decided that until that line is breached we will ensure that he will not resort to lethal force if other options can be found."

Bruce then stepped back and this was where the second person to defend him stepped forward. And it was Flash himself.

"I also would like to speak on behalf of my Spartan colleague."

The speedster then moved forward and spoke.

"To be honest with all of you here today…what I learned about the Spartan was very troubling as well. In fact, I swear that I had to empty my stomach a few times. The things he had to face in his reality was not pretty to say the least and was something that I am thankful for never being there to experience myself. But what we all in the League have seen is that he is doing his duty, not matter how dangerous it has to be. Hell, he took on missions that would have seemed impossible to accomplish and would mean certain death, but he won them all, and he inspired heroism and bravery in those he worked. All of that made him a legend in his reality and one of Humanity's greatest defenders and heroes."

"But he never lets that get to his head, he said to us when we saw the awards and citations he gained over his career that he felt that a soldier did not deserve to be honored for doing what is required of him. To him, his duty is more important than any medal and honor, he does not see himself as a superior being and cares more for the lives of others than his very own life and places the safety of his allies and civilians above all else. That's why he is in my opinion as much a hero as any of us in the League or the others in the world for that matter. His methods may be harsh to many, but he is doing what he is trained do and I know that if everything goes down the drain and all else fails, I'd be glad to have the Spartan watching my back."

John smirked a bit underneath his helmet at both Flash and Batman, he had expected Flash to stand up for him, but he certainly was not expecting Batman of all people. And he decided to speak as well.

"I have to thank the both of you Batman, Flash for the support, and I will keep my promise to avoid the need to cross the line unless there is no other alternative that is open to me. But I wish to make some things clear to those who might be watching and listening. Do not seek to test my resolve on this matter, because as Batman and Flash have said, I am more than capable of taking a life because I am trained to do it and I have done it so taking a life when I have to is something that I have no trouble doing."

"If you are a threat to innocent lives, my allies, and those I consider as friends and family…make no mistake I will use any and ALL means to take you down including lethal force."

That was that on his part and after more and more questions, the whole thing came to a close and that was something that he was very thankful for.

…

Two days after the official unveiling of the Justice League to the world…

John was walking in the shop, once more wondering just what he was doing here of all places, but he focused on the task at hand. Cortana had suggested to him that he go buy some clothes and supplies for Diana to further enhance her collection of clothing and supplies. The Amazon was currently back on the Watch Tower and training on the use of the Javelins so she would be able to be more effective in their operations.

It was needed for the members of the League to know how to properly use the Javelins, even those who could fly and it was now Diana's turn. This was the time Cortana decided to ask him to go shopping for the clothes. The clothes in question including some comfortable sleeping clothes for women, along with a variety of bras, panties, a few spare sets of clothes that were for everyday use, female products which naturally included hygiene products, make-up, lipstick, and more besides, and despite him wondering WHY Cortana suggested it in the first place…some simple but very well made and fetching swimwear of all things. All of that was possible since Cortana once more reminded him of Diana's exact body measurements and sizes so he would get all the appropriate clothing as well as the supplies.

To be perfectly honest, John doubted that Diana even needed makeup or lipstick, since at least to him, she looked fine to him and he doubted that she would even approve of using makeup in the first place. The hygiene products for women he could understand but the makeup was lost to him, and of course there was the beach wear. He had no idea on where the Amazon was going to use the swimwear in the state of New York, and naturally there was the question on whether she was going to even be all right with the idea of wearing swimwear. He had no doubt that if she did decide to wear it, and go to the beach, then the men in the area were never going to leave her alone. And despite her getting used to men to some degree, he had no doubt that any man with perverted tendencies were going to try their luck were going to end up regretting it, along with having to shelve out some major amounts of cash to pay for medical bills.

Still, Cortana pointed out slyly that all of this would at least make Diana's time among the world of men more complete. He could not fault the logic there, but he could not help but his long time friend had something in mind. What that was, he had no clue, but he knew better than to brood about it, just get it over and done with.

The sight of him in a white muscle shirt, black leather jacket, deep blue jeans and shoes looking for the products had given him looks from many people of the two genders as well as the different orientations. The straight men who managed to stop him in the said shop, could not help but look at him with surprise at his willingness to be ordered around to buy those things. The straight women in the store looked on with laughter and surprise as well as approval. They had to admit that a man who was willing to actually buy those things for a woman who he was no doubt involved with was a worthy man.

The others of the different orientations merely smiled and talked to themselves. This made the whole situation an annoyance to the Spartan but he pushed himself through it. He checked everything that he had and decided to get things over and done with. But as he was paying the clothes, he was soon aware that someone was behind him and the person spoke in what was a female voice but in a low tone.

"Nice to see you again…Spartan."

John's combat reflexes kicked in for a brief moment, but he quickly suppressed it. He knew that he was in a civilian store, so acting on his battle honed instincts and augmented reflexes was going to get him into trouble. Besides that…he had realized something.

The voice belonged to someone he knew.

He turned and spotted a dark skinned female beauty who was currently wearing a deep white long sleeved silk shirt, comfortable brown leather pants, boots, and a comfortable light brown vest as well. The woman looked at him with a smile and a gleam in her eye.

"Miss McCabe."

Mari smiled warmly at the Spartan, though she made sure to keep her actions neutral for the moment. She had come to New York after a fashion tour in France and unwind after that demanding trip. She had gone to this store to buy some supplies for her wardrobe when she spotted a face that she quickly recognized. She checked again to see if what or who she had seen was a figment of his imagination, but when she knew now that he was the real deal, she made her move.

"Hello there, fancy meeting you here."

John had a feeling that this was not going to be a good day, and he was right to some degree as the super model/heroine looked at the items he had bought and gave him a look that was both on amusement and admiration.

"I take it these are for your friend?"

"Yes they are for Diana, can we take this somewhere else?"

Vixen nodded and the two left the store and here the woman spoke.

"You know, I have to admit that I would never have expected you to be buying those things, most guys I know would not dream of even setting foot in a store like this unless egged on by their wives or girlfriends for various reasons. It's kind of amusing and admirable at the very same time since you don't get to see that kind of willingness in guys anymore."

John gave a slight snort and replied.

"I bet it would, but I did it since it can help."

Vixen laughed a bit at that and spoke.

"So where is Diana?"

"Currently training with the others at the tower, though I take it you watched the news?"

"Yep, nice entrance by the way, I'm not too comfortable with the whole idea of you…being willing to cross the line, but I guess we'll wait and see."

The two walked until Vixen spotted a nearby restaurant and looked at the Spartan with a gleam in her eye.

"Say, you don't have any appointments to attend do you?"

"No."

"Good, so you won't mind joining me for some lunch?"

John was silent about this, thinking about his options and already he could see that the people nearby were looking at him. No doubt trying to figure out who he was and why he was walking with a recognized fashion model like Mari of all people, he knew that this was going to be one of those days, that much was obvious to him, but he decided that he might as well get this done, besides, he already knew enough about Mari so no sense turning her down.

"All right then, just lunch all right?."

The two spent some time together in the restaurant and this had attracted a lot of attention from the people in the area for more than one reason. Mari was recognized for her beauty and physical form with her being a recognized model so she had acquired a fair number of rumors concerning her, namely one when she was going to settle on being with a significant other. And as much as John wished to be out of the camera lens, he was quick to see some people taking pictures with their cell-phones as well as their cameras.

This was annoying to him, but he was in his civilian disguise thus far and therefore no one with the exception of Mari knew that he was the Spartan. And besides, Mari seemed to be in a good mood around him and as such, he decided to loosen up a bit, though not too much.

As for Mari, she found the Spartan to be all right, sure she knew who he really was and she had seen him in action, but seeing him in a civilian situation was kind of fun. Not to mention that despite him not being too keen on being the center of attention at the moment, he did not seem to take offense to the situation that he was in. He was calm, observant and very patient, as well as highly professional.

As soon as they were done with lunch, the two left and spent a bit more time talking until the two parted company. Mari made sure to look for the Spartan's base on her own time and when she was not being followed by the media. He had an identity in New York and since she based herself in New York a number of times, this would really help.

As for John, he hoped that he was not going to end up slapped in the newspapers for being with Mari, but if there was one thing he learned from his now deceased friend Johnson; don't think that what the cameras took was going to be forgotten anytime soon. Because it was going to come back to you quicker than you think.

…

In the Watch Tower a few days later…

The League were currently taking care of some serious matters with Flash handling yet another series of attacks on Central City and Hawkgirl handling another crisis on the other side of the world. This left the other members working on keeping things in the Watch Tower under wraps for now. The Dawn was on routine patrol over the Earth and was on the other side of the planet at this very moment.

The Master Chief was still in his standard MJOLNIR Power Armor and currently working on some of the new plans that he was going to give to the others in the League to read. These plans included the development of Hydrogen fueled Reactors to replace those that used fossil fuels and he also was working on presenting the design of the same engine that used all manner of water as fuel for vehicles.

Batman had to admit that such technology was indeed impressive as this would ensure that fossil fuel usage would decrease and help alleviate the growing environmental issues that came up. He also admitted that such designs could even open new avenues of technology development for all sectors and not just those of the transportation industry.

And it was here that Cortana teleported a new MJOLNIR variant for John to use while in the Tower.

John looked at the brand new MJOLNIR variant and recognized it as one of the recently tested models they worked on in their free time.

"We're using the 'Mako' variant?"

Cortana nodded and replied.

"Yep, this variant should be more than adequate for naval work, even more so since we've managed to condition a few new features."

The Spartan looked at the MJOLNIR variant nicknamed Mako for the shark and had to admit that the improved product was worth the effort to make. The fact that it was ideal for naval work also added to that. On the outside it looked like a more streamline version of the MJOLNIR, and in truth it would be, but the suit was different in a number of ways. The edges were smoothed over to help cut resistance to water, it had a special recycler system that converted expelled carbon dioxide back into oxygen which was able to operate for an indefinite period of time thanks to the power systems that were in the MJOLNIR variant, it also had a specially made Motion Sensor system that was melded with a highly advanced version of sonar to give the Spartan the edge he would need in a full water environment. And the previous Hydrostatic Gel Layer was improved sealing to handle the increasing pressure when in an underwater environment in various depths as well as keeping John warm in colder temperatures as well as sealing him further. The Gel was also made a bit stronger and able to counter the danger of shockwaves from explosions in water that could have a deadly effect on the Spartan due to pressure waves.

But the most unique additions were a special propulsion system and also a special layering of microscopic scales that were made like shark's teeth on the armor's surface to boot. The propulsion system was developed by Cortana that used the Jump-jet pack developed by the UNSC but instead the new version took in sea water and actually released it at extreme pressure which in turn created motion. This system also gave John the ability to move silently without making much noise and with some more modifications that Cortana placed in, the system was called down to a much smaller size and was not a problem for John to use. This was also installed not just in the back with several nacelles in the top, sides and bottom, but also on the hips, feet and elbows. This gave John a much higher range of movement in water.

The second was the scale system that mirrored sharkskin and through some ingenious tampering by the Smart A.I, the sharkskin like scales were made many times more hydrodynamic, allowing for seamless movement in the water. This in conjunction with the propulsion system gave John a deadly advantage in under water battles and would be key in fighting possible threats against him that might either want to blast the Spartan into a million pieces, or try to make a meal out of him.

John smiled a bit and replied.

"I guess this will have to do on the off chance we do have to go underwater."

"Good, make sure to bring me some data John so we can tweak it a bit more, but you might want to consider changing weapons."

"Why?"

"Our basic UNSC weapons might work underwater, but I highly doubt that they were meant to work in very deep places, Laser Weapons and Plasma Weapons are out as well, and while we can improve the Gauss rounds for naval work, I think we're better off using something that we can be sure works."

"That something that can work being?"

"The line of Sonic weapons, just like pressure waves, sound can travel better in water than they do in solids so these would be a far better choice in battle. They can be set to stun if need be or go all lethal if there is no other option. You can wager a guess what the results will be to the target if they get hit by this as well."

Cortana however stopped and spoke to the Spartan who knew that if she did that, then something was up.

"What is it Cortana?"

"There's an incoming message from a USS Defiant, a nuclear submarine. I'm patching it through the system now."

The League members gathered to listen in as Cortana played the message.

"This is the USS Defiant! We are under attack and have sustained heavy damage! We are going down! I repeat we are going down!"

John looked at the Mako and spoke.

"Looks like this is going into service right now."

…

Over the surface of the ocean, one of the Javelins arrived with Green Lantern at the command stick while Superman, Diana, and the Master Chief were there and ready to do. The Spartan was already wearing the Mako armor and carried a Sonic MA5C Assault Rifle and also a specially made Sonic Heavy Cannon that was able to work on enemy armor by literally creating a beam of solid sonic energy that could vibrate substances apart at the molecular level, and John had them all on the barrier between lethal and non lethal.

As the Javelin was moving the last known spot of the Defiant, Stewart spoke to their communications system to get into contact with the sub's crew.

"USS Defiant, this is the Justice League, help is on the way."

The Javelin was soon deep under water and its ability to move into the sea easily as if it was in the sky and space came in handy as the League began to look around for answers to what had just happened.

"What could have attacked the Defiant? There are no other subs in this area of the ocean that are on patrol according to the information in the US Navy's database."

John asked as they looked about as Diana used her training to look at their scanners and they soon located the Defiant.

"There they are, the signal coming from the distress beacon of the Defiant is getting stronger so we must be closing in."

Superman however pointed towards something in the ocean floor and spoke to them seriously.

"We're not the only ones down here…look."

They spotted the ships and they were massive vessels, and for a brief moment, John felt like he was looking at another Covenant vessel. They always outclassed the UNSC Navy's ships no matter the classification though this was something that definitely was not made by the Covenant due to the shape and color difference.

"They must have been the ones who sank the Defiant."

The League had no time to waste as they were soon being attacked by the vessels as weapon banks came online and began to fire at them. Stewart kicked in his own training as he maneuvered the Javelin away from incoming fire and focused on avoiding any explosive waves that could harm the ship. The vessels may be larger and better armed as well as armored, but they did not have the speed and maneuverability of the Javelin as the Marine evaded the vessel.

It pursued them as John quickly drew the ship deeper and moved through some massive underwater arches. The massive vessel hit them and was soon stuck in the bottom by the massive stones it had loosened.

Stewart then replied as he looked behind them.

"That takes care of that."

Cortana appeared on John's side and replied.

"You might want to rethink that Marine, because here comes more of them."

The Smart A.I was not joking as two more of the massive vessels appeared before the Javelin and John was once more on the maneuvering mode as weapons fire came at them. The Master Chief however got up and powered his weapons and spoke as he turned around to leave the Javelin.

"We need to get to the men quickly."

Superman moved and got a breathing mask specially made by Batman for this kind of situation and spoke.

"Those sailors won't make it out if we spend time dodging these guys all day."

The others nodded as they unstrapped themselves and headed out, just as the weapons from the two ships hit the Javelin. The armor held thanks to the upgrades given by the Spartan and Cortana. The League came out with Green Lantern carrying Superman and Diana while John, armed with the Heavy Sonic Cannon was moving alongside the Green Lantern as he deactivated the shield made by his ring and allowed the two other heroes the chance to fight.

The four heroes managed to avoid several more shots from the vessels as Diana blocked a few shots from one of the weapon banks of the vessel. Superman quickly made short work of that emplacement by ripping it out from the vessel.

John on the other hand quickly moved to the front as another weapon system came online and tried to target him, he evaded them thanks to the Mako's speed and quickly fired his Sonic Cannon. The beam of sonic energy smashed hard into the sub and tore through it, leaving a massive gash that looked more like a surgical cut as the sonic energy broke the materials by shaking their molecules to bits.

The others in the League were not far behind as both Superman and Wonder Woman turned to hit both subs hard. They pushed the subs into one another quickly and the results were explosive as the subs lost most of their integrity. The crews in them were also sent into the sea as both the Spartan and Green Lantern used their respective weapons to disable to subs even more, John aimed the Sonic Cannon right at the nose of one of the subs and sent the beam out the back end, causing massive damage while Stewart used his ring's energy to cut the second ship in half.

This took out the ships as the League moved out but they were stopped when more Atlanteans showed up. John took out his Sonic Assault Rifle and readied himself as one of the people came forward. This one was dressed differently from the others and carried a more regal and authoritative bearing, similar to a Prophet in the Spartan's mind, but this one was not frail looking either. This man looked more than able to hold his own in a fight and carried a trident of all things while he and his fellows rode bikes that moved under water.

Cortana then spoke to John.

"Easy there John, judging from the guy's armor and the way he looks, I'd say he must be their leader. And don't look now but I think we're surrounded."

Cortana was right as he saw from his Sonar that there more contacts coming in as the man then spoke in a tone of authority.

"Halt! You are violating the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Atlantis! Surrender now or be destroyed."

Superman recognized the man quickly enough as Aquaman and it seemed that he did the same as he spoke a bit.

"So we meet again Superman."

"Aquaman, we apologize for this action but we came here to answer a distress call from the Defiant."

Aquaman turned to look at the vessel in question and spoke with disgust in his voice at the surface ship.

"They should have stayed in the surface where they belonged."

John then replied with a tone that was not the least bit intimidated.

"Did they open fire on your ships?"

"What?"

"It's a simple rule of US military codebook, do not fire unless fired upon. Did they fire on your subs?"

"No they did not, why does that matter?"

"If they did not fire at you for any reason, then they had no hostile intent and you attacked first, as soon as word gets out of this incident, your people are marked as hostiles. But we came here to save those people, if they die, then their deaths are on your people's hands."

Diana then spoke.

"Please, these people will drown."

Aquaman weighed his options at this and decided that allowing the surface dwellers in that ship to be saved should show that his people were doing what was their right, and that was to defend their homes, but they would not kill unless forced into it.

"Fine, rescue the people there and tell your people to never enter our borders, but that sub stays here."

That did not sit well with Lantern as he spoke out.

"No chance in hell are we doing that! That's a nuclear armed submarine, and if you think that we're just going to let you…"

"What makes you think you are in a position to act, or have a choice?"

Stewart glared and soon his power flared up but Superman stopped him and replied.

"He's right, those sailors are the ones we have to save, time is against us."

It did not take too long for the League to get the sailors, The Javelin was still operational and was now being piloted by both Diana and John to serve as an escort for Green Lantern through the storm while he carried the sailors in a protective sphere now that they were clear. All the while the Atlanteans and their king watched it all happen and had escorted them to the surface. As soon as it was over, Superman turned and spoke to Aquaman.

"All of this could be avoided in the future if you wanted."

Aquaman remained impassive at first and then asked.

"How?"

"Go to the World Assembly and air your grievances to the leaders there."

"You expect me to go there like a beggar?"

"No, go there as a king."

As soon as the League Left, Aquaman was left to think his options as he gave the others for the rest of his followers to gather their own survivors as well as salvage anything they could from their own vessels before ordering the submarine secured by guards while he and those that were not on duty headed back to Atlantis.

…

Inside Atlantis…

Aquaman was in council with his advisors, namely Brak, and his brother Orm even though they were only half siblings in the main palace. Orm had been a good advisor and served to cool the heads of the more vocal and aggressive members of the Atlantean military, Brak being one of them and for that Aquaman was thankful. And already as he listened to Brak, he could tell that his General was in a full desire to accomplish what he wanted.

"This situation cannot continued my King, I say that the surface dwellers are barbarians. They have invaded our sovereign borders, experimented their weapons recklessly in the seas, pollute our waters with their garbage, kill and take the sealife without any restraint, and they sail their weapons around with impunity! It is high time that we put a stop to this before they will become too much for our people to bear! And we in the military have a solution."

Aquaman knew that Brak's arguments had merit as he himself had been on the receiving end of mankind's greed and selfishness. Long ago, two years after that whole incident with that alien lord named Darkseid, he had been kidnapped and experimented on by a man named Lex Luthor, and while he had wanted to avenge his people, Superman stopped him with the aid of his human friend, and possibly love interest, Lois Lane. It was through these two that he learned that not all surface dwellers were bad, and his recent encounters with them was proof of that despite his dislike for the one using green energy, and his curiosity for the armored one who's face he could not see. He decided to hear out just what Brak had in mind, though he had a vague idea as to what he had in mind.

"And what sort of solution is that?"

Brak nodded and spoke.

"Our technology is at it's peak and our men are more than ready for the chance to teach the surface dwellers a lesson. Give us the authority and we can go there and wipeout the surface dwellers for good so they can no longer threaten us!"

Despite his own distrust for surface dwellers, Aquaman was not in favor of a war unless there was no alternative. He knew that a foolhardy war was not in the best interests of their people and would be costly for all of them.

"General Brak, I decide policy in Atlantis and not you."

Brak then did something that that got on the blonde Atlantean's nerves as he actually moved forward and showed a more aggressive and demanding posture and tone. These were not good things to show before one's own leader.

"But we cannot delay any more my king! We should end this all now before…"

Orm then stepped forward and spoke.

"Enough General Brak! You're tone is disrespectful as your king has spoken."

Brak stopped and moved away as he replied with a bow.

"Forgive my overreaction Lord Orm."

Aquaman thought over everything and looked at his wife Mera and their son. Mera was a beautiful woman and wore the robes and crown of Atlantean royalty and had her deep red hair in the way she wanted as she held their son. She was worried and no doubt deep in thought as to what was going on. He knew that she loved to live in a peaceful kingdom and raise their son in a safe environment. He desired the same thing as well and he was not going to commit to a war unless it was the last option left.

He turned and spoke to both Brak and Orm as he stood up from the throne.

"General Brak, I will consider your counsel on the matter with the surface dwellers, this is not a decision that is to be taken lightly. I will take time to consider our options and I will give my orders when I come to a decision."

With that he left and was followed by Mera, with Brak and Orm looking at the couple.

…

In the royal chambers

Aquaman smiled warmly at his active baby son who smiled warmly back at his sire and played with his hair as well. The king lowered his stern and calm demeanor and became the loving father and caring husband that he was as he was with his wife and son. As he placed their son down on his bed, he commented at the display of strength his son had.

"He has a strong grip."

Mera smiled at that and replied.

"He takes after his father."

Aquaman smiled but his thoughts became intense once more as he turned away and looked out into the city, Mera was quick to see that her husband was troubled and spoke to him once she was close, using his true name.

"Something bothers you greatly Arthur, what is it?"

"Am I doing the right thing Mera, am I steering our people and our kingdom in the right direction. The surface dwellers have committed many evil things, that much I know is true, but there are those who I can respect, and going to war with them. I may have been willing to go to war once, but being with you and our son…I do not feel that a war is something our people and the both of you need, all I want is a safe and bright future for our son. Am I strong enough to do this?"

"You're hands are strong enough Arthur, I will gladly place my life and my future in them…and I can say the same for our son and our people."

Aquaman smiled at his wife and then looked at his son. He thought over what he truly wanted, a safe world for his people and his wife and child. But he needed to find a peaceful way to safeguard that future, one that did not drag his people into a war that they did not need. That left him with few choices, and with one that he privately hoped would work.

…

As the League were now back in the Watch Tower after depositing the rescued sailors in the nearest naval base, John could not ignore the feeling that Aquaman was going to be a concern. Superman told them about his suggestion to Aquaman to go to the World Assembly, but after what he had seen of the men, he doubted that the man was not going to be the least bit diplomatic. For such an advanced race as the Atlanteans, they seemed to be rather archaic in their approach to things, but he kept in mind that he was not the judge of the man and he had to be objective. Still his military mind was telling him that leaving behind the nuclear payload and the missiles that made up the sub's full surface weapon systems was a bad idea.

And he had no doubt that he was not the only one who was thinking along those very same lines as Superman was currently getting into contact with the US Navy's officer in charge.

Cortana was sending him her very own input as well.

"I do not like the idea of leaving those weapons behind, we might have gotten the crew out, but I still worry about those nukes."

"I know Cortana, but the people come first, we'll worry about the nukes once we have a chance to make sure that they are in safe hands. Besides, I have a feeling that Aquaman is going to keep his word on leaving that submarine alone."

The A.I replied in a slightly tired tone.

"I know, I detected no signs of lying there, but that hardly means that we should be complacent about it, I can bet that the brass in the US are going ape at the idea of leaving nuclear weapons in the bottom of the ocean in the hands of people they know next to nothing about."

The Master Chief knew that Cortana had a very solid case there, and already he and the others could hear the way Superman was talking with the Admiral on the line.

"I understand your point very well Admiral, and I wish I didn't have to leave those nukes as well, but lives were at stake and we didn't have enough time to save both the nukes and the people."

Green Lantern was tense as hell and the Spartan could easily understand the former Marine's agitation on the matter that he was currently dealing with. And it was not long before Stewart finally spoke just how much he disliked the whole situation involving the nukes that were in the hands of the Atlanteans.

"The Admiral's got a point, we should have never left those nukes down there, we should have gone back there and took them to be sure. Now they are in the hands of that madman who refuses to see reason!"

Diana, being a princess understood Aquaman's position as leader of his people, though she also understood just why her fellow League member was very unhappy with the situation. She had read just how devastating nuclear weapons were and what she had learned from the Master Chief and Cortana about them. She only hoped that there was a chance to bring down the tension and get everyone involved to think with calmer heads.

"Aquaman is not a maniac Stewart, he is a king, and as such is the sovereign leader of his people, he is doing his best to try and protect his people and their way of life."

"Oh yeah, then who is going to protect us from him?"

As Green Lantern turned away, Diana sighed as she began to try and talk some sense into the Green Lantern, but the Spartan stopped her and John then spoke.

"You're best off not trying to convince Stewart Princess Diana, both him and Aquaman have good reasons to be the way they are. John's dedicated to protecting those under his charge and so is Aquaman as King. The best we can hope for is there is a viable solution that does not lead to a shooting match. This world does not need to be at war with people who live in it, since despite being sea dwelling, the Atlanteans are still residents of Earth whether they admit to it or not"

Diana nodded solemnly at that and replied.

"I truly hope for that Spartan."

…

Green Lantern managed to get back into the sea and saw that a very large number of Atlantean ships and water bikes were in the area. At the moment it looked like the blonde haired Atlantean King was keeping his promise. But John had his doubts on the whole matter and with some quick maneuvering and thinking, he was able to evade the patrols and enter the sub. What he saw next in the sub's missile bay made him all the more angry/

The nuclear missiles were all stolen from their racks…

And the same could be said for the nuclear fuel that made the core of the missiles' warheads.

…

The beach…

Things seemed very calm at the moment for all the beach goers at this fine morning, but that was all going to change. And it was not just for them but for the people at the World Assembly as Aquaman came out and made his way deeper into the city. He cared little for what the people around him were doing, and he also ignored them as he moved to locate this World Assembly that Superman spoke of the last time he had spoke to the man.

Some people in cars were not happy with him crossing the street and ignoring the fact that they were passing by. One shouted at him but quickly regretted it as the Atlantean smashed his car's hood and lifted it upward for a bit and he moved on. Just as a police officer tried to stop him, Aquaman turned and grabbed the man and lifted him easily like a rag doll and spoke at him.

"Where is the World Assembly?"

…

In the Tower…

"I knew we should never have left that sub in the hands of that fish man! The sub's been stripped clean of the missiles and the plutonium is gone from the secure locker!"

Diana looked at the irate Green Lantern as she, the Spartan, J'onn and Cortana were there when Stewart came back from what Cortana guessed was investigation of his own. The princess was not very pleased with the news herself, but she did question why was it that Aquaman would do such a thing with something that he should know already was inherently dangerous.

"And you think Aquaman is responsible?"

The Lantern rolled his eyes a bit and replied sternly.

"You know any other Atlanteans that we missed Princess? We need to go to Atlantis right now and get some straight answers!"

The Spartan replied to that calmly while in his MJOLNIR Armor, leaving the Mako in for some fine tweaking.

"I doubt that it's going to be that clear cut Gunny, I doubt that we're going to just move into Atlantis without incident. Besides, Aquaman is a leader of his people and like Diana said he is protecting his own people, just we do with the people here. If he did, he would have a good reason for it."

"So what do you suggest we do Chief? We still have to get some answers from that guy since there's no telling what exactly he plans to do with the plutonium."

Superman then replied.

"If we need answers, we don't need to go to Atlantis, looks like Aquaman heeded my suggestion, but we had best hurry, judging from the way he did his entrance, I doubt he's being diplomatic about it."

…

Superman was right as they saw the news that Aquaman had gone to the World Assembly to air his grievances to the World Assembly and it's leaders. But Superman had a point about his worries of Aquaman's way of handling things since the situation the hall was far from calm. It was clear that despite being a king, Aquaman was not very open minded when it came to finding a viable solution that would work for not just his people but the world. The terms he placed in his peace treaty sounded more like a list of demands for unconditional surrender, which was even more reinforced by the fact that he barged past the guards and entered the Assembly Hall just like that during a closed session.

Many of the people in the World Assembly made their own disgust with the demands leveled to them by Aquaman very clear as one man, who no doubt represented the French Government spoke.

"You and your people have the audacity to sink a nuclear sub and then barge in here to make demands for peace like this? Who do you think you are?"

Aquaman replied in the same serious and calm tone as before.

"I am the sworn in and sovereign ruler of the kingdom of Atlantis."

"A country that is not recognized and as such has no right to make demands!"

Aquaman glared at each member of the Assembly, making sure to focus first on the French representative as he replied.

"These are the final terms of peace between your nations and mine; discard and ignore them at your own risk."

The speaker then replied as he tried desperately to keep things in the hall in order, the last thing he wanted was a riot in the hall itself.

"But those demands of yours are outrageous and impractical! What you are proposing seriously undermines not only the security and defense of our respective nations, but out economic security as well!"

Aquaman looked at the man and replied.

"Those are your concerns and problems, they are not mine."

That did it as the whole Assembly rioted and the leaders and officials were all standing up and were hurling threats and insults at Aquaman. And while he remained calm, he could not help but feel some level of disappointment. He had arrived to air his grievances and set his terms as Superman suggested, and now it seemed that he had wasted his time.

"Aquaman!"

The leaders turned and so did the Atlantean as Superman came along with John Stewart, the Master Chief who carried his trademark Assault Rifle and a Battle Rifle, and Diana herself. As Superman landed in front of Aquaman, the Atlantean king spoke bitterly to the Kryptonian.

"I came here and offered them a chance for peace between their nations and mine, and this is how they respond. This was a waste of my time."

Superman replied to that, hoping to try and salvage this situation before it turned ugly.

"Please try to be patient about this, things like this takes time."

"I have wasted too much time already."

Cortana then replied to that as she disliked the attitude of the Atlantean king very much, maybe even more so than John himself.

"This guy REALLY needs to get that harpoon out of his ears."

"Wait!"

Wonder Woman stepped before Aquaman to try and make him stop and think this situation through a lot more before leaving, but the man merely looked at the Amazon and quickly moved her aside and into Stewart's hands. The Lantern caught Diana as the Amazon had not expected that reaction from the Atlantean.

John shook his head at the way the Atlantean King moved Diana aside and he could not help but comment on the actions he had seen the man take and his overall attitude.

"That guy's as diplomatic as a Sword wielding Zealot."

Stewart nodded as well as he and Diana looked at the man who was now leaving the building.

"A real Prince Charming too."

…

Unfortunately for Aquaman, his exit from the World Assembly was not going to be as quick as he hoped. He had hoped to get back to his people and give them the news of the flat out rejection of his proposal to the surface dwellers. He ignored the reporters and headed off, but only to be suddenly cast aside by a powerful explosion as the sound of a rocket came out of nowhere and sent him to the ground.

The League came out and Superman was quick to move and get Aquaman for treatment while being followed by the others who were quick to form a screen around the Man of Steel and the injured king of Atlantis. The Spartan on the other hand looked around while cradling his basic MA5C Assault Rifle, scanning for any possible sign of the attacker before he followed the others to oversee Aquaman's treatment. This was enough to tell him that something was going on in the scenes and already both he and Cortana were running through the scenarios.

…

In Atlantis, the Generals in the observation room could not help but be utterly shocked at the sight of their king being taken away for medical treatment by the surface dwellers, namely by the League. They had heard that their king's condition was unknown, but apparently critical and already there were questions flying about on what their response should be should the injuries on Aquaman be proven fatal.

It was here that Orm made his move as he spoke to the assembled generals of the kingdom.

"This affront must not go unpunished! If the surfacers think that we will sit idly by at the news of this cowardly attack on our king, we will make them regret it! I want all forces to be on full alert, mobilize all forces, I am taking charge of the kingdom until the situation is dealt with."

While there were those who began to support Aquaman's brother, not all of the officers in the room were too keen on the news.

"But Lord Orm, the king left specific instructions for the forces of the kingdom to remain on standby only. Besides, we have not yet received word on how our king is doing."

"Do you really think that the surface dwellers would really care for our king? They very well could be using him for their own gains, like they had done years before and he could very well be dead. No, we will mobilize and I will rule until this crisis is dealt with."

"But my Lord, the laws of succession states that…"

Orm then replied to that as well in his own voice of authority.

"The heir to our throne is still a child and not yet at the right age to rule our kingdom General, until he is of age, I will rule in my nephew's place until this matter is resolved. Now get things done quickly the longer we delay, the more likely the surface dwellers will rally and become an even greater threat to our world! My brother wanted to defend out world from them, and we cannot abandon that design now."

He turned and thought over some more details and looked to see Mera walk to him in a hurried pace, her beautiful face obviously distressed about the rumor that her husband and their king had been badly injured and possibly more besides.

"Orm! I heard the news! Has there been any word on Arthur?"

Orm moved and took Mera into his arms and spoke to her

"I am sorry Mera, but we have no trustworthy news yet for you, all of Atlantis is in mourning with you as well."

Mera moved away and spoke to him.

"You speak as if he is already dead."

"I wish that were not the case…but we cannot trust what the surface dwellers say, for all we know, they could be lying about Arthur and are doing who knows what to him."

"No…"

Mera walked away and held her arms tightly, wishing that it was her husband's arms and not her own that were holding her right now. She wanted to feel him and be assured that he was all right, but that was not happening as she spoke as tears threatened to come down her face as she moved away hoping that her beloved was all right and would soon return to her and their son.

…

In the hospital room…

The League members were all in the room with Aquaman, but he was not in a stretcher or hospital bed, he was currently in an ocean water tank that was being placed in a setting that seemed to be ideally suited for fish life in the ocean. Batman had arrived earlier and had ordered the people in the hospital to stop doing what they were doing to Aquaman to heal his injuries as they were getting nowhere fast. His skin was too tough to pierce with injection needles and scalpels and they had nothing that could him until he showed up.

Already the League could see the injuries that were on Atlantean healing and his vital signs were all good as Superman spoke.

"Looks like Aquaman is recovering well, he should be fully recovered and able to speak in a few moments."

That was the opening that Green Lantern was waiting for.

"Good, now we can get some proper answers."

The Spartan did not like that but decided to observe the whole situation as Green Lantern banged his hand on the glass of the tank and spoke seriously to the now obviously recovering Atlantean. He had managed to get the footage of the attack from Cortana and had been studying it intently just as Cortana was doing as well.

"Wake up in there your highness, what the hell did you and your people do with the nuclear material?"

Aquaman soon opened his eyes and spoke.

"The nuclear material?"

"Yeah, the material that was on the sub's storage room, which I found was empty and gone! Where the heck did you hide it?"

Aquaman got out of the tank and removed the sensors on his chest and replied in the same calm and collected fashion to the irate Green Lantern who was looking at him intently, unaware that the Spartan was doing the very same thing.

"I have not taken that material you speak of, I gave my men strict orders to leave that sub where it was."

"Really? Listen here, nuclear materials do not sprout legs and arms, open their storage container and walk out like everything's all peachy. I went into the sub and found not just the fuel gone, but the missiles as well, so where are they?"

"I do not know and I do not care, all I know is that someone tried to kill me and I will find out who he is and what he knows."

John then replied as Aquaman continued to move away, he did not like the Atlantean king's attitude one bit and made that clear while remaining objective at the very same time as he spoke.

"You're not thinking this through like a proper king."

That was enough to make Aquaman stop pacing and glare at him and reply to what he had said.

"And what makes you say that?"

"Think it through, your would be killer targeted you the very second you left the World Assembly, and he nearly succeeded with the use of a rocket launcher, not a high powered sniper rifle. That whole attack on you was well thought out and therefore had nothing to do with dumb luck nor was it coincidence. And that assassin chose to use high powered weapons since conventional assassin weapons would not be that effective. That means that whoever hired him knew you were going to the Assembly and made sure to tell him how to kill you. What does that tell you Aquaman?"

"I fail to see the point in that."

"You're assassin is no fool, he will try again to kill you since he will have a reputation to protect and there is still the question on who hired him. You do not hire simple thugs to take out someone with superhuman abilities after all. Whoever hired him made sure to hire the best and the most important detail is that they knew where you were going. I doubt it would have been anyone here in the surface world as you call it who knew you were coming, since I have a feeling that your people don't exactly make a habit to suddenly walk from the ocean depths to mingle with the regular people. The only people, who would know apart from us in the League, would be your own people."

Aquaman's eyes widened at the insinuation and made the clear as he was before the Spartan.

"Are you suggesting that I have a traitor in my own kingdom?"

"That's a big possibility. And if that is confirmed to be true, then I doubt the person would be alone, he or she would have allies and resources, resources that would be more than enough to hire the one who tried to kill you and possibly take over the throne since the only time a king is killed by traitors is when they desire to rule in the deceased person's place after rooting out and eliminating the competition."

"I do not believe that, all of my people are loyal to their king and they already the price of treason."

"Whether it was a traitor or a large number of traitors in your kingdom or indeed a surface world party as it were that hired this assassin, we cannot gain any information until that assassin is lured out in the open and in our hands. Its common sense after all, you find out who sent the assassin, you'll then find out just who your real enemy or enemies are."

Batman nodded at that logic.

"He has a point, until we capture that assassin; we have no idea who would want you dead. You will have to trust us and let us find the killer before he will try and go after you again."

"So what do you propose I do?"

"Stay here and let us root him out."

"You expect me to hide like some whipped coward while that killer is loose?"

"It's the only way to bring him in closer, no doubt he will finish his mission until you are truly dead, so we'll use that."

"How?"

…

The League quickly moved about as the news crews around the hospital began to report that they were going to move Aquaman to a more dedicated marine medical care and observation station. This was all a trap of course, as they were moving out quickly to wait for the assassin to make his move. The only one of the team who was not with them, was Green Lantern as he was watching over Aquaman as they had moved him quietly to another room to avoid word coming out that the Atlantean was alive and well.

All they allowed to come out apart from moving him was that Aquaman was still alive and was struggling to recover,. They quickly got into position and waited for the right moment to occur as Aquaman came out from the hospital in a gurney. They will not have to wait long as the assassin came out from a nearby sewer and quickly moved to attack, this time carrying a much larger rocket launcher.

He got into position and aimed his weapon, intent on finishing his mission and not care about who got caught in the hit.

Unfortunately for him that was when Diana spotted him and told the others.

"There he is!"

Batman nodded as he looked with his binoculars.

"We see him!"

Before they could respond, the Spartan took out his Battle Rifle and fired a three round burst, just as the rocket came out from the launcher/ The assassin had no time to react as the missile was sent down and away from the intended target and exploded. That had caught the people nearby off guard and that was when the League was on the move. The assassin however had to push even more as John was shooting at him with shots from the Battle Rifle while the others followed in an effort to slow him down but not inflict fatal injury as he was needed alive for questioning.

The Master Chief then quickly moved down and landed on the ground with a thunderous impact as he spoke to Cortana coordinating him via the Dawn.

"Cortana, can you track his movements?"

"I am on it, but I have no doubt this guy's got some major tricks up his sleeve."

…

Sure enough, the man did, as he entered the sewer and sealed the cover, Superman arrived and tried to follow him. He reached to remove the cover, but got hit by an unexpected amount of high voltage, Superman screamed at the unexpected surprise and was sent back smoking and unconscious. The man moved down and revealed that he had rigged a trap just in case he was being followed.

As soon as he got down, he removed his clothes and was in his suit, revealing himself to be none other than Deadshot. The man had managed to escape prison and return to his life as an assassin for hire, but sporting some very nasty scars from his encounter with the Spartan underneath his suit.

Batman and J'onn arrived after the disguised Martian helped the people and removed his disguise as Aquaman. Batman checked on Superman while J'onn went down to the sewers by being intangible. Deadshot moved past him as he quickly contacted Diana.

"Diana, he is heading in your direction!"

Diana nodded as she quickly moved off the building she was on and quickly struck the street sending out a shockwave that caused the road to cave down, forcing the assassin to the direction she wanted. She wasted no time and ripped out the grid and moved down to the sewer, joined by John as they were before the assassin.

The man turned his right to stop as Diana spoke, though the man's use of low level light only revealed her outline as Diana spoke.

"End of the line!"

The man replied calmly at that.

"Sorry, I'll take a detour."

Wonder Woman had no choice but to shield herself when the man fired a grenade into the roof and buried her in rubble as he sped away. Diana moved the rubble away and tried to look for the man but it was clear that he got away from them. She however kept her cool and reported to the others.

"He managed to get away from me but he's moving to the other tunnel to the right."

…

Lantern looked at Aquaman carefully as he waited to get word from the others that the assassin was taken down and secured. However, that chance never came as Aquaman turned around and quickly slugged the Green Lantern in the face to knock him unconscious.

Aquaman looked at John Stewart as the former Marine was on the ground still alive and replied.

"You presume too much."

And with that, he left; time to him was too short in supply for him to wait.

…

Batman was not far behind as he quickly used his grappling gun to move out of the way as he placed traps on the path Deadshot was taking. The traps sent the motorcycle he was on crashing into the ground and Batman spoke to him, recognizing the man as someone he had dealt with before in Gotham. Deadshot was the best marksman he knew of so whoever hired him knew who to hire.

"Don't move!"

Deadshot however ignored that as he tossed some smoke grenades at Batman and escaped, using the scanners in his targeting system to move through the tunnels. Once he was clear and a fair distance from Batman, he climbed upwards to the sewer cover…right above his van.

As soon as he arrived and got into the van he went for the driver's seat, but not before checking his van's stock of ordnance from guns, sniper rifles, swords, daggers, explosives and the like. Seeing none missing he wasted no time in gunning the engine and make his escape. But as he did so, he was spotted by Superman and was soon being chased by the Man of Steel.

He focused so much on evading Superman that he failed to take into account that Superman was not the only League member tracking him. John was there and waited patiently with his Battle Rifle at the ready and as soon as Superman burned the rear tire on the right side, he fired three bursts into the van's engine block.

This stopped the vehicle and sent it crashing hard though Deadshot was alive but not able to go anywhere as Superman came and extracted him from the vehicle. The mercenary was more than willing to talk now as he knew that escape was impossible.

"Okay, okay, I give up."

Superman wasted little time as he knew that they had to hurry since he knew that the longer this went on, the higher the chance Aquaman would pack up and leave and make the situation worse.

"You were trying to kill Aquaman, why?"

Deadshot decided to take the more sarcastic route in this matter as the others arrived though John was a bit late.

"Oh, that's a good question there. Why would a hired gun try to kill someone? Simple, I was paid to do it."

Superman was quick to get the sarcasm, but ignored it for now as they were joined by J'onn, Diana, Batman, and the Spartan. Diana was the next one to ask, though her question was more focused on finding out who had paid Deadshot.

"Who paid you to kill Aquaman then?"

Deadshot looked at Diana and could help but mentally whistle at the very attractive Amazon princess as he recognized her voice as the one who tried to stop him before. She was drop dead gorgeous and must be one hell of a woman in more ways than one. That train of thought was enough to encourage Deadshot to try his luck as he decided to make a few comments.

"Now come on babe, you know I won't tell you…although, if you make it worth my while."

Diana frowned darkly at the implication in the man's voice, after all she had heard that before from many men who had less than noble intentions towards her. However, she knew that unless they got the information from the man, then she could not make him retract that particular statement.

Unfortunately for Deadshot, his choice of words did not sit well with the Master Chief who appeared next to him after dealing with the fire in the man's truck to prevent the ordnance from going off. He had no idea why but the way Deadshot addressed Diana seemed to make him feel like he wanted to rip out the man's tongue with his bare hands.

He kept himself objective however as he needed to get the information and took Deadshot by the throat, and while the mercenary was wearing his hood, he could tell that the man did recognize him.

"Oh hell…it's you!"

"Good guess Deadshot, since you seem to be very uncooperative, I guess I should try my hand at it."

The mercenary tried to play it cool though he vividly recalled his last encounter with the Spartan, it had resulted in him suffering extreme blood loss and had the Spartan been serious, he would have been crippled and maimed for life.

"You think I am going to crack Spartan? I am not going to tell you anything."

John replied in his coldest and most sinister tone, something that he was somehow quite capable of doing.

"You will, because from where I stand, you have two options at this point. The first is that you tell us what we need to know willingly and you might just spend time in jail with your mental faculties and limbs intact. Or, you can refuse and I will use ANY means within my power to make you talk, whether you walk away intact mentally and physically afterwards is up to those answers you give me."

Deadshot did not like the sound of that and looked at the Spartan intently, trying to see if the man was trying to lie. But he could not see anything that could tell him, only his own masked face was looking right back at him. The other League members were also watching the scene, wondering just what was going to be Deadshot's response to the threat.

"Is that some threat you're throwing at me?"

"No…it's a promise, and I keep my promises. And to tell you the truth, this is your lucky day."

"How do you figure that?"

"How much do you know of world history?"

Deadshot was confused by that and replied.

"I don't give a whit about history here!"

John tightened his grip a bit more, not enough to kill Deadshot, but enough to shut him up and replied.

"You should, you see, what you did is the same as the assassin that killed a certain archduke in history. You no doubt read about World War I right? All of that started because one assassin killed this noble in the hope of freeing his people. What he did not know was that his killing of that man would be twisted around by those who took advantage of the whole thing and in turn plunge the whole world into a bloody war that took the lives of millions of many sides, the destruction of lands and cities, and then the laying of the seeds that would start the next conflict you should know as World War II which took even more lives along with the atrocities that live to show the inhumanity in human beings."

"There are differences though, you tried to kill Aquaman just to get paid, and Aquaman was not just some high ranking official who was not too important in the whole mess yet was made into the cause of the war, but the sovereign ruler of a nation. If we had only been a few minutes short after you attacked him and if Batman had not figured out how to save him, then you would have done your job as you were paid to do. And in doing so, you would have plunged the whole world into a war that would have caused the deaths of many innocent people, and no doubt would have helped bring this world to utter annihilation and misery for years to come, all for money."

"And had I known that you did it just after the whole incident, I would not have hesitated to hunt you down, and unlike the last time when we first met, I would have made sure that there would not be enough of you left to be seen even by the best microscope money can buy. And if you've seen the news, and know me, you KNOW that unlike the others here in the League I have absolutely no aversion to killing when the time comes for me to cross that line."

"So once I caught you and I know that you are a threat to Humanity and in this case a traitor. Well, the only question is how I will end your wretched life, with guns, knives, toxins, explosives, or with my bare hands since I will consider killing you a public service as well as removing a stain on Humanity's good name."

Deadshot was silent at this as it began to fill into his brain the scope of what the Spartan was implying while the same could be said for Superman and Batman along with Green Lantern and J'onn, though Diana was in the dark about the events the Spartan was talking about. And after a moment of dead silence the Spartan eased his grip slightly and replied.

"The good news for all involved is that you failed to kill Aquaman, and he is alive and so are you, so this is why I said that today is your lucky day. Since you get to avoid being the greatest traitor to Humanity as well as being reduced into nothing but a simple statistic and have a chance to live a bit longer since I can't kill you yet. So…do you want to take the first choice, or the second one?"

Deadshot looked at the Spartan and decided that he was not going to risk trying to find out if the man was going to go through with his threat. Besides, now that he put two and two together, he was starting to think that this was the FIRST contract he was happy to have failed in completing.

"All right, all right, I'll talk."

John placed down the mercenary and the others in the League looked at Deadshot patiently and he gave the answer to their question.

"I don't know who hired me, I don't ask any questions, I get paid and I get the details of the target in question."

Batman growled at that and replied.

"Not good enough Deadshot!"

"Hey, don't loosen your belfry yet, all I know that I was paid very well, in fact, it was a bit odd in what I was paid with, but who was I to complain? My payment happens to be right there, solid gold at that."

The League turned and they saw a large wooden chest and it was open, no doubt shattered by the violent impact suffered by the van filled with Deadshot's weapons of choice. The contents however were more than enough to tell the heroes that whoever paid Deadshot paid very handsomely.

Batman picked up one of the coins to gauge the metal and spoke.

"These are Spanish doubloons, 14th Century, every last coin here must be worth at least a hundred or more thousand dollars. You do not find these kinds of coins anywhere but at high level security museums and in heavily guarded collection vaults, and certainly not in these numbers. And these happen to be very well preserved, doubling their value."

Superman was more than curious on who the benefactor of Deadshot was.

"Where could anyone get that much money?"

J'onn was deep in thought and it was not long before he came up with an answer that none of the League wanted to hear.

"In Atlantis…it seems that the Chief's feeling that Aquaman has a traitor in his kingdom was correct, and if this was how that traitor paid Deadshot, then the traitor is a very well supplied and connected one."

"We have to get to Aquaman fast!"

"Too late."

The others turned to see none other than John Stewart coming to their direction, rubbing his jaw as he was still aching from that unexpected attack from the man he was guarding. As he landed he gave them the news they definitely did not want to hear.

"His royal pain in the neck knocked me out and left the room just before you guys caught our target. No doubt he is walking right into an ambush in his own home city."

"Right into the hands of his own enemies as well."

Batman finished as he knew just what Aquaman had just walked into.

Diana was very worried as despite Aquaman's boorish manners and his way of dealing with people from the surface, she understood all too well his desire to protect his people as it mirrored the same desire she had to help defend others. And now he was walking right into the hands of his very own enemies, who were bitterly members of his own people. Who knew what they were going to do to him now that they had in their clutches.

"Hera help him."

The Spartan however was less than pleased but he placed that aside and spoke to Cortana who appeared in her avatar form in his hand. Unknown to Aquaman, he had managed to slip a UNSC NAV Marker on the Atlantean king's belt in an area that was not being searched a lot, this was his way of keeping an eye on him on the off chance the king left.

"Cortana, can you trace Aquaman's exact location?"

"Hold up…yes, he's high tailing it back to Atlantis at all speed, he's a fast one for being able to move this fast, and he's got a head start on us to boot."

"All right, looks like the Mako is about to get another trial by fire, we have to save him before whoever is responsible for this decides to declare total war on everyone here. But first…"

The Spartan turned to Deadshot and quickly grabbed him at a point in the neck and pressed hard; the man groaned but blacked out very quickly and fell down like a limp doll. J'onn scanned the mercenary and spoke to the Spartan in a slightly surprised way.

"You aimed at that spot to knock him unconscious."

"Yeah, killing him might have appealed to some, but not to me at this point, the real threat is the one who hired him. And that is because I have a feeling that who that person is has less than altruistic intentions towards us and the rest of the people here on the surface than Aquaman."

…

In Atlantis…

As he made his way deeper into his castle and towards the throne room, Aquaman was at war with that he had just heard from the Spartan a few hours ago, as well as rumors that he had been hearing the very second he came back. Several soldiers who were not on duty were stunned to see him and had even tried to bar him into the castle. When he demanded what was the reason they were bar their own king, they replied that they had heard that he had been killed

This was more than confusing to the Atlantean King, his injuries had been critical but he was saved…by the League and alive. He wanted to know who had said that he was dead and why they were suddenly getting ready to arm up their forces. The very second he learned that it was his brother Orm and his General Brak who were mobilizing the troops and their forces, he felt his body become cold.

(No…can it be…was that surface dweller right about there being traitors in my own kingdom? No! I must find out on my own!)

He moved through the room and headed directly for the room, already as he came closer, he heard the voice of his brother egging on the soldiers and guards in the castle. He was not alone as well as he heard the voice of General Brak and what he heard added even more unease in him.

"Now is the time! Now the time for mighty Atlantis to strike fear and terror into the hearts of it's enemies! We shall rise and wipe out the barbarians on the surface once and for all!"

He could not stand it anymore, he was going to get the answers he wanted and with that in mind, he stormed into the room and shouted.

"Enough!"

The gathered Atlanteans looked in the direction of the door and all of them were utterly surprised though Orm seemed to show some measure of control. But Aquaman was no fool, he could see that his brother was very surprised indeed to see him alive. And as he approached the throne and his brother, thoughts raced through his head

(Could Orm be the traitor as the surface dweller in armor said to me?)

(And could Brak be on his side?)

(Why did they not try to confirm if I am alive or dead? Even if I was dead, they should have at least recovered my body, and seeing that I am alive, had mentioned to everyone including Mera that I still live? Could they all be plotting to take over Atlantis and possibly plunge us into war with the surface and it's people?)

Aquaman shook his head mentally at this.

(No, now is not the time to dwell on these scenarios, I must get these answers soon, and stop this madness before things break out and become uncontrollable.)

"What is the meaning of this?"

Orm then spoke as Aquaman came closer.

"Brother, I was doing what I felt was right…I had thought that you were…"

"Dead?"

He marched towards his brother, angered at the sight of his half brother wielding the Trident of Poseidon and wearing the crown as if both were his. The line of succession in Atlantis was clear to all and, as he could now see that his brother had not even taken the time to learn his true condition and tell their people that he was not dead.

"As you can see brother, I am not yet dead, and now I want answers!"

"Answers to what brother?"

"You ask me of that? Why are you ordering the mobilization of the fleet and our soldiers?"

"I am doing what I feel is right, this affront to our people by the surface dwellers must be avenged! And what better way to do it than by using our technology and manpower to end the threat forever of the surface dwellers who pollute our seas, and encroach our borders with impunity."

Aquaman could not help but feel his anger and worry build, and he made that clear.

"I may have been injured in my time on the surface brother, but I am not dead, and I am still king Orm. I did not give any order to start a foolhardy war with the surface! I gave the both of you and Brak strict orders to…"

Orm glared at him and replied.

"You don't seem to get it brother…I am now the one giving the others around here."

"Orm, you are forgetting that I am alive and I am still king! And as King I am ordering you to stand down! Or else I shall mark you as a traitor!"

Orm glared and replied darkly at his half brother.

"You say that I am the traitor? It is you who is the traitor here; you sold us out the surface dwellers when we could have easily overpowered them with our technology. We have the manpower and weaponry to end their blight once and for all, and all you have done is avoid it! You are a coward and a true traitor to the power of Atlantis brother, and you're wasteful and weak reign is at an end!"

That was more than enough to finally push Aquaman's buttons as he could not stand hearing this from his own sibling of all people.

"Enough of this! Guards! Arrest the traitor!"

Aquaman looked at the men who were there in the room alongside him, Orm and Brak, he then recognized them to be Brak's men. He hoped that even with his war hawk like nature, Brak and in turn his own men would still remember his and their sworn loyalty to his king and that was him by right and choice by their father, and not some pretender even if it was Orm. But that proved to be a flaw…

Orm spoke in an arrogant and utterly satisfied tone to the soldiers with him and Brak.

"You heard him…arrest the traitor."

The soldiers leveled their weapons…not at Orm as Aquaman hoped, but to him…

In that moment, the truth was revealed to Aquaman and great rage filled him along with great shock and humiliation. The armored surface dweller was right after all, there were indeed traitors in his kingdom and they had just taken over while he was away. He had suspected that his brother had designs that were not good for the throne, and he had known that Brak was a war hawk by nature, but he had hoped that at the least they would not disobey his orders and follow them.

But now he knew that his hopes for them had been for nothing, now they were going to plunge Atlantis to a war he knew they could win, but he had hoped to avoid. That anger filled him and he felt a great desire to throttle his brother right there and then for this treachery.

"YOU TRAITOR!"

"Say what you want brother, but your time as King has passed, soon, I will accomplish what you have been too cowardly and cautious to do! To end ALL threats to Atlantis' greatness! And when I am rid of you…everything that should have been mine WILL be mine!"

With that, Aquaman was forced away by Brak's men and he could only watch in cold fury at his traitorous sibling who now had taken the throne. That fury was matched by the shock at the discovery of the fact that he had totally been blinded by his worries towards the surface world and the surface dwellers, that he had not watched out for the enemies who were around him already.

He tried to attack but he was shocked by the Trident and before he fell to unconsciousness, he saw his brother smiling darkly at him before darkness claimed him.

Orm smiled darkly as his brother was led away, he might be alive and his surface world hired assassin had failed him, but that could soon be remedied. Once his half brother was gone, then he could finally begin his rule and bring not just Atlantis under his rule, but the surface world once it was purged of the surface dwellers.

And while he found it ironic, he had to thank his brother for providing him with the last component he needed for his scheme.

…

To be continued…

…

Author's Notes:

Well, that wraps up this chapter, I am sorry if I took a while to cook this one up, I had to do some long overdue computer maintenance to make sure that everything was up to the standard. At any rate, if this thing does break down…again. I hope that it will be in a year or two, but here's hoping anyway. The good news is that with the new AV programs, I have cleaned out all the bugs, worms, and horses out of the computer's drives, so that should make things a darn sight easier for me

And the good news is that I finally got the kit that I needed to connect to the Internet so I should be all right from here on in. But like they say, always make sure to double check your gear.

Now on with the story…

…

On this chapter we now have the deal with Aquaman and his traitorous brother Orm, and you can bet that the Spartan and the League members on this episode are going to have their hands full with the man. Aquaman is all right in my book, I used to watch the old school version of him when I was still a youngster and when betamax was the way to watch and cable was none existent.

(I was born in 1984 after all.)

But this version is short tempered, thinks more with his fists at times, impatient, archaic in his way of political maneuvering, and not exactly the kind of person who one can say is able to see the big picture. Not that I hate him or anything, these are just my observations after all. You can bet that this is going to be different with the Master Chief and Cortana around so this should make the whole show interesting.

Vixen, according to the comics does stay in New York so it does make sense she would be there as well. Will her time with John have some results?

We shall see now won't we?

…

Now on to the topic of three concerns of mine that have cropped up apart from the Paradise Lost arc.

The first is that some people who I will not say their names out of respect for their opinions, have complained that John should go back to killing as he is a Spartan. That the idea of him being a non lethal specialist is false, is not in character, he should not take the DC approach of non lethal force and all that. Here's the deal, I see this story as a challenge to show that John CAN be able to take down foes in a non lethal fashion. I am well aware that he has taken human and Covenant lives, but that was in his universe and he has to adapt in order to fit into this universe he is in now.

If I wanted him to remain the fighting machine that he is, I should have picked a universe that does condone killing to some degree, like Marvel for instance as there are heroes who do kill, you know who being the prime example.

But I will point out that in this story; John does have the option to choose to go lethal if he knows that there is no other way around it. He will indeed kill, but only when he knows that that is the only viable option, and he will show no hesitation in doing so when the time comes so don't expect him to be like this all the time.

Second is the introduction of the MJOLNIR variant known to you all now as the Mako, named after the Mako shark, and it's actual appearance since I did not provide that many good details visual wise. I guess it would be fitting in the sense that it does have the sharkskin like scales increased movement in water with the propulsion system. That system in question being a more powerful and efficient but scaled down to human size version of the Drive system of the Red October. The Mako borrows some design elements from the Recon Armor design so it's more stream lined and makes less drag in the water. Naturally I decided to use Sonic weapons instead of the regular weaponry since it would cause some serious problems in the water environment.

And you can bet that this will not be the last of the Mako either since it will still be effective on the land's surface, though it's performance is more suited to underwater combat.

And the third if the Justice Lords arc…and the reason is that I have plans for this. No, I will NOT make a Justice Lord version of the Master Chief since to me that seems rather redundant and also a strike against John's own personality and traits. But I will have this being the first of possibly several episodes where the Master Chief DOES kill someone, and only because he made the choice to go lethal as he has secretly prepared for this moment though he had kept this for a far different purpose and was forced to use it. And yes, it WILL be one of the Justice Lords and that will be for all to see.

And who does he kill among the tyrant versions of his comrades?

You will have to wait and see.

…

Anyway, with that settled, I will get back to the next chapter…

Bye!