"Everyone is in position, Red Leader," Andros said on the video screen. "And they all have the tracking devices so we can pick up the rogue heroes once they've been subdued. The trackers will let us focus the transporter more accurately so we can lock on to the heroes and transport them directly to where they are going to be held."
It was mid-morning and the Space Rangers had just finished transporting the last group to their positions. Tommy, Jason, and the teens were still in Watchtower with Chloe, Hayley, and Robin. Oliver had left earlier to scout around Metropolis.
"Thank you, Space One," Tommy answered. "We're heading out now. Watchtower will be coordinating between teams from now on."
"Understood, Red Leader," Andros answered. "Space One out."
The screen went blank and Tommy turned to face the group.
"Alright, Chloe," he said. "It's all yours. Everyone has been instructed to follow Watchtower's orders."
"Why do you get to be 'Red Leader'?" Jason asked, leaning against the railing. "I'm the original red ranger."
"Because Tommy is leading the rangers in the field," Chloe answered. "And according to the typical chain of command, the red ranger is the leader. So he is Red Leader."
"Still not fair," Jason grumbled. "It's not like he doesn't have other colors to choose from."
"Oh shut up, Jase," Tommy said. "You came back too."
"Yeah," Jason said. "But I only get to use one color."
"Would you two get out of here?" Chloe interrupted. "You're supposed to be heading to meet Oliver."
"We're going," Jason answered. "Still think you should pick a different color since you have so many."
"Would you like to die?" Tommy asked. "Cause I can go get your gold power."
"No you can't," Hayley said. "I locked it in the vault and changed the combination."
"Wow, bro," Jason said as they headed toward the stairs. "Your fiancé has you whipped already."
"How many times do I have to tell you," Tommy said. "We aren't engaged yet."
"Yet?" Hayley said, turning to look at him.
"See what you did now?" Tommy groaned, glaring at Jason.
They headed toward the elevator, still arguing. The teens trailed down the stairs behind them.
"Don't worry, bro," Jason said with a grin. "I'll help you ring shop."
"I don't need your help," Tommy snapped as the elevator door closed.
"Umm… I think they forgot something," Kira said, still standing at the bottom of the stairs.
"Yeah," Ethan said. "Did they forget that we're supposed to go with them?"
"Just go wait for the elevator," Hayley said. "They'll eventually realize you aren't there."
Shrugging, the teens headed over to the elevator. The doors opened again to reveal Tommy.
"Are you guys coming?" he asked.
"You left without us!" Conner exclaimed.
"Well I didn't think I'd have to babysit you," Tommy retorted.
"Go on guys," Hayley said, leaning over the railing. "And Tommy, don't kill Conner today. Or let anyone else kill him. I reserve that right."
"Aww..." Conner said. "Hayley, you do care."
"Get out of here," she said, shaking her head. "Oliver is waiting."
The teens piled into the elevator with Tommy and the doors shut again. Hayley returned to her computer, still shaking her head.
"Alright," she said. "All of the satellites are up and running. I'm ready to start running camera interference as soon as the rogues make their appearance."
"Great," Chloe said. "Lois should be stopping by any minute to check in. I know Tess has her running in circles, not mention all the coordinating she's doing to try and keep the military out of Metropolis. But in the meantime…"
Chloe pulled up video screens on all of her monitors. She wanted to be ready to have eyes on the fights as they started. Putting in her earpiece, Chloe took a deep breath.
"Watchtower to Green Arrow," she said.
"Go ahead, Watchtower," Green Arrow answered.
"Red Leader and team are on their way," she said. "Please keep an eye on Red Leader and Red One."
"Affirmative," Green Arrow answered, then paused before he continued. "Do I want to know?"
"Don't worry about it, Green Arrow," Chloe answered. "Just make sure they don't kill each other before they face Boyscout."
"Got it," Green Arrow said. "Green Arrow out."
Chloe leaned back in her chair, sighing.
"This is going to be a long and hard day," she said.
"Hey, Chloe," Robin said, perching on the chair next to her.
He was back in his costume, ready to move if necessary. Robin had been monitoring the batwave all day, waiting for a confirmation from Batman about the blue Kryptonite.
"What is it, Robin?" Chloe asked.
"Why are you talking to everyone like they're strangers again?" he asked.
"We need to protect their identities," Chloe said. "We aren't sure what Lex has gotten access to at this point. Also, if an earpiece falls into the wrong hands using names could be dangerous. This way no one is giving away who they're actually talking to."
"Got it," Robin said. "Code names."
The elevator doors opened and Lois walked in, moving quickly.
"Hey, Chlo," she said. "I don't have long. Just wanted to let you know that my contacts in the military are going to have deployment so screwed up that it'll take them at least the rest of the day to try and respond to anything. Also, Tess and I were up all night pulling together a superhero featuring paper for today. Every good story that's ever been run, with a front page story telling the public that their heroes have been brainwashed and someone is trying to rescue them."
"Wonderful," Chloe said. "That'll go a long ways toward helping."
"Glad to help," Lois said. "And we made sure to put out on the news networks what we could and to caution people to stay indoors until the crisis has passed. Not sure how many will listen, but it should help minimize civilian contact."
"Good," said Chloe. "Keep me updated."
Lois nodded and headed back to the elevator. Turning back to the computers again, Chloe started typing. One of the screens lit up, showing a visual on one of the ranger teams. It was Kat, Aisha, and Tanya. They were sitting at a small table outside a café.
"Watchtower to Pink Two," Chloe said.
"Go ahead, Watchtower," Kat answered.
"Is everyone set?" asked Chloe.
"Affirmative," Kat said. "Yellow Two and Yellow Three are here with me. We're ready and watching."
"Great," Chloe said. "Check in when Black Canary shows."
"Got it, Watchtower," said Kat. "Pink Two out."
Turning to the next screen, Chloe pulled up another visual. This time it showed Rocky, Adam, and Zach. The guys were walking on a sidewalk in a downtown district, taking their time and pretending to be interested in a window display at an electronics store.
"Watchtower to Black One," Chloe said.
"What's up, Watchtower?" Zach said.
"Any sightings?" Chloe asked.
"Nothing yet," Zach answered.
"Call me when Cyborg shows up," Chloe said. "And remember what I told you. Keep the electronics away from him."
"Black One out," Zach said.
Chloe continued down her list, pulling up the next video feed. Cam, Dustin, and Hunter from the Ninja Storm team were crouched on top of a building, watching the street below.
"Watchtower to Ninja Six," Chloe said.
"This is Ninja Six," Cam answered. "Go ahead, Watchtower."
"Keep a sharp eye out for Impulse," Chloe said. "He's going to be moving at top speed. Remember that the more you can keep him moving, the faster he's going to wear himself out. Wear him out and then trip him up and make him stop moving. That's your best shot. You won't be able to chase him down."
"Understood, Watchtower," Cam said. "Ninja Six out."
On the next screen Chloe pulled up a camera showing the rest of the Ninja Storm team. Tori, Shane, and Blake were sitting on a dock, waiting.
"Watchtower to Ninja One," Chloe said.
"Ninja One here," Shane answered. "What's up Watchtower?"
"Aquaman is not going to be easy to catch," Chloe warned. "As long as he is in the water he'll be able to out maneuver you. And if he's hydrated, he's super-strong. Don't underestimate him."
"Don't worry, Watchtower," Tori said. "I'll get him out of the water one way or another."
"Just be careful," Chloe said.
"Ninja One out," said Shane.
"Two more to go," Chloe muttered, pulling up the next screen.
The Wild Force team members were all pretending to relax on a bench in front of a store. Cole was pacing in front of his team.
"Watchtower to Wild Force One," Chloe said.
"Here, Watchtower," Cole said.
"Ok," Chloe said. "You guys have a pair up. Star Girl isn't strong enough to be a real threat on her own. Get her staff away, and keep it away, and you'll have no problems. She can be scrappy, but she isn't overly strong or skilled at fighting. Hawkman on the other hand—"
"Don't worry, Watchtower," Cole interrupted. "We've got this. They aren't going to know what hit them."
"Don't underestimate Hawkman," Chloe warned. "He's extremely strong. And the angrier he is, the stronger he gets. He'll be hitting hard. Be on your toes with him."
"We've got this," Cole repeated. "Wild Force One out."
Chloe shook her head.
"They're going to be in so much trouble," she muttered, bringing up the final video.
Eric and Wes were leaning against a wall, watching people walk by.
"Watchtower to Time Force One," Chloe said.
"Go ahead, Watchtower," Wes answered.
"You two have a tough assignment," Chloe said. "Martian Man Hunter is not going to be easy to stop. He can phase through objects and change his appearance. Be vigilant. Fortunately, he's not a fan of combat. Hopefully that will still be present despite his mind's current condition. Be careful and I'll send back up when and if I can."
"Understood, Watchtower," Wes said. "Time Force One out."
Leaning back, Chloe took a deep breath.
"Watchtower to Rescue One," she said, not pulling up a visual this time.
"This is Rescue One," Carter answered. "Lightspeed Rescue is on standby to respond."
"Great," Chloe said. "Be ready to respond at a moment's notice. I have a feeling Wildforce is going to need some help…"
"We'll be ready," Carter said. "Rescue One, out."
"Everyone is ready," Chloe said to Hayley. "Let's just hope nothing goes wrong."
"Oh, something is bound to," Hayley said. "We just need to be ready to react when it does."
"Right," Chloe said.