Disclaimer: Aberrant, owned by Onyx Publishing. Incredibles, owned by Pixar. JLU, owned by WB/DC. Ed Wasser is owned by...well, Ed Wasser...and I hope his "associates" don't get offended by my using him in this fic.
Author's Notes: Okay, the first half of the chapter is kind of light hearted, the second half...well, things are going to get interesting. Sadly, I lost a good portion of the second half so I had to cobble what I had left together to whatever I could come up while on painkillers and anti-biotics. There is also reference to a character known as "The Unknown Soldier"...he too is owned by DC (though I think they now publish him under the Vertigo imprint since the newer stories tend to be dark and for a more mature audience). Since the JLU 'verse tended to play fast and loose and tweaked some of the characters' backgrounds (like Doomsday and Powergirl/Galatea), I figure some people won't mind me tweaking some of the old DC characters and putting them in this 'verse. And yeah, I borrowed an idea from "X-Men Day's of Future Past"...though I have to admit, Quicksilver kind of reminded me of a male version of Zoe the way he was portrayed.
It's too late to change events
It's time to face the consequence
For delivering the proof
In the policy of truth
-Depeche Mode, "The Policy of Truth"
Metropolis. Delaware
1100 hrs
In a side alley just off the world famous Avenue of Tomorrow, there was a shimmer of bright blue light and three beings materialized into existence. Two of them were familiar to the world, one of them being Supergirl and the other one being The Flash. However, their companion, who was wearing blue jeans and a leather jacket, looked like a normal human despite having neon pink hair.
"Okay, so let me get this straight," Zoe said as she walked (oh, how she hated being forced to be slow) at normal speed out of the alley flanked by Flash and Supergirl. "You two are 'chaperoning' me because the almighty billionaire with emotional paranoia issues doesn't trust me to run around down here on my own."
"Hey, he's not all THAT bad," Flash started to say until Zoe turned and glared at him. "Okay," he admitted, "maybe Bats is wound a little tight, but can you blame him given what you know about us?"
"Oh yeah," Zoe snorted, "a lot of my information is based on fiction and is only partially accurate."
"Hey, at least I haven't died," Kara said.
"Yet," Zoe snickered. "Then again, it's better than being forgotten by some writers who suddenly realize you exist and then try to 'revamp' your background. You really don't want to know what they've done to you, Kara."
"Um...yeah," Flash said awkwardly, "no offense, Zoe, but all this talk about what is fictional and what is real is too trippy even for me. After all, going to that one retro-comic book based world kind of freaked us out a little."
"Oh really," Kara giggled. "Is that why you kept running out of the room for a week whenever Black Canary entered?"
"No," Flash hastily countered. "It's just that this situation is too 'Twilight Zone' for my taste, okay? I'm half expecting Rod Serling to show up."
Zoe laughed and shook her head. "C'mon, Flash," she said as she turned back around and started walking down the street. "He's long dead, so I don't think we'll run into him-" She was cut off in mid-sentence as she bumped into pedestrian who was getting out of a taxi. "Oh, crap, sorry sir," she said, "I wasn't paying attention...to...where...I...was-"
The man in his mid-forties with dark black hair and wearing a three piece suit gave her a big toothy grin. "It's okay," he said. Then he looked up at Supergirl and Flash. "And I'm assuming you are with these two."
"Um...yeah," Zoe said. "No offense, but aren't you supposed to be dead?"
The man chuckled and shook his head. "Yeah, but they brought me back anyway for the movies. For some reason, I'm big with the fans."
"Fans?" Zoe asked, now confused. "Twilight Zone is still popular?"
The man paused for a moment, then suddenly laughed as he realized who Zoe was referring to. "No, I'm not him, but you're not the first to compare me to him." Then he gave her a serious look. "You don't know who I am, do you?"
"Um...no."
"I'm Ed Wasser."
"Oh yeah!" Flash blurred out for a moment to reappear next to Zoe. "You play Mr. Morden," he said, shaking the man's hand. "Loved you in the TV series, scared the hell out of me, and you were awesome in the last movie."
"Wait...movie?" Zoe was really confused now.
"Yeah, it's part of a trilogy based off the Babylon Five TV series," Flash said. "Can't wait for the third installment to come out next year."
"So you're a fan," Mr. Wasser said.
"Kind of," Flash admitted, "but what brings you here to Metropolis?"
Wasser shrugged. "Oh, just meeting a couple friends, seeing the sights, and then it's back to Italy for filming."
"Cool."
"Wait...Babylon Five? They made theatrical movies based off that show here?" Zoe arched an eyebrow. "Damn, things really are different-"
"Yes they are," Supergirl said, cutting Zoe off. "And we have important things to do." She then threw a glare at Flash who was trying his best to keep his inner-fanboy in check and failing miserably. "Important stuff. Right, Flash?"
Thankfully, Flash got the hint. "Um, yeah, we're kind of showing the new girl around. She's not around from here, so we're-"
"Flash." Though the tone was calm, Flash and Zoe could hear the annoyed tone in Supergirl's voice.
"Well, Mr. Wasser, it's been nice meeting you," Flash said, trying to be professional.
"Would you like my autograph?" Mr. Wasser asked.
"Um...yeah, but like I said, we're kind of on duty...but if you could...could you...you know.."
"Flash, c'mon."
"I see you're busy, so I'll just cut right to it." Then Mr. Wasser's expression darkened a little despite the grin he was giving the scarlet speedster. "So tell me, Flash...what do you want?"
Supergirl rolled her eyes as Flash shook the man's hand. "That was awesome," Flash said. "Way better than an autograph and it still scares the crap out of me."
"It's all in the delivery," Wasser said. "Well, you best be off. But Flash, I will be at the premiere in Keystone next year." He gave Supergirl and Zoe a nod and then turned around and headed up the steps to the entrance of a nearby restaurant.
"That guy is awesome," Flash said. "Ow! Kara why did you just smack me on the back of the head."
"Earth to Flash, we're supposed to be professional heroes, not crazed fans."
Zoe giggled at that. "Hey, I'm the one who ran into him, and I can't believe they made theatrical movies based off that show. After five seasons, a few TV movies, and disastrous spinoff, it's gone nowhere."
"And let me guess," Flash said, "your Earth is filled with Trekkies."
Zoe snorted and shook her head. "Oh please...give me some credit, Stargate was a better show."
"What's Stargate?
"Okay, you two, knock it off," Supergirl snapped. "This is what Batman was talking about."
"Us talking about science fiction shows?" Zoe asked.
"No, you're throwing around random things from your world. You almost let slip about being from a different reality when you learned they made movies of that show here."
"I did? Well, it's a good thing you stopped me," Zoe said in an exaggerated tone, clutching her hand to her chest in mock horror. "Who knows how much damage I might have done to the space time continuum." Then she gave Supergirl a reassuring smile. "Kara, relax, it's science fiction...nothing important and earth shattering."
"Okay, I'm curious," Flash said, "what's Stargate?"
"An awesome show based off a B-grade film that took a life all its own, even had a couple spinoffs." Zoe was about to explain what the show was about until she caught Kara glaring at her again. "Aw, c'mon...seriously? What harm could be done?"
"None, but what if you were to make some off the cuff comments about us, not realizing you might be throwing out some information that might be trivial to you but damaging to us?"
Zoe was about to object, but then realized what Kara was saying. "Oh...shit...you're right. I'm sorry, but this is weird for me."
"It's okay, but try to think a little bit faster than you run."
"That's kind of a tall order," Zoe said.
"But it can be done." Kara then pointed at Wally who was now sipping a mocha and chowing down on a breakfast sandwich. "Just look at Flash...no...wait...bad example."
"Hey!"
Zoe giggled and shook her head. "Okay...you guys are way more amusing in real life." Then she sighed and leaned against the nearby wall of a building. "So, seriously...what do we do now? I just go around Metropolis and you two shadow me?"
Kara and Flash glanced at each other for a moment before nodding. "Pretty much," said Flash.
"Don't you think it's kind of suspicious for two heroes to be following some lone 'civilian' around?" Zoe asked. "Don't you guys have secret identities or something?
"Yeah, but that wouldn't work in this case," Kara replied. "People kind of know who you are because of your various public appearances since you showed up. No offense, but you do kind of stand out with that pink hair and almost every major coffee house knows you. We show up with you in our civilian identities, someone is bound to put two and two together."
"Except for certain Daily Planet reporters who are as dumb as a post," Zoe muttered under her breath.
"What was that?'
"Oh, nothing." Zoe sighed again and pushed off the wall she was leaning against. "Okay, fine...let's go get a mocha and then we have to hit the Grand Met Plaza hotel."
"Why?" Wally asked.
"Because that's where I was staying and I still have three days left on the suite I paid for," Zoe answered. "Besides, I got some stuff there I need to pick up."
"The Grand Metropolis Plaza Hotel," said Kara, a shocked look on her face. "How did you manage to...oh yeah...the money you stole from Lex."
"Stole," Zoe chuckled as she started to lead the way. "When dealing with people like Luthor, I believe the term is 'creatively acquired'." She then sped off towards the greater downtown area, disappearing in a pink blur.
Supergirl rolled her eyes, sighed, and looked up at the sky. "Somewhere up there, Wally," she said, "J'onn is up there on the Watchtower, laughing at us."
"Not likely,"said Flash. "I don't think he's ever actually laughed."
"Okay, grinning in a smug manner."
"Now THAT is very likely," Flash laughed. "C'mon, let's go find hot stuff before-"
An explosion cut him off in mid-sentence.
"Okay," he said. "She was only gone for a couple seconds, that couldn't be her."
Both of their earpiece communicators went off. "Flash, Supergirl, there's a situation in your area."
"No kidding, J'onn," Supergirl said. "What did our guest do this time?"
"Miss Kilmarten is currently checking out of the Grand Metropolis Hotel, but that is not the situation. Giganta and The Shade are attacking the Metropolis Diamond Exchange."
"Really?" Supergirl asked. "I thought they were brighter than that."
Flash grinned as he saw a hundred foot tall redheaded woman in a pink dress in the distance try to swat at a helicopter. "Fifty bucks says that there are at least a dozen pervs down there with cameras hoping she doesn't wear underwear."
"Wally!" Kara snapped.
"Just kidding," Flash laughed before speeding off towards the two criminals with Supergirl not too far behind.
Gorilla Grodd shook his head as he observed the two heroes head towards the Diamond Exchange to face off against Giganta and The Shade. "Sometimes, this is so pathetically easy, it's criminal," he chuckled as he jumped down off the top of the three story office building. He pulled a small device off the utility harness he as wearing and attached it to the key-pad next to the back door. A few seconds later, a green LED light lit up on the box and Grodd smiled as the back door opened. He entered the building and smiled as he noticed small red LED lights on the camera's flashing, indicating they were all in stand-by mode. Two minutes later, he had incapacitated the two security guards that were on duty and casually made his way to the vault.
It was a simple plan, really. Have Giganta and Shde cause a major distraction and he would help himself to a cache of the new data-chips that STAR Labs was secretly keeping at this nondescript holding facility. The new chips were going to be phased into use by certain US government agencies and Grodd was certain he could find several buyers who would like to get a look at the new chips. He looked at the security pad on the locking mechanism and smiled again. This time, he pulled off another device, a hand-held data pad that began linking up to the system on the vault and began running decryption algorithms.
In a less than a minute, the vault would be opened, and he would be on his way out with a very profitable haul. Superman was out of town and Flash and Supergirl were occupied with the distraction he had arranged. Nothing could possibly screw up what was pretty much an easy operation.
SLUUUUUUUUUURP!
The sound startled Grodd out of his thoughts. What the hell was that?
SLUUUUUUUUURP!
There it is again...behind me? He spun around, preparing to deal with the unexpected threat...only to find a young woman with pink hair wearing goggles, blue jeans, and a leather jacket, leaning against a wall and finishing off what his heightened sense of smell told him was some sort of blended coffee beverage.
Damn humans and their coffee addiction, he thought.
SLUUUUUUUURP!
Okay, he decided, that sound was getting annoying.
The girl frowned as she looked at the now empty cup she had sucked dry with her straw. "Damn...should have gotten the MegaMonster size," she said. Then she tossed the cup aside and looked at Grodd as if noticing him for the first time. "Hi," she said. Her tone was almost cheerful and friendly, which was kind of unsettling because Grodd knew that she only could have gotten in by sneaking in behind him and he should have heard her.
"Hello," Grodd said. Really, he had no idea what to do at the moment, what else could he say? If it had been another member of the League, that would be one thing. But this girl didn't look like a member of the Justice League. "Young lady, is there some reason why you're here?"
The girl paused for a moment, scratching her chin as if she were thinking about something. "Um...no," she said. "I was bored. You see, I ditched my two babysitters and then I found out that they had to deal with some emergency. Apparently, a couple bad guys were breaking into the diamond exchange, which is kind of odd when I thought about it."
"Really," Grodd said as he cautiously started to walk towards the young woman. "I'm assuming you are referring to Supergirl and the Flash."
The girl rolled her eyes. "Well, duh. I'm sorry, but where I come from, that screams 'DIVERSION'. I mean, why would two B-Listers hit a diamond exchange in Superman's hometown in the middle of the damn day? C'mon...I've seen that plot recycled a gazillion times in various heist movies and TV programs. Damn, no wonder they say my generation's going to hell; we're not being exposed to originality or creativity of any kind."
"Well, I can't argue with that," said Grodd as he stopped a few feet away from her. "But that doesn't explain why you're here."
"Oh, that," the girl said. "You see, when I heard what was going down at the diamond exchange, I ran around the area and I saw this really awesome looking creature who, if they ever do a remake of Planet of the Apes, should play Caesar because you've got the style and look badass enough to pull it off."
That comment caught Grodd by surprise. "I'm not sure if I should be insulted or complimented by that comment," he said. Though he didn't care much for that damn movie, he couldn't help feeling a little pride that a human called him a "badass".
"Yeah," the girl continued. "The original movie is a classic masterpiece, though I didn't like how unrealistic the apes looked. The remake wasn't too bad, which is what I grew up with...but Tim Burton just had to overreach and ruin the film by trying to outdo the original with the ending."
"I agree," Grodd admitted. "But now, as much as I'd like to stay and chat, I have important things to do."
"You mean like decrypting that complex locking mechanism?"
"Yes, like-" Grodd's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "How would you know?"
"Well, that is a vault, it has an encrypted code, and you are using some sort of data unit to decrypt it. At least I assume that's what you're doing because you aren't going all 'grrr...arrgh' and trying to rip the vault door off. If that was the plan, you would have brought the giant redhead with you to do that." Suddenly, she vanished in a pink blur, only to reappear at the door of the vault just as the data-pad flashed green and the locks began to disengage. "Oh look," the girl said as the door opened. "It's open!" She suddenly blurred out again for a second before reappearing in front of Grodd with a plastic container that held two dozen tiny items.
She looked up at him, a disappointed look on her face and said, "Really, computer chips...I was hoping for something kind of cool!"
"Hey!" Grodd tried to grab the tray from her, only to see her blur out and reappear several feet away...and toss the plastic container in a wastebasket.
The girl shook her head. "All that planning for technology that could be made obsolete within a few months...that's sad, I was kind of hoping better from the Great Gorlla Grodd."
"Who are you?" Grodd growled, this girl was really starting to annoy him now. "Some wannabe speedster friend of the Flash? A new aspiring heroine who thinks she can take on someone like me on her own."
The girl shook her head. "Nope. Not a hero, never wanted to be part of the cape and spandex club. And while Flash and Supergirl are good people, I think they're idiots." Then she gave Grodd an evil grin as she reached into her coat. "As for stopping you, I'm not doing it alone, I brought back-up."
"Oh really, and who might that be."
The girl's evil grin got bigger as she pulled a giant roll of duct tape out her coat. "Not, who, but what...its name is 3M." Grodd barely had time to ponder what the girl meant before she blurred out of existence; but seconds later, he realized in horror what the girl had intended.
And for the next few months, he would be spending time in a prison hospital recovering from the overall body shaving he had to endure.
Coast City, California
The Trevor House
1900 Hrs.
June 22, 1949
It's been two years since Jay literally dropped out of the sky and left a crater in that vacant lot in Coast City. For a kid who is now eleven years old, he seems to be more informed, if not more cynical than kids his age should be Even though he seems to be adjusting to the situation, he keeps referring to some of our latest technology as 'old school' or 'retro'. When I bought a television, he grumbled about needing cable. His terminology is still odd, but he seems to be fitting in. They apparently have basketball wherever he's from and he enjoys playing the game. If I didn't know any better, I think it helps him cope. I still can't believe that he's from the future, but I've seen the evidence with my own eyes as well as my own encounter with Diana and her people during the war...
October 12, 1959
Jay and the rest of the Challengers came back from an assignment in Brazil and it was quite frightening what they discovered. Still can't believe it myself, but some former high ranking Nazi officials managed to set up base of operations down in the Amazon jungle. Apparently they were trying to construct new weaponry based on the some of the weapons they managed to salvage from Savage's base of operations. Though the Challengers did take some of the confiscated technology for further investigation, Jay arranged for most of it to be taken to Blackhawk Island. Speaking of which, the 'hawks have taken a liking to Jay and Chuck has pretty much taken Jay under his wing and taught him everything he knows about aircraft...not like the kid actually needs it...
January 17, 1961
I finally told Jay about what happened in the war and his reaction was...unusual. Then again, I shouldn't have been surprised by it given how he reacted when I took him to Metropolis in '48. Back then, he kept looking at the Daily Planet building in disbelief and wanted to see if a Clark Kent worked there. He was mildly disappointed when he found out that there was no one there by that name. When I told him about Diana and the others, he started to laugh and I thought he actually lost it. When I asked him what was wrong, he shook his head and said, "Oh, pretty much everything...". He hit the alcohol pretty hard that night, but I doubt he even managed to get mildly drunk...
November 21, 1963
The kid's been rather moody. I would almost say he was depressed. He had recently come back from another mission with the Challengers, but he claims that is not what's got him down. He did ask me what I would do if I knew something was going to happen...something so tragic that it could shake the entire country...would I dare try to change it. I asked him what he meant by that, but he wouldn't say anything. He knows something, but he won't tell me what it is...
November 23, 1963
I found the kid out on the back porch, once again drinking the last of my whiskey. He did go to Dallas yesterday, he tried to stop it from happening...and he failed. He kept muttering something about conspiracy nuts being wrong about the number of shooters...
January 17, 1972
It's been twenty-five years since Jay showed up. I've had my suspicions about him. For someone who is supposed to be in his mid-thirties, he still looks like he's fresh out of high-school. I suspect that it might have something to do with the nature of his powers. I'm also concerned that I'm not the only one who suspects the truth about him. I notice some government operatives watching us. I contacted Hazard and Soldier about it and it seems there are certain people at the Pentagon who are interested in Jay and the rest of the Challengers. Their most recent mission ended with them butting heads with Lieutenant Wade Eiling of the United States Air Force. Apparently, the pentagon tried to send a covert team to Black Hawk island. According to Chuck, Eiling actually shot Jay three times. After taking the bullets, Jay got up and proceeded to beat Eiling to a pulp on the beach. I suspect Jay would have killed him if the rest of the Challengers weren't there to pull him off Eiling. As it is, I have to go to the Pentagon next week and explain how my adopted son managed to take three shots to the chest and then proceeded to break Eiling's legs afterwards...
March 25, 1978
Jay informed me that he was heading out to Gotham City. Wouldn't say way, but he said he had to help someone cope with some personal demons. Not sure why he'd want to go there, especially after what happened last month with the Wayne murders...the papers are still running that story...
September 15, 1994
Still recovering from the heart attack, but Jay informed me he's got things covered at the house. I have to admit it bothers me that old age is catching up to me, it should be starting to catch up to him but he still looks like a damn kid out of high school. The original Challengers of the Unknown have retired; though Jay is helping train the new team, he plans on going inactive. He says he's going to take a sabbatical and try to 'find himself'. I don't buy it...he never was one to buy into that type of new age hippie shit. I do think, however, he's going to be doing some soul searching. He did say something about going to Metropolis to see if there is a Clark Kent working at the Daily Planet. I know he said it as a joke, but he is from the future. On another note...Superman appeared in Metropolis...which makes me wonder how soon before Diana shows up...
Diana set the old journal down on a nearby table and closed her eyes as she leaned back in the chair she was sitting in.
I am an Amazon warrior, she thought to herself, willing the tears that threatened to fall anyway. She partially succeeded, only a single tear rolled down her cheek and she quickly wiped it away. I spent the last few hours reading about major events in his life, and he did have a full life.
For a moment, Diana wished she could have stayed, could have been with him. But she also knew that wouldn't have been possible. In the last few hours, she learned a lot about the man she could have loved...might have loved.
"He's gone...but he doesn't feel, gone." Diana's eyes snapped open a the sound of that voice and she saw Jay standing a few feet away from her, looking at one of the paintings on the wall of the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier. "Then again, for those we truly care about, those we truly love, they live on so long as we remember them."
"Do you believe that?" Diana asked.
Jay shrugged. "Not sure one way or the other, Princess," he replied. "But he doesn't feel gone, maybe it's the place. I mean, I did help him build it when he bought the land back in '52." He laughed and shook his head. "You know, it's kind of trippy...being thrown back in time nearly sixty years as a kid, and growing up in a world similar, but different from my own. Can't really blame the old man for being old fashioned since I was born near the end of the twentieth century, was a child of the twenty-first and got thrown back in to the middle of the twentieth to grow up. We almost have the same taste in music." Then his smile faded a little. "Steve was a good man and I gotta' tell ya, my life would have been hell if he hadn't found me. There were times I almost called him 'Dad'."
"Jay, what are you?"
"Excuse me?"
"I'm sorry, but reading Steve's journal, he has a lot of entries about you. You claim to know the young woman we have as a guest on our station, but I doubt you're the same kind of being she is."
A faint smile returned to Jay's face. "You've read most of what Steve wrote in there, what do you think I am?"
"I would say 'meta-human', or, as Zoe refers to herself, a nova."
The young man snorted at that. "Yeah," he said, "meta-human...a catch-all term for anyone with super-powers. Novas...no we're a little bit different. We may all have different powers, but we all have a few key characteristics that link us together. However, that's a long discussion and I'm not that skilled on genetics and quantum mechanics...at least not yet, just give me a couple decades."
"Is Zoe long-lived like you?"
Jay shook his head again. "No, but that could change should she manage to unlock her potential. However, from what I understand, I think you got me beat in the longevity department."
Despite herself, Diana laughed. "Yes, I suppose you're right."
Jay pulled up a chair and sat down in front of her. "To be honest, Diana, I'm not sure what I would call myself," he said. "Meta-human, nova," he flashed her a mischievous grin, "I suppose I could get away calling myself a god, but my ego's not that big."
"Perhaps you're like Superman."
"Not likely, yellow sunlight doesn't give me a funky adrenaline high like it does him." He picked up the journal Diana was reading and thumbed through it. "Over five decades of secrets are in this thing," he said. He closed the journal and put it back on the table. "And that's just a fraction of what he knew, but I think it captured a good part of who and what he was...which I think is why he wanted you to have it. I also believe you should have it."
"All those entries about you," she said softly as she shook her head. "I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't witnessed what you had done to those CADMUS snipers."
Jay grinned sheepishly. "Yeah, sorry about that, but I did notify someone and they did take care of the mess."
"That would explain the other government types that showed up minutes later and told me to, and I quote, 'get lost because you were never here'."
"Yeah," Jay chuckled softly, "that sounds like Soldier and his crew."
"Soldier?"
The young man shook his head again. "Sorry, Princess," he said. "Not my secret to tell, but he's a friend...sort of. He doesn't care much for the League, but he sees CADMUS as a greater threat. He and Steve helped put together an organization that acts as a sort of watchdog on certain government agencies and personnel that would take, shall we say, overambitious actions to reach their stated goals? Steve and Soldier knew that a group like theirs had to be around to keep things in check. Unfortunately, CADMUS is supposedly on OUR side, which means a lot of people high up in the government are perfectly content to ignore our warnings and let them run wild. Hell, it wouldn't surprise me if certain people high up are ordering them to."
"This 'Soldier', who is he?"
"Honestly couldn't tell you. But he and Steve go way back, all the way back to the war."
"Is he empowered as well?"
"Y'know...I never really gave it much thought," said Jay. "But given the fact that he's old as Steve and can still beat the shit out of special force operatives, I'm going to say he's got some enhancements."
Diana smirked at him. "You sound like you're afraid of him."
"You would be too," Jay threw back at her. "We're talking about a guy who doesn't exist, but has nearly unlimited power. With a simple command, he could have someone 'erased', and that's why CADMUS fears him."
"It sounds like he could be as much a threat as CADMUS is."
"Yeah, but Soldier sees himself as a patriot, a protector of this country. He doesn't care about the power and control like CADMUS."
Diana thought about the encounter with Waller at the Retirement home and everything started to fall into place. "And with Steve dead, CADMUS figures they could help themselves to Steve's secrets regarding this Solider and his organization."
"Something like that, but it's not so much him they're worried about," Jay said. "But that's not why I wanted you here. Steve said you could be trusted with my secret and I believe him. However, I gotta' tell you, this is going to sound crazy."
"Is this part where you tell me that you're from an alternate reality and that I'm a character in a comic book?" Diana asked, smiling at the shocked reaction on the young man's face. "Zoe Kilmarten filled us in, but I'm still confused. She's only been here a few days, but you've been here for nearly sixty years. How did that happen?"
A dark look crossed Jay's face, but disappeared quickly. "Not sure about that," he replied. "But when I get back, I'm going to have some harsh words with the bastard that stranded me here. Did Zoe tell you how she got here?"
"She gave us a device she claimed belonged to a group of armed soldiers that used this device to shift to her world."
Jay fell silent for a few seconds. "A device," he finally said. He raised his right hand and held it palm up in front of Diana as it began to glow. The yellowish glow intensified for a couple seconds before fading away to leave a beaten and battered, but familiar, piece of equipment in his hand. "Did it happen to look like this?"
Diana took the device out of his hand. "Yes," she replied. After taking a few seconds to examine it, she looked back at the young man. "Where did you get this?"
"The basement." Jay smiled at Diana as she rolled her eyes at that comment. "But seriously, I'm not sure how I originally got it. Steve said it was found with me in the small crater I left from the impact."
"Would you mind if I take it back to the Watchtower to have some friends look at it?"
"I take it you mean a certain key members of your club."
"Yes."
Jay thought about it for a moment before nodding. "Sure, but I'll be honest with you, Princess. I don't trust Hawkgirl and Geeen Lantern. So, if possible, keep them out of it." At the mention of those two names, Diana could hear venom in the young man's voice.
""May I ask why?"
"Sure, and I'll even give you an answer. First off, Green Lantern may be from this planet, but he answers to someone else outside this planet's authority and I really don't want to deal with those beings. They would see me as a threat." Jay paused for a moment as he saw the puzzled look on Diana's face. "I know what you're thinking, Diana: why make a big deal over someone like me when there are beings like you and Superman running around down here? I'm not bragging here, but trust me when I say that you don't want to see what happens if someone like me lets loose. Teleporting snipers and objects around are cheap parlor tricks compared to what I can do."
Diana was about to make some snide comment to that, but the look she saw in the man's eyes told her that he was telling the truth. That's when it dawned on her. He's afraid, she thought, like Kal...he's afraid of what he can do to this world if he doesn't reel it in.
Then she remembered Amanda Waller's comment from a few days earlier.
"Oh, and Robertson, we may yet actually get to see you fight a Kryptonian..."
Diana, having learned of Supergirl's clone, wondered if the League wasn't the only threat they created Galatea for. However, she decided, that could be discussed later. "So you don't want to attract too much attention," she said.
"Pretty much, but I have a feeling I won't be able to hide for much longer. However, until then, I would prefer to lay low. It's better to be known as a mildly empowered member of the Challengers. The last thing I need is your Jarhead in green tights telling his masters that there's a potential threat hiding out on Earth."
"I think you're being a little paranoid."
Jay gave her a crooked smile. "Maybe I am," he said, "but it's kept me under the radar for the most part. Even during the various invasions, I tried to keep things to a minimum, preferring to let you 'experts' handle the world threatening events...except for one."
"The Thanagarian invasion," said Diana. "That's why you don't trust Hawkgirl. Trust me, I can understand why you don't trust her, but she betrayed her own people to save our world in the end. I'll admit I still do have some issues with her, but she is trying to redeem herself."
"Good to know, Princess," Jay replied. "But do me a favor and keep her out of this if you can. Or at the very least, keep her away from me."
Diana's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "There's more to that story about you killing some of her fellow warriors in the invasion, isn't there?"
Jay didn't answer her right away. Instead, he got up out of his chair and walked over to look out a window that offered a view of Coast City harbor. He looked out at the city, seemingly appreciating the view of the glistening city at night before turning back to look at her. "Yeah, Diana," he finally said. "There's more to it, but you should ask Shayera Hol what happened in Colorado. After all, she led the initial assault on that town before letting the occupying forces take over. And if our paths do cross, I can't promise that she won't get her wings clipped if she tries to aveng her fallen comrades. Because I gotta' tell ya, a handful of Thanagarian warriors doesn't make up for the men, women, and children they gunned down to 'make an example'."
For a moment, Jack's eyes glowed red, similar to Superman when he was about to use his heat vision. Diana started to rise out of her chair, but stopped when the glow faded away and Jay shook his head.
"Sorry, Diana," he said. "There are some things that continue to haunt a person. No matter how powerful one is, they can't save everyone." Then he stopped and looked past Diana and into the shadowy hallway entrance that led into the living room. "Isn't that right, Batman?"
Diana turned around to see Batman stepping out of the shadows of the dimly lit hallway and enter the room. "How long were you there?" she asked.
"Long enough," Batman replied. He then turned his attention to Jay. "Robertson."
Jay nodded in greeting. "Bruce, it's been awhile. I'd offer to shake your hand, but you're 'on duty' and probably don't trust me."
"It's nothing personal."
Diana looked at the two men in disbelief. "Wait, hold on. You two know each other?"
Jay smiled at her again. "Kind of...weren't you paying attention when you read that journal?"
Batman cut her off before she could reply. "You don't have much time," he said. "CADMUS has a strike team en route. ETA is four minutes."
"Damn, those assholes move fast," Jay muttered. He walked over to where the painting of the USS Enterprise was and removed it from the wall, revealing a panel with a key pad. He punched in a quick code and the whole section of the wall slid open to reveal a small vault. He grabbed a metal strong-box and handed it to Batman. "Okay, take that and get the hell out of here."
"Batman, what are you doing here?" asked Diana.
"Activity kicked up on CADMUS' communication channels since the death of Colonel Trevor," replied Batman as he examined the strong-box he was holding. "Eiling authorized a strike team fifteen minutes ago to move in."
"Eiling," Jay snorted as he proceeded to pull a pair of .45 automatic pistols out of the vault, put a full magazine in each, and put one of pistols in a shoulder holster. "I should have broken more than just his legs."
"Jay, what are you going to do?" Diana asked, wondering why the young man was bothering with the pistols after she had seen him teleport two snipers from a mile away and drop them to their deaths a few days earlier.
"Putting up a 'final fight', Princess." Jay smiled coldly at her and Diana wondered, for a moment, where that likable young man she was talking to had gone. "We got one government strike team...probably three choppers total inbound. You and the Dark Knight are going to take that journal and that strong box out of here along with that device."
"Robertson." There was a hint of warning in Batman's voice. "Keep in mind most of those soldiers are merely following orders."
Jay arched an eyebrow. "Most?" he repeated.
"Eiling is with them."
"Well then...this will be interesting." Jay stepped back and the vault sealed up. He put the painting back in place over the control panel and frowned. "Probably shouldn't have done that," he said. "Since it's probably going to be riddled with bullets in the next few minutes." He flicked the safety off and turned to look at Batman and Diana. "Sorry about cutting things short, Princess, but you know how it is...no rest of the wicked."
Suddenly, a bright light shined through the front window, momentarily blinding the three of them as three helicopters focused their spotlights on the house.
"This is General Eiling," a gruff voice announced over the external speakers on one of the helicopters.
Jay flashed Batman and Diana a grin. "And speaking of wicked," he said. "Speak and he shall appear."
"By order of the United States Government, you are under arrest," Eiling continued. "Come out with your hands up."
Jay sighed and rolled his eyes. "Wow, tense and dramatic moment and it gets ruined with lame and predictable dialogue. Yep...that's Eiling alright, tense and lame. Okay, you two, get out of here."
"I'm not one for running," Diana said, glaring at the young man to defy her opinion on this.
"Maybe not, Diana, but this isn't your fight. This is something that's been threatening to come to a head long before you and your little club of spandex and capes got together." Jay then glanced at Batman. "No offense."
"None taken," Batman replied. "This box, how does it open?"
"You're the goddamn Batman, you figure out," Jay laughed. "Just make sure you get that box and journal out of here."
"We're not leaving you to fight alone, Jay," Diana argued. "That's not our way."
"Of course it's not, but that journal and strong box are more important. Diana, please...this is Steve's legacy...protect it first."
"Batman to Watchtower."
Diana suddenly turned on Batman. "Bruce, what the hell are you doing?"
"Doing what he suggested," Batman said while looking at Jay. "We'll be back shortly...J'onn, two to beam up."
"Batman, no-" Diana was cut off as she and Batman vanished in a flash of blue-white light, leaving Jay standing alone in the living room.
"Robertson," Eiling's voice bellowed from outside. "You have ten seconds to comply!"
With another sigh, Jay took one final look around the living room and looked skyward. "Wherever you are, old man, I just want to say thanks for all you've done...and sorry about any property damage that's about to occur." Then he went up to the front door and opened it to be greeted by several spotlights being shined at his face from the choppers and a couple tactical vehicles that were parked at the end of the driveway. He kept his arms at his sides as he stepped out onto the front porch, but made sure they could see the .45 in his hand. He ignored the nearly two dozen soldiers that formed a semi-circle around the house, assault rifles, some with laser targeting, pointed at him. "Evening, Wade," he called out to the chopper that hovered above him. "I see Waller's got you running errand for her, tonight. Did you remember to stop at Taco Bell and pick up about a dozen family packs to fill her troth for the night?"
"Drop the gun, Robertson," Eiling ordered, irritation could be heard in his voice. "And put your hands behind your head."
"We went through this thirty years ago, Wade, and you shot me first last time...before I broke both your legs. You never learn, do you?"
"But we're ready for you this time," Eiling countered before giving the order. "Take him down."
On instinct, Jay tapped into the quantum energy field of the surrounding area, allowing him to sense and feel everything, including the oncoming wave of bullets heading his direction. With a simple wave of his hand, a wave of crackling blue energy arced outward, literally throwing the bullets away and knocking several soldiers off their feet, some of them getting hit by their own bullets that were violently thrown back at them by the backlash of energy.
Before anyone could react, Jay brought up his own weapon and fired, emptying the magazine as he moved off the porch and ran across the front of the house. Most of his shots took out the spotlights on Eiling's chopper, but two bullets managed to get into the open cargo compartment where Eiling was and grazed each of the General's legs. He then threw the now emptied .45 at an approaching soldier. With another wave of a hand, the pistol exploded into its component parts, scattering everywhere and inflicting minor wounds on a couple of the approaching troops.
He pulled the other .45 from his shoulder holster and proceeded to fire at the spotlights on the other chopper as he ran towards it.
"Screw this," Eiling yelled. "Hit him with everything!"
"Shit!" Jay screamed he saw the main heavy-caliber machine gun mounted on the front of the helicopter he was approaching open fire. He dropped the now empty pistol and jumped upward, kicking his flight ability in and twisting to the side to dodge the enfilade of bullets. Two bullets managed to catch him in the arm, but he didn't notice the pain as he landed in the transport compartment of the chopper and grabbed one of the troopers lining up a shot at him. He tossed the man out of the craft and lashed out with a kick that knocked another trooper backward, causing him in to discharge his weapon inside the craft and shoot the pilot up front.
Jay jumped out of the craft as it careened out of control and watched as it came down in the back yard, crushing the small guest house he and Steve had built twenty years earlier. "Damn," he muttered as floated there in the air, shaking his head. "I had just put new flooring in that thing." He then looked at the two remaining choppers and raised both hands, clenching them into fists. Sinister arcs of blue-white and gold energy started to dance around his fists and his arms. "Okay, Eiling," he said. "Let's finish this."
"Good idea," he heard a female voice say above him, causing him to look up.
"Huh?" That was the only word Jay managed to get out as red twin bursts of energy hit him in the chest. The beams actually hurt as they burned away his shirt and jacket and seared part of his chest. But it wasn't enough to take him out.
But the sudden fist to his face did snap his head back and send him crashing through the roof of the house, the upper floor, the main floor, and three feet into the concrete floor of the basement. "Ow," he groaned as he pushed some rubble off his body. "That DID hurt."
"Oh, don't quit now," he heard the voice say. He looked up again and saw a woman with short blond hair wearing white boots and a form fitting unitard looking down at him through the large hole in the roof.
Her eyes glowed a deep red as she gave him an evil grin. "Because," she said, "we're just getting started."
TBC