The Justice of a Tech-Priest

by TheBadPanda

In the midst of a Chaos Invasion, a Tech-Priest of Mars is flung through a Warp Gate. Rather than a gruesome end at the hands of Chaos, the Omnissiah spared the adept's life. Now the Tech-Priest finds himself in a strange world with strange people, and must use his holy knowledge to protect it.

10. Chapter 10

Surprise!

Hey ladies and gents.

I know this is a bit sudden, but this chapter has been in the making for quite some time. Hopefully it does not disappoint, and answers some of your questions.

I'm grateful to all those who stuck around, your reviews and your questions.

I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 10

In the void of space between Earth and Mars, two green dots of light zipped across the cosmos.

"Killawog, this is Hal do you read me?" The first Green Lantern called into his ring.

"Killawog here. Jordan that you?" A voice responded. "What the hell is going on in your sector? I'm hearing reports about a demonic invasion in progress."

"Not anymore." Jordan shivered as his mind wandered back to that dark tunnel and dead girl. "It's been put down. But what got much bigger problems; the Martians are planning an attack on Earth!"

"Oh…" Killawog went eerily silent on the other end of the line. "How big of an attack are we talking here?"

"Uhhh…." Jordan looked at his colleague, John. "We don't know, we were told it was big."

"Jordan, you know I am with you." Killawog sighed. "But you know the rules, I cannot mobilize an entire segment of the Corps just on a whim. You have to have extenuating circumstances."

"Well, we are here and we cannot see anything." Stewart gazed into deep space. "J'onn's ship can cloak, it would be logical that military vessels would have the same ability if not better."

"So we need to force them out of cloaking…. You thinking what I am thinking?" Hal smirked.

"You know it." Stewart nodded.

Both Green Lanterns, thanks to years of practicing slung their rungs, but not it a way that discharged offensive energy, but rather passive energy fields. Thousands of particles zipped out of every direction of kilometres floating…searching….

…and finally sticking to anything it touched like glitter.

"Holy Sweet Jesus…."Stewart gazed in complete awe. "It's a whole damn army!"

There were ships. Martian bio-ships...hundreds….thousands. They were everywhere.

They decloaked to reveal their red hull glint against the sun's rays. But they were not the sleek an aerodynamic glider that they saw the Manhunter use. They were intimidating and edge-like in design, forming a thin line that made it almost impossible to see from the front; like an assassin's dagger floating in space.

They all sported a symbol that looked similar to the Martian Manhunter they all knew. But rather than a red 'X' over a green background, it was black cross with a blood red background and encompassed in a green circle.

The sigil of the Martian Military.

"You see that Killawog!" Hal pointed his ring out, allowing his alien colleague to see through the former pilot's point of view. "I am calling extenuating circumstances! We need backup right now!"

Hal could hear Killawog sucking in a deep breath over his communication link. "Roger that, Jordan. Back up is en route. Don't get yourself killed in the meantime."

0o0o0o

'Sir…' A young Martian interrupted with a nervous telepathic thought. 'We…uh…we've been spotted.'

'I can see that helmsman.' Ma'alefa'ak's mind seethed. 'How did they get out position? It's like they knew we were coming.'

'Sir, I received a report from HQ.' The young helmsman gulped. 'Sir, Red Dawn caught your brother communicating with the Justice League. They have arrested him.'

'WHAT?!' The Deputy Director of Special Operations physically choked.

A communicator to the side raised his hand. 'Sir, we are being hailed by the two Green Lanterns.'

'Of course. Plan B it is.' Ma'alefa'ak approached the terminal. 'Put them on screen.'

One of the many terminals morphed into a screen, two Green Lanterns appeared side by side. From the point of view, it looked like the transmission was coming from their rings.

"I am Hal Jordan, Green Lantern of Sector 2814."

"I am John Stewart, Green Lantern of Sector 2814, to whom are we speaking?"

The elder J'onzz spoke with as neutral a tone that he could muster. "I am Brigadier-General Ma'alefa'ak, Deputy-Director of Special Operations of the Martian Army."

"General Ma'alefa'ak," John Steward nodded in respect, "why are you coming to Earth in full force?"

"To destroy it, Green Lanterns. I thought that was abundantly clear." It was amusing to watch the two humans look at each other dumb-struck.

"If it is about the Chaos Incursion," John Steward reproached, "I can assure you it has been put down."

"We are aware," Ma'alefa'ak nodded, "but it does not matter. The defeat of the Chaos incursion would have been little more than a minor benefit of your planet's destruction. If anything, it makes this job of ours easier."

"But…Why?" Hal Jordan asked.

"You know why Green Lanterns." Ma'alefa'ak smiled coldly. "J'onn J'onzz was kind enough to inform us about your guest from the future. I'm sure you as Green Lanterns would appreciate, that us Martians have to look out for our own interests."

Both green heroes looked at each other in realisation. Hal nervously licked his lips. "There is still some debate about whether it truly is the future. I can assure you, that we are looking into it."

"Forgive me," Ma'alefa'ak chuffed, "but I find your assurances to be of no value."

"The assurance of a Green Lantern means nothing to you?" John Stewart's eyes narrowed.

"The assurances of a human, Green Lantern." Ma'alefa'ak corrected. "How can I trust my people's future of aliens that could be responsible for our extinction?"

"That future is still in dispute!" Hal yelled. "There is an argument that he is not even from this universe."

"Future, parallel dimension, ascended reality, or alternate universe means nothing." Ma'alefa'ak shrugged. "I am sure you are familiar with the temporal transmission theory?"

"The what?" John barked. "You're making that up!"

"The temporal transmission theory?! That does not give you the right to commit genocide!" Hal gasped. "That theory has not even been verified!"

"This argument is pointless." Ma'alefa'ak reached for a data pad, looking through a series of regulations. "In accordance with Article 9-24, subsection 3 (Z) of the Interstellar Law of Oa, I hereby declare this conflict with the humans of Earth a matter of 'temporal self-defence'."

Both Lanterns looked dumbfounded; according to that provision, they could do nothing.

"General…please." Hal pleaded. "Please don't do this…give us more time."

"You have had your time, Green Lanterns." Ma'alefa'ak straightened. "Now please, do us a favour and vacate the battle zone immediately. I am sure there are other conflicts around the sector that require your attention."

"To hell with that!" John Stewart's ring glowed an eerie green painting the red Martian ships with an unpleasant grey colour. Hal Jordan was muttering himself trying to sort it out.

"I should warn you Green Lanterns." Ma'alefa'ak smiled. "Martians are made for two things: fighting…and winning."

"WAIT! I GOT IT! We won't have to fight." Hal gestured his colleague to power down his ring. "If you want to quote sections at me, here is one for you. Article 9-24, subsection 13 (F) of the Interstellar Law of Oa; any and all temporal phenomena must be verified with the Guardians. You allege temporal self-defence, you have to put your case to the Guardians. Taking action without consulting them is a very grave offence."

"True. I'm willing to wait." Ma'alefa'ak was unperturbed, he kind of expected that. "But we both know what happens if our case is successfully proven…"

Both Green Lanterns dared not consider it.

0o0o0o

It was the middle of the night when all fifteen members of the United Nations Security Council met. Sleep was heavy in their eyes.

They met in 405 East 42nd Street, New York City, New York which was the United Nations Headquarters.

However, the room they were in was not the glamorous Security Council Chamber which took up part of the second and third floors. Rather they met on the 13th floor of in an unmarked office.

The meeting not meant to be recorded, for the public did not need to hear it.

They were watching a series of televisions on the wall.

"Cat Grant of GBS-"

"Barnell Jones of Star City-"

"It has been confirmed, a nuclear detonation has occurred in North Carolina-"

"Ladies and gentlemen, a tragedy of unprecedented proportions-"

"The Justice League was on Roanoke Island-"

"We have not been granted access, as the military has cordoned off-"

"Roanoke Island in North Carolina is gone-"

"Everyone seen enough?" The chairman turned off the television sets.

"Are we sure this is the Justice League's fault?" The Lebanon representative spoke. "We are talking about Earth's greatest champions."

"We are talking about vigilantes who we tolerate because we can't find a way to bring them to heel." The Mexican delegation spat. "My country is still irritated that the Justice League charter passed UN Resolution."

"My continent, much less my country has many problems," the Nigerian representative rubbed his eyes, "I do not see Superman or other members of the League coming to aid us."

"Here, here." The Gabon representative kowtowed. "We have been denied assistance when dealing with Bialya. From what I gathered South Rhelasia has been denied again for dealing with North Rhelasia. Perhaps if we were American, we would not have this problem."

"You know as part of the charter, the Justice League can only conduct law enforcement, search and rescue." The British representative rolled his eyes. "They cannot conduct nor enforce foreign policy, even if it is the UN's."

"As part of that charter, it also says that they have to keep the Justice League UN Reporting Committee informed of actions conducted especially those of global significance." The Turkish representative countered. "We spoke to the Committee chair, she has not heard from the League in three months. You would have thought a demonic invasion would have been reportable."

"It also says, that they agreed to abide by all UN treaties." The Austrian representative added. "Since when did they have the right to operate a fucking orbital satellite over Earth without our knowledge or consent?"

"They don't." The Russian representative concluded. "But that does not matter. What matters is that now we have an alien armada approaching Earth."

The delegates murmured as they looked at giant pictures taken from several dozen satellites, thousands of ships coming from the red planet, they were confirmed to be warships. They were holding position, likely due to the interference of the Green Lanterns. But only fools would believe that would last forever.

"The Martians normally adopted an isolationist policy. One which we are happy to oblige." The chairman muttered. "But that policy seems to have changed. They have been docked in the same location for almost three hours now. I have spoken with representatives of all military alliances from IMAFT to NATO; we do not have the ability to defend ourselves against an alien attack. Nor do we have a deterrent policy."

"Deterrent policies do not calm anything down, if anything they increase tensions." The French representative interrupted.

"Perhaps." The chairman acknowledged. "But if these guys are going to start knocking on our door, we will need something in reserve. We cannot rely on the Justice League, tonight's actions have indicated that much. If we want to be ready, we have to work together. So we have to place cards on the table. Does anyone want to share any classified operations they are conducting?"

The word trust was not used, but it was implied. Several members scoffed, trust does not exist in politics. Seconds of silence turned into minutes.

"Very well." The chairman sighed. "I'll go first. After the Justice Society of America underwent a dissolution, the US Government has undertaken a special sub-branch operated by the US Air Force. It recruits incarcerated criminals as expendable assets for the purposes of dealing with extraordinary threats."

"And international assassination, I'm sure." The Russian delegate smirked.

"…yes." The chairman conceded. "The branch is designated Task Force X. Its nickname is the Suicide Squad."

The silence held with a combination of surprise and outrage.

"Well if we are playing confession," the Russian delegate chuckled, "I guess I should mention the FSB has a similar organisation called Red Shadow."

"France has been operating an organisation called Department Gamma." The French representative tapped his desk. "While they are not Justice League, they will do in a pinch."

"Huh…" The chairman blinked. "Does the Chinese representative wish to add anything?"

"The Chinese army is a bit larger than you think." The Chinese representative sweated. "We have a special corps of some million strong force dedicated to dealing with paranormal or interstellar threats. We have been experimenting with some alien weaponry that we…acquired through…various means. It is called: Rénfáng jūn."

"Human Defence Force." The chairman nodded, both impressed at the scale, and infuriated that such a thing was successfully hidden. "Apt."

The Lebanon representative finished leasing with several of his colleagues. "Gabon, Nigeria and my country form part of the Islamic Military Alliance. We have had…. 'dealings' with an Israeli Mossad group called the Hayoth. There is an additional group of terrorists called Onslaught in Qurac. We have been dealing with both of them through a sub-group called Knightwatch."

"Interesting." The chairman made a mental note to contact the Israeli Prime Minister for a little chat. "Very interesting…we have an army."

"We may have an army. But that means nothing against something that will try and destroy us by orbit." Russia rubbed his chin. "Everything I have heard indicate a ground focused element. We need space superiority."

"Agreed." The chairman nodded. "But perhaps the primary contractor of the US and the UK can provide some insight." He pressed a button on speaker. "Send him in."

The door opened automatically and an impeccably dressed man in a suit, with green eyes and bald head.

"May I introduce Lex Luthor." The chairman gestured. "I'm sure you are all acquainted with his reputation."

0o0o0o

The military slowly closed in, most of the Justice League remained to allow debrief; give the people some reassurance that everything is okay. Not all remained, Captain Marvel, Hawkman and Hawkwoman left to lick their wounds. Aquaman used his royal prerogative to return to the sea. Flash and Green Arrow were huddling next to Black Canary, convincing her it was okay to speak.

Doctor Fate floated above the field. Searching….looking for anything that may have slipped his grasp.

"It's clear sir." Colonel Sam Lane concluded. "All radiation has been absorbed by Captain Atom."

"Excellent." General Eiling undid the top of the radiation suit (god it was hot). "Well done Captain." Captain Atom nodded, but said nothing, his mind clearly elsewhere.

"Now pleasantries aside." Eiling rounded on the 'Trinity' of the League. "You mind telling me what the FUCK HAPPENED?!"

He had a voice on him, that's for sure. Wonder Woman winced. "General please understand, we minimised the damage as best as we could."

"'Minimised'?" The general gestured at the smouldering crater they stood in. "Wonder Woman, if the whole hero thing fails, you have a career in comedy! Minimised?!"

"And what the hell was that thing that landed and caused an explosion greater than any nuke I have ever seen?"

"The Watchtower." Superman confessed. "A base in high orbit where the Justice League conducts most operations."

"Sounds like you meant to say 'orbital battle station'." Eiling spat. "Why did you crash it?"

"Well…you see…" Superman blushed.

"The Chaos incursion was too much for the Justice League to handle, we feared containment was breached." Batman answered with a tone betraying how little he cared about the General's concerns. "We ordered Red Tornado to commence a de-orbit burn to crash into the Chaos incursion. Thankfully we were saved by Doctor Fate, but it was too late for Red Tornado."

It took every ounce of Wonder Woman's millennia and training to not gawk at Batman's lie. What was he doing?

The old general blinked in surprised. "Red Tornado has been destroyed?"

"He died saving us." Batman repeated. Wonder Woman and Superman backed away, allowing the Dark Knight to weave his magic.

"And who are they?" Batman followed the general's finger tracing it to the bodies of Kent Nelson…and Selina Kyle.

"League associates..." Batman's face contorted into an incredible frown. "…and casualties of war."

"Justice League, Jordan and Stewart here." The transmission crackled over the radio.

The Dark Knight sighed reaching for his earpiece. "…Batman go."

Hal replied first, words flying as quickly as possible. "Green Lanterns have shown up along with several guardians. There is a preliminary hearing?"

"A hearing?" Superman raised a brow. "For what?"

"The Martians." Stewart sounded murderously furious. "They are applying for a legal foundation for the destruction of Earth."

"They can't be serious." Superman forgot to breathe. "They can't be serious!"

"Oh they are." Hal muttered over the channel. "The Guardians were very thorough. But this provision is so little known, there has never been a case for it. They are calling all parties to be involved. Apparently the United Nations has already been notified. You are required here. Now."

"Someone get Cardsharp…." Batman paused in realisation and spun around. "Where the hell is the Tech-Priest?!"

Eiling looked very confused. "Who are you talking to? What is a Tech-Priest?"

"He's not with you?" Green Arrow raised a brow.

"Fate." Batman looked up. "Can you find him?"

"There is too much interference from the explosion and the Martians approaching." Fate glanced in all directions. "I cannot yet locate him."

"Martians?!" The General's head spun.

"I can scan around." Flash zipped. "He could not have gone far."

"Dammit…"Batman rattled through his options, none of them good. "We don't have time, we need to get up there now. Fate can you take us there?"

"I can." Fate floated like a bright sun.

"Very well. Do it." Batman nodded. "General we have to go."

Wait, what-" The elderly general was cut off as a bright flash engulfed the Justice League and vanished without a trace. "What the hell is going on?!"

0o0o0o

They met in a grand room forged of green light, almost a perfect replica of the Guardian chambers on Oa. It looked like a court room. In the far corners of the mammoth construct they could see several members of the Corps generating their very surroundings.

The Justice League were quickly greeted by John and Hal. "You guys got here on record time. Where are the others?"

"The Hols, Captain Marvel and Aquaman are heading back to their homes." Batman grumbled. "They have to rest after Roanoke Island…"

…or what is left of it. Batman cursed himself, how could something mess up this badly?! Everything is going wrong.

"Well whatever it is, we have to do it. All the Guardians are here." Hal whispered. "Something like this has never occurred. This case is the first of its kind."

Batman grabbed Hal by his throat. "This is not a case. You are talking about the destruction of Earth and the death of billions of people."

"And the Martians are talking about the death of their entire race in the future." Hal choked. "They have a case."

"You agree with them?" Batman closed his fist even closer.

"Bruce…" Superman whispered placing a gentle hand on his arm. "Let him go."

The voices of ghosts in Batman's mind screamed.

Poor pathetic boy, still crying for mommy and daddy. Can you just let it go?!

Something inside Batman twisted inside, his hands unclasped and Hal coughed something fierce.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" Hal breathed.

Batman's voice was barely audible. "I'm sorry…It's just been a little rough."

"Yeah same for me pal!" Hal snapped.

"Listen." John interrupted. "Tensions are high, and we are all a little frayed right now. But we have to keep focus. The competition is here and they look ready."

The League followed Stewart's gaze to the other side of the court. There was only one of them, a green Martian of significant height. He gazed at them with unblinking eyes. "That's Ma'alefa'ak, the commander of the Martian fleet. He is arguing the temporal transmission theory."

"So it's us versus him?" Green Arrow raised a brow. "Should be a cake walk right? This temporal…whatever-it-is?"

"If it were a cake-walk, we would not be here." Hal hushed him. "Trust me, he is bad news. We will need some serious firepower."

A voice called, that can only be described as chipper. "Well if it is firepower you want, you summoned the right man for the job."

The League turned only to immediately regret it.

"Luthor…." Superman growled.

"Ah the Man of Steel." The bald man replied. "How I miss your witty repartee." Luthor was not alone; standing alongside him was the Secretary-General of the United Nations flanked by several bodyguards. Behind them were several members of the United Nations Security Council. 'Pissed off' could not even begin to describe how they looked.

"What are you doing here?" Superman glared.

"Well I am here to help with this hearing." Luthor shined his suit. "Considering you would inevitably be brought in, the UN thought it best that I attend. Someone has to represent the sane and normal humans of Earth."

"Mister Secretary, this man is a-" Superman's accusation was quickly silenced by Wonder Woman with an elbow to his ribs.

"Criminal?" The old man who was approaching the end of his term remained defiant. "Near as I can tell, he is not the one who nuked Roanoke Island."

ALL RISE FOR THE GUARDIANS OF THE UNIVERSE

THIS EMERGENCY HEARING IS NOW IN SESSION

Above they could see the floating grey forms taking their places.

"Excuse me," a Green Lantern that looked like a squid appeared, "may I please show you to your seats?" The members of the UN looked utterly horrified, but they gingerly complied, the security guards trailing beside them.

Batman quietly followed. "We have to sit."

"Not quite yet." Wonder Woman grabbed his arm, her mouth an inch away from his ear. "What was your deal with General Eiling? You lied to him."

"I had to." Batman returned her whisper. "Do you know what is happening? Our timeline may be corrupted. Perhaps irrevocably. Cardsharp's presence here may have changed everything. We have to minimise the impact as much as possible, otherwise we will head down a dark and horrifying path. And you heard what J'onn told us….just as I am sure the Guardians are going to be shown the exact same thing."

0o0o0o

'Poppin bottles in the ice, like a blizzard
When we drink we do it right gettin slizzard
Sippin sizzurp in my ride, in my ride, like Three 6
Now I'm feelin so fly like a G6'

This is music? Cardsharp should have turned off the radio as he got on the Interstate, buut he just could not do it. It was like the Tallarn watching a Baneblade running over heretics (a la Subsector Marxian Campaign); you should not indulge, but you can't look away.

'Like a G6 like a G6

Now now now now now now I'm feelin so fly like a G6'

'Party in the USA', 'Take it off', something about a man who can 'Love the way you lie'...it kept on going. Who the hell is this 'eenie meenie miney mo lover'? By the Ominissiah, what is this this stuff?

Before he knew it, the Tech-Priest was in Gotham City, which was good considering how low on fuel he was. Cardsharp was surprised, he thought the League would have caught him by now. Thank the Machine God for small mercies.

Gotham City was much different to the cities that came before it. The place almost looked like it was forged by an architect of the Administratum, only on a much smaller scale. None of the cities he saw would even qualify as a city block on a standard Hive World.

This 'Wayne Manor' was just outside the city, in a suburb called Pettsburg. A place far away from the cramped city skyline. It screamed 'wealthy'.

As he got closer to the co-ordinates he began to slow until he finally came to a stop in front of a gate with a large 'W' emblazoned on the front. He was halfway tempted to ram the gate, but this vehicle was not a tank and Kyriz would never forgive him if he recklessly crashed the able beast whose fuel gauge was teetering on empty for the past two hours.

Thank you Machine Spirit, for our safe arrival. Cardsharp turned off the Ferrari whose engine faded into silence. You have done honour to yourself and the Machine God. Rest and be reborn anew.

KA63 and KA64 beeped and whistled once more. During the drive, the Tech-Priest managed to get them back online using a spare mechandrite or two. Both by the grace of the Machine Spirits that dwelled within came to Cardsharp's service once again. The Tech-Priest was most grateful.

Once more into the breach, Cardsharp pulled out his Omnissian Power Axe which he held in his robe. The eradication ray was sadly too damaged to be repaired in the field. May its Machine Spirit forgive me.

Cardsharp approached the gate, halfway expecting there to be guards or turrets or artillery. But all was eerily quiet. KA64 used on of its many dangling mechandrites; a blow torch in this case and began to cut through the metal lock.

That cogitator is the key. Cardsharp's internals surged in anticipation. It's time to finish this.

0o0o0o

Normally Alfred is sound asleep in bed by now, but based on what Master Richard told him and the recent news of what happened on Roanoke Island, he feared with worst. He tried calling him repeatedly, but ever since the Watchtower went down, communications seemed to go along with it. Richard 'Dick' Grayson was currently glued to the television waiting for word…any word. Alfred felt as anxious as any parent would, and after tonight he swore he lost a decade of life from the stress alone.

Ding, dong.

The Wayne Manor doorbell classic and as finely tuned as ever radiated throughout the house. Alfred was so startled he nearly dropped his tea. "Who could it be at this hour?"

"Want me to get it Alfred?" Dick called out.

"Nonsense." Alfred called back, straightening his suit. "You stay there and keep watching, keep on calling Master Bruce."

Ding, dong.

Alfred hurried his pace to reach the door. Hopefully it is good news, he thought. Alfred struggled to keep a positive mindset; he just wished this night would end.

He opened the door

There was a man.

No a boy. Most of his form enshrouded in a red robe, but his head was revealed by the light of Wayne Manor. Most of his face looked 'normal', granted his head was shaved and there was significant bruising and evidence of lacerations along his skull.

But his right eye glowed blood red, and large gash along his temple sparked with electricity.

Black mechanical tendrils floated behind him, and two eerily looking 'cannons' whirred and clicked finally locking onto the butler.

His words were as cold as ice, and as mechanical as a clock. "Good evening."

VZZAP!

An electrical surge came out of his from and shot into the elderly man sending him careening back, sliding along the freshly polished floor. Alfred yelped in pain as the electricity passed through him.

"Alfred what is going on?!" Dick called out.

"Master Richard don't come in here! Get out of the mansion! Call the police!" Alfred warned the young ward, and gritted his teeth realising that Master Dick was about to do the exact opposite.

"Where is the cogitator?" The mechanical man stepped in, two skulls floated beside him one with a deadly array of instruments the other with a Gatling gun strapped to its underside. He carried a large metal axe forged with a skull at its centre.

"Cogitator?" Alfred was stunned. "What is a cogitator?"

"You call it a computer. The one connected to the Justice League Watchtower." He replied stepping closer, his robe parted to reveal bulky metal legs. "Where is it?"

"GET AWAY FROM HIM!" A young voice echoed, followed swiftly by the nimble form of a 13 year old boy careening through an air like the bird he was named after and landed a kick on the red-robed cyborg.

The cyborg was sent stumbling back, not far, but far enough for Robin to get between him and the Wayne butler. "Alfred, get out of here. I got him."

The old man nodded and began running up the main stairway, looking for his trusty shotgun. Master Bruce and Master Richard may have an aversion to using fire arms, but Pennyworth had no such compulsions, especially when the enemy is at the Wayne Manor's gates.

"Alright you asshole. It's just you and….you." Robin's mouth gaped. "You're the one from Gotham Museum."

"I recall you too." The cyborg tightened his grip on his axe. "Where is the cogitator? The one connected to the Justice League Watchtower?"

"Bad news pal, no one here but us." Robin readied a trio his trusty batarangs behind him. But his cockiness was slightly sidestepped as he felt a wave of….something wash over him. Like he was being…scanned?

"You are lying to me." The red robed boy replied. Robin got a better gauge of his height, he was notably taller than him. "You will show me to the cogitator. And you will lay down your weapons."

Robin chuckled. "And if I don't?"

Robin's somewhat dumb question was answered as the servo-skull with a Gatling gun began to hum and spin. He dodged out of the way as the thing began to fire freaking lasers aimed directly for his legs.

Steams of deadly light began to trace his movements, but Robin threw the batarangs directly at the cyborg. One was sidestepped slightly but the other two hit their mark; left shoulder and arm. But he did not cry out in pain.

Okay then. Plan B. Robin dropped a smoke grenade hoping to obscure his vision. He leapt up in the air….only to be hit in the side of his ribs.

He barely recovered; although he landed on his feet, his broken ribs compromised him making him stumble and knock over a rather expensive vase. Bruce is going to kill me, Robin chided himself.

The red-robed cyborg walked out of the smoke, his right eye gleaming and strangle metal cabling writhing behind him. "Take me to the cogitator or I will have no choice but to kill you."

"If you are really made of metal, then this should hurt." Robin readied his taser and fired centre mass. A buzz of blue electricity followed up the conducting wiring attacking the cyborg.

The cyborg, twitched and shouted in pain. He's distracted, Robin grinned, perfect.

"Talk about a shocking development!" Robin laughed; sure puns are a crime against humor, but hey you got to have a little fun even in the midst of a battle.

But Robin made an error, he was so focused on Cardsharp and that floating Gatling gun skull, he failed to notice where the other floating nightmare was.

Out of his peripheral an object flew right at him at speed of 30 kilometres per hour.

And when it hit Robin square in the head, he dropped like a rock.

Lights out.

0o0o0o

CRUNCH!

Cardsharp winced as he heard the sound of a skull fracturing. KA64's form was reinforced with titanium steel. This Richard, or whatever his name was; his skull was not.

The boy fell to the ground, blood pouring from his nose and the wound on his forehead. Cardsharp yanked metal wiring from the taser out and towered over the masked child. He's my age…no, younger.

A scan told the Tech-Priest he was alive, but was seriously injured. All I want is that blasted cogitator.

CH-CHUNK! The Tech-Priest may have found himself in the past, but the cocking of a weapon is the same no matter what time you are in.

"DON'T MOVE!" Cardsharp looked up to see the old man called Alfred at the top of the stairs.

"You son of a bitch." Alfred noticed the crumbled form of the boy bleeding at the Tech-Priest's feet. "If he dies, so do you."

He was aiming down the sights of a weapon in his hands, it did not look pleasant.

=Status: Scanning =

= Result: Double metal barrel, single slug based projectile weapon. Likelihood of causing significant damage at range: 83.9% =

Deploy Countermeasure A9-32.

=Status: Deploying =

= Glory to the Omissiah =

++ Oh blessed Machine Spirt++ Cardsharp prayed ++Know that I serve your lord and creator the Machine God. Your wielder is a villain and fiend. Fight by my side, resist your wielders' foul machinations. In the name of the Machine God, resist!++

= Countermeasure deployed =

= Faith in the Cult Mechanicus is absolute =

= May thou, a noble follower of the Machine God be unabated =

= Glory to the Omnissiah =

Glory to the Omnissiah. Cardsharp finished praying and took a step forward, to provoke the old man. May my faith be rewarded.

The old man pulled the trigger.

Click.

Nothing.

It worked; Omnissiah be praised.

= Glory to the Omnissiah =

"What?" Alfred gazed at the gun in horror. "Misfire?!"

Cardsharp seized his chance, he picked up the bleeding boy carefully by the back of his neck and his head and held him right in front the butler's line of fire.

By the time the old man resolved the jam, it was too late. The second time his eyes aimed down the sights of his weapon, he turned a shade of deathly white.

"This boy is dying. You cannot win." Cardsharp spoke. "Relinquish your weapon."

"No." Alfred paled and complied as quickly as I could. "Don't hurt him."

KA64 floated up the stairs and with a tiny mechandrite pulled the gun out of Alfred's hand taking it well away from his reach.

"Where is the cogitator?" Cardsharp asked again.

"Let me help him." Alfred tried to move down the stairs.

"Do not move." Cardsharp ordered KA63 to lock onto the old man. "Give me the location of the cogitator and you may assist him."

"Have a heart! He's just a boy." Alfred cried. "He's dying!"

"I have three hearts." Cardsharp rebutted. "You want to save him, give me what I want. Do it quickly, while he still has time."

"O-okay. I'll do it." Alfred wiped the tears away from his eyes. "Just don't hurt him….I need to…I need to go to the library, it's just across the hall."

"Move. Quickly." Cardsharp backed away, keeping the limp body in front of him. "Richard's life is in your hands Alfred. Do not fail him."

Alfred's eyes turned a watery red, but said nothing. He ran, practically sprinted down the stairs and across the hall, the servo-skulls in tow. He entered a room with many books and was ornately furnished.

The old man stood before a grand piano, and began to play a tune.

What is he doing? Cardsharp's curiosity was answered. A bookcase, clicked and swung open revealing a dark narrow passage. Fascinating…

"Come quickly!" Alfred urged as he went down the stairs. "Hurry!"

KA63 and KA64 trailed ahead keeping the old man in sight and scanning for any traps. There were none.

Cardsharp followed, keeping his hands steady around his hostage, warm blood running through his hands.

There you are….

The Tech-Priest entered a cave, vast and dark to the human eye, but to the Adepts specialised vision sensors he could see everything clearly including the strange creatures that hung upside down on ceiling.

But the real prize was the cogitator. There is was, black and sleek and encompassed a large terminal that stretch a significant portion of the back wall of the cave.

"There! There is your bloody computer!" Alfred held his hands out. "Give him to me. I can help him using the medical bay just there."

Cardsharp looked at the medical bay through a spare optic, which was less than a few meters away. "Very well."

Alfred ran to the medical bay and pulled out a gurney rolling toward the Tech-Priest and his injured hostage. Cardsharp assisted in laying 'Richard' on the gurney, being sure to keep his head steady and still. Alfred began to wheel him away, but not without company.

KA63 and KA64 on sentry mode. Track target.

= KA63 and KA64 Sentry Mode online =

= Tracking =

The two servo-skulls slowly floated around the old man as he began preparing instruments, ready to fire the moment he so much as twitched.

Cardsharp on the other hand, had bigger circuits to fry.

++ Greetings Machine Spirit ++ Cardsharp allowed one of his mechandrites to jack into the system.

= Unknown Network Connection. Status: Accessing =

= Error: Unknown Encryption in Effect. Running Algorithms =

++ Oh blessed Machine Spirit ++ Cardsharp prayed. ++ I beseech thee, show me the knowledge you possess ++

If it was remote access like it was with the Watchtower, Cardsharp would have failed. But that was not the case anymore.

= Security Lowered. Unknown Network Connection accessed =

= Internal Network: Bat Computer =

And then everything flooded Cardsharp's memory banks.

Perfect, the Tech-Priest smiled. Absolutely perfect.

0o0o0o

The Guardians were methodical as they were strict. Every member of the Justice League that was present was called to testify as to what they saw.

They kept coming back to that universe; the one from which the Tech-Priest came from.

An alternate universe that was not even close to being alternate.

Chaos; evil in its purest and cruelest form.

Ancient Necrons.

Decadent Eldar.

The walking plague that was the Orks.

The Tyranids bent on devouring the galaxy, one of the last glimpses of light in the abyss.

A dying reality which was infected like a cancer with horrors unthinkable, monsters unkillable and powers unknowable. And like any cancer it tried to spread.

That universe is supposed to be isolated from the others. Sealed off by magic and science and other powers to prevent its spread. But something went wrong, whether it be by design or blind luck, Chaos managed to latch onto this universe.

No one was questioning that the incursion is over, and now more than ever that dying tormented universe is once again isolated. The question the Guardians were trying to determine is whether the cancer has now spread to their own universe and if so, does it warrant action so extreme as to destroy Earth.

"Nabu," the head Guardian asked, "perhaps you will be able to define for the record the 'temporal transmission theory'?"

"It is a hypothesis that provides when two universe make even the slightest contact with another, even if you cleanly separate them, temporal energy will still be exchanged. As time is fluid, it is an energy that can bypass even the most powerful of magic and science, like water leaking through a siv." Fate droned. "It provides that in such cases, fates and futures can be tainted, making the future of one universe share similar events to another."

"So a brief link of universes' such as what has transpired, can result in us sharing the same future as that universe?"

"Not exactly the same, and that is presuming it will happen at all. There will be significant deviations." Fate explained. "There are things simply too large to simply be transferred. But some elements are possible."

"Like an Imperium of Man?" The head Guardian commented.

"Yes."

"Or as General Ma'alefa'ak fears; that Mars could belong to humans?" The Guardian continued probing.

"Yes." Doctor Fate set his argument. "But there is one incontrovertible fact. One that not even the Star Coven can deny; the future is not set. It may be certain, it may even be likely. But it is not guaranteed."

"Thank you Nabu," the head Guardian smiled, "you may be seated."

"The universe of issue, the one where the Chaos incursion originates from, is known to us." A Guardian frowned. "We are aware of the dangers associated with it and I think everyone can agree, that no one wants to share the same fate as it."

"The fact is as such; that universe made contact with our own, at least three times." Another Guardian continued. "The first time, was some point in the past of unknown length and duration. The entrance of Klarion the Witch-Boy who attempted to escape that universe. The second, when the being known as Cardsharp aka Tech-Priest first entered Gotham Museum along with Chaos acolyte Calig and his deceased followers. The third was the Warp tear which eventuated into a Chaos incursion on Roanoke Island which has been thoroughly cleansed and verified as such by the Star Coven and our own investigation."

"These are all serious events." A third Guardian commented. "Not least of which is that this universe has been affected, whether good or bad, it is too soon to be determined."

"If Doctor Fate's testimony is true, Cardsharp is the last known representation of that fallen universe." Ma'alefa'ak continued. "This…Tech-Priest or whatever he is represents a threat upon the Martian people."

"Oh please." Luthor laughed. "What could one man do?"

"One man thwarted you at every turn, Mister Luthor." Ma'alefa'ak smirked. "Your failures are known, even on Mars." Luthor's composure almost dropped, something wrathful flashed across his face, but it quickly vanished.

"Stick to the facts, gentleman." One of the Guardians interrupted, his face contorted into a frown ever since he was shown images of what was gleaned from mind of the one known as Tech-Priest. "No one can deny what was seen. Nor can we deny that a Chaos invasion from another universe attempted to enter our plane of reality. What matters is whether or not that universe has affected our reality, and if so will it result in the destruction of the people of Mars."

"They have been arguing forever." Flash whispered. The League sat down listening to highly advanced beings determine the fate of the world. The Secretary-General nearly fainted, and several members of the UN Security Council looked sick.

"This is driving me nuts." Green Arrow fidgeted. "I need a freaking drink…."

"I don't know." Hal smiled lightly. "The Guardians are not unified. This is not going to be a slam dunk case for the Martians."

"Nor is it for us." Stewart crossed his arms.

"It's not over yet." Wonder Woman breathed.

"This is the Batcave calling to anyone." A desperate voice crackled over their earpieces. "Someone please respond."

"Alfred?" Batman reached for his earpiece. "Alfred what is going on?"

"Master Bruce, thank God." Alfred sobbed. "Sir, someone's broken into the Batcave. He…Master Richard is hurt...I can't stop the bleeding…"

"What?" Batman nearly shouted. "Alfred, what happened?"

"He says he won't be rehabilitated." Alfred whispered.

Batman looked at the other Leaguers, a similar thought in their minds. Tech-Priest.

"Is he there?" Batman seethed. "Put him on the line now."

"O-okay…" He could hear Alfred's hurried breath be replaced with robotic humming. Cardsharp…

"I swear to you, Cardsharp." Batman growled. "If you lay even a finger on them, I will murder you." If he bothered to look, he would have seen the horrified looks on the faces of his fellow heroes.

"Save your threats Mister Wayne." The voice responded, cold and distant. "Neither you, nor Mister Kent, Mister Allen, Miss Lance, Mister Queen or indeed any of you Leaguers will harm me."

Batman's voice left his throat, just like the rest of the Justice League who listened in.

"I take your silence as being interested." The Tech-Priest spoke first. "The Batcave. You have two minutes. I suggest you move fast."

The line went dead.

"Hello?" Batman felt his heart race. "Doctor Fate, can you take me to the Batcave?"

"I can." Fate responded. "I shall come with you."

"We'll stick around." Stewart jerked his thumb at Hal Jordan. "They are probably going to make a decision shortly."

Batman nodded, turning to Fate. "Do it." In a flash of light the League disappeared once more.

0o0o0o

Batman and the rest of the heroes who could attend appeared in the Batcave.

"Ahead of schedule. Good." Batman saw Cardsharp, he stood in front of the terminal, the terminal screens creating a ghostly silhouette of the Tech-Priest. Long cables emanated from his robes buried themselves into the computer. In his right hand the pained form of Alfred Pennyworth, and on his right shoulder, one of Cardsharp's shoulder mounted weapons pointed directly at the butler's head. "Where are Mister and Missus Hol, King Orin, or Master Baston?"

Batman completely ignored the question, focusing on the terminals which were blank except for two words.

UPLOAD COMPLETE

No...Batman dared to imagine. "What have you done?"

"You know what I have done Mister Wayne." Tech-Priest replied. "I have downloaded all information on your database and prepared it for final upload onto the internet. A single thought and all shall be revealed to this world."

"That doesn't sound so bad." Flash failed to see the sheer danger involved.

Oh no…Batman paled.

"They are unaware." Cardsharp blinked sensing even further advantage. "Mister Wayne has kept a detailed record of every person he has encountered. Including the secret identities of the Justice League."

"YOU WHAT?" Superman's head swiveled to the Dark Knight. "You kept everything on record?!"

"Not just names, but dates, addresses, known associates, familial connections." Cardsharp paused. "And known weaknesses and detailed plans to disable each Justice League member."

"Bruce is this true?!" Flash looked completely betrayed. "Why?!"

"You can discuss this among yourselves later. I think it is time we discussed the terms of your unconditional surrender." Cardsharp continued. "I want you to return me back to my own time."

Batman gazed around the cave and zeroed in on the medbay. Robin…Dick, he was bleeding…he was…

Poor pathetic boy, still crying for mommy and daddy. Can you just let it go?!

Batman tried to reach him, but he heard the sound of Cardsharp's ballistic mechandrite charge. "Don't move."

"Do you know what you have done?!" Batman yelled. "The entire fate of the world is in jeopardy and here you are trying to play king of the hill?!"

Cardsharp ignored the Dark Knight's ramblings. "I have a sacred duty to protect the secrets of the Adeptus Mechanicus. I will not be disassembled for study."

"It was not meant-!" Batman's mind reeled. "Fate please help Robin." The good Doctor Fate moved with swiftness, bright holy light engulfing the injured boy.

"This joint venture is over." Tech-Priest tightened his grip around Alfred. "You will return me to my time."

"You want to go back?" Superman's mouth opened slightly. "We have seen where you come from Tech-Priest; why on earth would you want to go back?"

"It is where I belong." Cardsharp tilted his head. "How did you 'see' my time? The only one who glimpsed my thoughts were the Manhunter."

"What do you think is happening out there?" Flash pointed in no direction in particular. "When the Martians saw what was in your mind, they freaked. They have an armada in Earth orbit right now!"

"I am aware of the principles of temporal causality and temporal paradoxes." Cardsharp appeared indifferent. "Let them come. The war will galvanize our race, the Omnissiah will arrive and lead humanity to victory. And Mars will be returned to its true owners; the Adeptus Mechanicus. Your future is my past, all has been ordained."

"But this is not your past! And you are not our future!" Flash fired back. "You are not even from our universe. You were never supposed to be here!"

Cardsharp's head remained tilted, waiting for an explanation.

"Your time and ours are not linked." Wonder Woman explained. "You are from a completely other universe. You do not represent our future. You were summoned here by total accident, a crack in the multiverse. Nothing more."

"I don't believe that." The Tech-Priest shook his head, but something in his voice was doubtful.

"You know it too." Wonder Woman continued. "You have sensed something was off the moment you arrived here."

It was true, Cardsharp thought, this place did not seem right. This Justice League was not supposed to exist in his time. It was inconceivable.

Regardless…

"The power to send my back is still available." Cardsharp glanced at the magical Doctor Fate, who returned back to the League.

"Is he…?" Batman choked.

"He lives." Fate replied. "He will be fine, though the wounds that plague him will take time to heal."

Batman said nothing, but Cardsharp recognised a man who offered prayers to his god. Cardsharp made his demand again. "Doctor Fate, you will return me to my universe."

"I will do no such thing." Fate glared back defiantly.

"Can we send him home?" Wonder Woman asked.

"Absolutely not." Doctor Fate's voice betrayed the very ludicrousness of the suggestion. "We open up a doorway and whatever is over there, can come here. Look how much damage was done just by a mere breach from their dimension. I will never open that portal. Never."

"Then you condemn your life and your daughter, Mister Zatara." Cardsharp tested.

"My host may be Zatara but you are speaking with Nabu, a Lord of Order and the true Doctor Fate!" The golden helmed warrior snapped. "I will not be swayed by meager threats…and you would do well not to provoke me."

The Tech-Priest shivered under his gaze, his grip over Alfred loosened. The kindly butler slowly slinked out of the Tech-Priest's reach. Cardsharp barely noticed.

Dammit it all. The Adept began to feel his plan unwind. Everything is going to hell.

= Awaiting upload confirmation =

Two beams of light entered the cave; it was Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Their grins betrayed much.

"They agreed!" Jordan pumped the air. "It's been determined. There is insufficient evidence to justify the destruction of Earth. The risk while present is too dubious to verify! The Martians have to return back home!"

The Flash actually collapsed in relief. Looks of joy over their faces, even Doctor Fate seemed less tense.

"All human Green Lanterns will have to rotate shifts out of the sector." Stewart's smile faded slightly but still present. "Considering this dispute, the Guardians thought it best our sector be patrolled by more unbiased members of the Corps, and they will be forbidden to have dealings with the Justice League. When we come back, it will be as private civilians only. "

"What of Tech-Priest?" Wonder Woman asked.

"He is grounded. He cannot be returned, and the Guardians will not tolerate his execution." Stewart nodded. "He must remain here on Earth at all costs. Mars is the sovereign property of the Martians."

"They said that Earth will be subject to regular monitoring. Official contacts must be established between Earth and Mars ASAP." Hal continued, adrenaline still in his veins. "But it's done. It's over, it's finally over!"

Huge sighs were finally interrupted by the mechanical breathing of a boy who had all of the Justice League's personal secrets on speed dial and with one thought could destroy them all.

"Face it Cardsharp." Wonder Woman reproached. "You are trapped here, and if releasing the information is the only thing that will make you see reason…then I guess there is nothing we can do to stop you."

Cardsharp's eyes narrowed, his mind searching through possibilities. None of them good. If he could not leave, if this truly was not the past. It he was truly a lost refugee from another universe…Then he was alone; an Adept of one. No Adeptus Mechanicus, no Holy Forge World of Mars, and no Machine God…

But a single thought echoed through his mind, an ancient quote of the Adeptus Mechanicus. One that Master Kyriz was fond of and spoke often. An Adept of one, with a mechanical heart filled with faith, may unveil the secrets of the universe…and cower even the gods…

It's not over, Cardsharp thought, faith still strong, not yet. The Omnissiah's Will be done.

"Then it seems, Justice League." Cardsharp said slowly. "We still need each other."

0o0o0o

"I demand to know – OOF!" J'onn's request for information was denied with a swift kick in the chest.

"Silence!" His captor seethed, and twisted the handcuffs to which the Manhunter was bound by. With his head covered, and an inhibitor collar to prevent telepathic contact and general shape and density shifting abilities, J'onn J'onzz was at their mercy.

J'onn remained silent and afraid as they dragged him to who knows where to do who knows what. After several twists in turns they stopped. It seems this is it, J'onn thought with dread.

"Get in!" His captor shoved him forward and the Manhunter landed with an unpleasant thud. But it was not a cold hard floor, or even spikes or nails. It was soft soil…familiar soil.

Someone reached for the handcuffs to which he was chained and they came off with a 'click-click'.

J'onn slowly reached for the hood, to reveal home.

His home on Mars.

The J'onzz ancestral home. Although it was considered a house on Mars, on Earth it would be considered more of a palace forged from black polished stone and red rock. Ironic considering that the J'onzz family is a rather small family in comparison to others.

The home was etched deep into the red soil of Mars; hundreds of rooms, dozens of kitchens, even more bathrooms, lounges, dining…everything. A completely self-sufficient world within Mars. All those bearing the blood of J'onzz are born here, and eventually die here, and their ashes may be buried next to their ancestors.

"When was the last time you came here?" A familiar voice asked. "Six months…ten?" J'onn angled his head and saw his brother sitting casually floating in the air.

"A little over seven months." J'onn gingerly stood up, looking at the door to the J'onzz ancestral home. His captors stood outside looking righteously angry and frustrated, as if denied their prize. J'onn had a mind to demand they leave, but it was unwise. His captors were from the 'Red Dream'; the unofficial name of Martian Internal Security. They were not to be trifled with.

"Well does it look like it has changed much?" Ma'alefa'ak glanced around the room.

"I'm sure it has changed more for you then it has for me." J'onn sighed, knowing this meeting was probably more interesting for his brother who had not attended the J'onzz home for the latter part of a century. "Why am I here?"

"Because your older brother still has some connections." Ma'alefa'ak returned J'onn's gaze coolly.

"Uncle J'onn...?" The Manhunter turned to see his niece, or at least one of many. But this one was one of the few who had white skin.

"Hello… M'gann." J'onn's smiled gingerly, partially because his mind was still suffering from the side-effects of the Tech-Priest's countermeasures, partially because he struggled to remember her. Martian families were rather big, even if the J'onzz family was on the smaller side.

M'gannM'orzz was the daughter of T'am'i, J'onn's third youngest sister. She wedded a white Martian from the northern sector, of which M'gann and her siblings were the result. M'gann's father, T'one'e M'orzz spent most of his time up north earning income as a shaper for the planet's ships. M'gann, her mother and her siblings chose to stay close to the ancestral home, where they could be with the family.

"Uncle J'onn!" She ran up to him and gave him a big hug. Bless her heart, J'onn accepted the warm embrace, M'gann was always a kind and gentle soul.

"I'm really surprised you are here." She smiled. "We did not expect you for another month."

"I know M'gann it has just been a slight change of plans." J'onn smiled uncomfortably.

"I'm sorry but My'ria'h, is not here right now. She had to head to the Enclaves for her daily ritual. She is going to be so happy you are back! Hey when are you going to head back to Earth, I was meaning to talk to you about…" M'gann's smile began to fade as she sensed something was wrong. "Uncle J'onn…why do you have an Inhibitor Collar?"

"Oh there is a reason I assure you." The young white Martian seemed to wilt under Ma'alefa'ak's gaze. "Hello, M'gann."

"H-hi….u-uncle M-ma'alefa'ak." She whispered, her form seemed to shrink away from him like he was hot lava.

"Well aren't you going to give your eldest uncle a hug too?" The elder J'onzz smirked. Almost like a robot, she slowly and methodically approached the Marian general and wrapped her arms around him. Unlike J'onn, there was less warm and joy, and more fear in her embrace.

"I…it's good to see you too uncle Ma'alefa'ak." M'gann squeaked.

"You don't have to lie on ceremony for me, niece. It is unbecoming of you." Ma'alefa'ak nodded in understanding, allowing her to distance herself away from him. "I won't be staying long, just dropping off J'onn."

J'onn interrupted the conversation, the white Martian looked like she wanted to be flee to the stars than stay there any longer. "Why am I here Ma'alefa'ak?"

"My dear M'gann, would you give your uncles some privacy?" Ma'alefa'ak tried to force a smile, instead it came off as an unpleasant sneer. "We have much to talk about."

"S-sure, bye uncle Ma'alefa'ak… bye uncle J'onn." M'gann left the room a little too quickly.

"Hmm…nice girl, fears me something terrible." Ma'alefa'ak rubbed his chin in thought. "Guess it comes with the territory of being in Special Operations."

"It comes with joining the military and then executing members of the White Martian Equality Party." J'onn seethed. "Fear and being banished from the family home were inevitable."

Ma'alefa'ak winced as he recalled the history over a century ago. "It was a matter of internal security. The movement had to be put down."

"Put down? That's a funny word." J'onn rubbed his head. "Is that what 'murder' is called these days?"

"Terrorism, riots and sedition are not something the Collective can afford." Ma'alefa'ak's eyes glowed red with anger. With the inhibitor collar on, J'onn would be unable to fight back.

"Is that what you tell yourself?" J'onn's frame seemed crestfallen. "Does it help you sleep?"

"You judge me, dear brother?" The brigadier-general loomed. "I would be less worried about me and infinitely more worried about yourself."

"What are you talking about?"

"You communicated our impending attack to your Justice League." Ma'alefa'ak clicked his tongue. "You talk about words, dear brother. Let me give you a word for what you did; it's called 'treason'."

J'onn's green skin took a very sickly pale shade, like the colour of seaweed.

"'High Treason' to be a little more precise." The Deputy-Director continued. "Now what do we do to traitors?...Do you want me to go on?"

"If that is true," J'onn's lips felt so dry, "why am I here and not lying on the ground with my head blown off?"

"Because you are my brother…" Ma'alefa'ak shifted uncomfortably, "and despite all that has happened, I still care for you and all of my family."

J'onn blinked back his surprise. Never would have guessed his brother was the familial type. J'onn was heartbroken when Ma'alefa'ak was banished. But he always guessed it was because he was too ambitious for such things like 'family'. "I am… surprised… and thankful brother. But this is wrong, I could not let you condemn another species based on fear and mere guesswork. We are better than that."

"How ungrateful." Ma'alefa'ak scoffed. "In case you have not realised, this was about choosing sides. And you dear brother have chosen yours."

"We should be working with the humans. Not fighting them." J'onn pleaded. "There is good in them, I have seen it."

"And I have seen the bad in them, thanks in no small part to what you gleaned." Ma'alefa'ak sighed. "But it does not matter now. For you see; thanks to your interference the Green Lantern Corps has been summoned to investigate the circumstances of this incident. They want to negotiate a peace settlement. I for one am not comfortable with having to play to the whims of the Guardians from Oa, but we must obey… For now at least."

J'onn closed his eyes in relief; help came. Perhaps this disaster could be averted after all. He regained his attention just as Ma'alefa'ak had one last longing look around the great J'onzz ancestral home before turning to leave. "Where are you going?"

"I am heading back to the Collective." Ma'alefa'ak did not bother to turn around. "Thanks to your little stunt, I have much work ahead of me."

"And me?" J'onn tugged on the Inhibitor Collar which released a painful sting of electricity.

"You? Your part in this tale is over, J'onn." Ma'alefa'ak turned to face his younger brother. "You are under permanent house arrest, in the J'onzz ancestral home, from now to the day you die. I would tender that there are far worse fates."

"You can't do this." J'onn's eyes widened in surprise.

"It's already done. Consider it an opportunity to get reacquainted with the entire family. I will leave it to you to explain the situation you have found yourself in." Ma'alefa'ak bowed as the door closed. "And please give my regards to My'ria'h…and tell her I miss her K'Tesh worm pie."

0o0o0o

Introduction Arc. Status: COMPLETE!

It's done, it's finally done!

Whew! What a rush.

It's been a trek together. I hope you all enjoyed it.

But the ride is not over yet.

I'm grateful to all those who stuck around. Hopefully you guys still enjoyed.

Review as always.

Bad Panda, out!