11 Justice League Shadows
It took Luthor's team twelve hours to acquire the data needed to plan an attack on Bailya. They'd used the ISA networks since the agency now had a foothold in the country. NATO and the Global Guardians also had a foothold. But it seemed Black Adam and Isis were no longer part of the organization, even on a stand-by basis.
Luthor thought it best. He'd worked alongside Black Adam when the Crimson Queen had still commanded Adam's loyalty. Then Black Adam had stolen the throne from the Queen. She'd taken it back, which was how Black Adam had come to the Global Guardians.
Isis had come to be, Luthor had impregnated the Crimson Queen, and the Queen sought Adam as the baby's father. The Queen had kidnapped Isis, who apparently held Black Adam's heart now, and lost the throne yet again to a palace coup.
The Global Guardians had always seemed beneath Black Adam in Luthor's opinion. His detachment from that organization befitted Black Adam's dignity and station. It also served to eliminate one possible source of reinforcements against the Crimson Jihad.
A fundamentalist movement had arisen in Bailya and was sweeping the country. As benevolent as Black Adam and Isis appeared, they were still foreigners. They were Egyptians, not Persians. The people wanted one of their own to rule. If the Crimson Queen had been alive she may have capitalized upon the movement and retaken the throne…again.
Then again, the Crimson Queen was an unabashed secular ruler. The religious right wanted a true believer to lead. That was where the Crimson Jihad and Scarlet Rose came in. They had street cred as Islamist extremists. It was a false front but the group could play along and maintain a façade while the religious leaders, having endorsed Scarlet Rose as queen, would take care of managing the masses while Scarlet Rose continued her campaign against the West.
Luthor approached Superwoman about the Crime Syndicate assisting the Crimson Jihad against Adam and Isis. She was more than happy to help…for a price. Scarlet Rose agreed upon the sum and the Crime Syndicate pledged to help her gain a kingdom,
Superwoman had her own grudges against Black Adam. And Artemis liked nothing better than settling scores. Black Adam had never faced Ultraman and Power Ring. It would be interesting to see of her favorite dullard boy toy could match Black Adam's fighting skills. It would also be an interesting day when Ultraman realized she was also bedding Power Ring on the side.
"Preparations have been made," Luthor informed Scarlet Rose, "Are your people in place?"
"The other half of my team landed in Bailya yesterday. They united with the top imams and have been riling up the people for nearly twenty-four hours now. There have already been several clashes with the police and the military has been called in. Teth-Adam's grip on my country is nearly at an end," Scarlet Rose declared.
"There is something else of use that I've discovered. Isis is pregnant," Luthor announced.
Scarlet Rose's eyebrow arched, "Oh really? That should effectively remove her from the fight. How far along is she?"
"Twelve weeks, give or take a week. I can't get a positive timeframe. However, there is something strange going on with the pregnancy," Luthor warned.
"How so?" Scarlet Rose asked, "Perhaps we can use it to our advantage."
Luthor smirked, "I believe you can. She may only technically be twelve weeks along but she's showing as though she were thirty weeks pregnant."
Scarlet Rose shared in Luthor's glee, "It must be the magic. From what you've said, Black Adam receives his powers from an infusion from the Egyptian gods and Isis receives her abilities from her namesake."
"Making them the Black Marvel Family," Luthor added, "This pregnancy is unprecedented. Until Mary Marvel appeared there had always been one Marvel as champion of the wizard Shazam at a time. It wasn't until Black Adam was released from the tomb holding him for thousands of years that there were two Marvels at the same time. They've just multiplied like rabbits since then."
"Well, there may be two fewer Marvels after today," Scarlet Rose offered, "When can we proceed?"
Luthor checked his watch, "It is now dawn in Bailya. You can proceed when ready. The Crime Syndicate has been standing by."
"Gather your force," Scarlet Rose instructed, "For we are off to make history."
Black Adam was in the Situation Room. Monitors and tablets lined the area and the cubicles in the center of the room. Black Adam sat at the head of the table with eight monitors before him. Using a Bluetooth style comm device, he was in constant communication with his generals.
His ministers of state surrounded him, fretting and posturing. Black Adam had no time for them. The only counselor he heeded sat next to him. Isis was viewing all of the same data that was pouring in. Her take was much softer than his.
"You should present yourself to the crowds gathered before Iduin mosque," she advised.
"But if I am there and the Militia strikes the palace, I will be unable to protect you," Black Adam argued.
"Like I need protection!" Isis was affronted, "Not only should you confront the people but I should be at your side when you do it."
Black Adam gave his wife a rueful look, "Isis, think of Osiris. He could be born at any moment. No Marvel has ever carried a child to birth. Not even the wizard can predict our son's abilities. We have been infused with the power of the gods but he was conceived in them."
"I will make you a counter proposal," Isis said craftily, "I shall remain here if you approach the people directly and counteract the lies being told about us. Fair enough?"
Black Adam gazed adoringly into his wife's eyes. He may have the Wisdom of Zehuti but she was still the wiser of the two of them. He nodded his assent.
"Very well, I shall approach the crowds," Black Adam started to rise but Isis pulled his face to hers and kissed him.
"Be my champion," she pleaded.
"I shall strive to, my love," Black Adam promised. He turned to the ministers, "Attend to your queen while I am away. If anything untoward should happen to her, alert me immediately."
The all bowed and pledged their faithfulness. Black Adam headed for the palace entrance. En route he communicated with the generals and informed them of his imminent arrival. The Commander of the Military was quite relieved to learn this.
Black Adam arrived to find the imams had set up a stage. How in the world they had been given enough time to erect a stage was beyond Adam. The clerics had been increasingly hostile to his regime. The police should have disbanded them well before they could set up all the bloody sound equipment that they had and began spilling their poison.
Black Adam's arrival polarized the people. While they had been aggressively shouting at the army, they took to literal aggression towards Adam. He simply strode through the crowd, unaffected by their rage. He climbed up onto the stage.
Coming to Imam Faruck he said, "Let us reason together, brother."
"I am not your 'brother'. Our true Egyptian brothers hold to the tenets of Islam. You still cling to the gods of the past. They are nothing! They are relics cast aside by the might of Allah! There is no reasoning with you while you remain an infidel," Faruck declared.
"Yet these relics empower my wife and I," Black Adam retorted, "What is Allah's answer to that?"
"Blasphemy!" Faruck cried and the crowd surged towards Adam. Faruck cast an accusing finger Black Adam's way, "Allah will strike you down."
Black Adam was about to scoff at the notion when a woman's voice lifted over the crowd, "Perhaps sooner than you think."
Black Adam's attention immediately upon the speaker and her companions. He had to blink several times to assure himself that the Crimson Queen herself wasn't standing before him. As the crowd parted to allow Crimson Jihad to approach, Black Adam began to discern the differences between the Queen and her sister. A rippling murmur tore through the assembled throng.
Adam found his voice, "Who are you?"
"I am vengeance come to find you," Scarlet Rose promised, "You may call me Scarlet Rose but you knew my sister as the Crimson Queen. Quite intimately I understand."
She waved a hand towards her companions, "These are some of the members of Crimson Jihad. We have come to reclaim our country and return it to the people born here."
Black Adam had to confess that this Scarlet Rose was every bit as charismatic as her sister, "I was chosen by the people to be their leader."
Scarlet Rose laughed, "You were chosen by the military and the ministers of the state. The people were given no voice. For if they had been given such a chance they would have sought the will of Allah and Allah, the Great and Merciful, would never have allowed an unbeliever to sit on the throne.
The tensions were ratcheting up. The army was growing nervous. So Black Adam addressed the soldiers.
"Stand fast, soldiers of Bailya!" he commanded, "Keep the peace but do not brandish your weapons."
"Noble sentiment," Scarlet Rose mocked him, "All you have to do to avoid bloodshed is abdicate and leave this land for all eternity."
"And I suppose you will force the issue if I do not," Black Adam guessed.
"We shall do what we must," Scarlet Rose promised, "Including to your precious wife."
Black Adam's rage was immediately triggered, "Are you threatening Isis?"
"Yes," Scarlet Rose laughed, "She is being held even as we speak. If you do not lay down the crown, you will first lose your child and then you shall lose her."
Isis possessed a magical healing ability. No wound could kill her. But Osiris? It was too great a variable.
Black Adam assumed that even if he capitulated right here and now, they would still strike at his child. His best option was to derail their plans right now. He threw himself at Scarlet Rose.
She surprised him with a psychokinetic bolt that appeared to be made of electrical flames. He was hurled into, and through, the stage. Scarlet Rose stood aside to allow her teammates their fun.
Black Adam rose with a greater sense of caution. Ramrod began to run for Adam and then suddenly he was airborne. He flew straight and true into Black Adam. Adam actually felt the blow. It was like being struck by one of his fellow Marvels or Superman.
Ramrod shoved them through building after building. Vehicles in their path were crumpled as they bulldozed through. They sailed out of the city and into the foothills. Ramrod pinned Black Adam into a rock face as they met an immovable object. They were no longer being propelled but Ramrod wasn't letting up.
Black Adam punched Ramrod. The same field that seemed to provide Ramrod's propulsion also appeared to make him invulnerable to force and objects. Adam began to wonder of energy could pass through it.
"Shazam!" he cried and mystical lightning struck Ramrod, knocking him out.
Employing the swiftness of Heru, Black Adam streaked across the plains. The dust was kicked up by the air being displaced and a sonic boom trailed him. He came flying into capitol and landed before the Crimson Jihad.
"Do you have any other surprises for me?" Black Adam asked dryly, "Because the last one fizzled out."
Pylon projected a cylindrical force beam into Black Adam. He was knocked over by the beam. Rubbing his jaw, Black Adam wore a rueful grin as he rose.
"Once again, that was unexpected," Black Adam confessed, "Care to try again?"
Pylon unleashed another blast. Black Adam took it in the chest…and then began to advance towards Pylon. Pylon frowned and poured more concentration into his efforts. When Black Adam had covered half the distance between them, Pylon added his other hand, and a second burst into the fray.
Black Adam reached Pylon and took hold of the other man's hands. Pylon's powers, having nowhere to stream, backfired on him. With miasmic display of energy, Pylon's head snapped back and blood burst from his mouth and nose. Adam released the sagging Pylon and turned towards the remaining members of Crimson Jihad.
"Anyone else care to try?" Black Adam taunted.
Scimitar created his blade and lunged forward with a war cry worthy of Shayera. His first stroke slashed into Black Adam's abdomen. Black Adam gasped and doubled over onto one knee. The pain was both unexpected and excruciating.
Scimitar brought his second stroke down upon Black Adam's head but this time Adam caught the blade between his palms. Scimitar grunted as he increased the intensity of the blade's energy. Black Adam rose off of his knee and kept the blade locked between his palms. Scimitar began to show the strain. And Adam released the blade. Scimitar drew back for another sword stroke while Black Adam drew his fist back.
Black Adam proved the faster of the two. Scimitar was knocked back, his jaw broken. He lay in a heap at Scarlet Rose's feet. She seemed unconcerned as a woman in a white pants suit sauntered up to Adam.
"Pity you're married," she said, "But perhaps we can create something for your wife."
Adam was startled as a diamond began to form around him. It encapsulated him and locked him into place in the hardest substance known to the Earth. Jewel smiled at Scarlet Rose.
"He won't be going anywhere, my lady," she promised.
Scarlet Rose smirked, "You may wish to think again."
Jewel gazed back upon the man-sized diamond. It was trembling and cracks began to appear. The diamond shattered as Black Adam broke free. A chunk of diamond struck Jewel in the head, knocking her to the ground.
Black Adam faced Falcon, "I suppose you are next then?"
"You'd be correct, Champion of Shazam," Falcon taunted.
Adam eyed her warily. There was more to this foul creature than met the eye, "And just who are you? Why are you garbed as the Justice Leaguer Hawk?"
Which was true and why everyone made the observation. Unlike Hawk, who wore a full head covering, Falcon's were covered but her hair was exposed. It was wild and unkempt, as was befitting an avatar of Chaos.
"I am Falcon. Remember the name as your world burns at my feet," she boasted.
"Brave words but I have heard the same from your betters and they have always failed as well," Black Adam said scornfully.
"Aiyah!" Falcon screamed as she leapt into the air in a flying kick.
Black Adam caught her leg and spun her into the ground. As soon as she hit she prepared to launch into a hand spring. When Black Adam released her leg, she executed the move. Despite himself, Adam was impressed by her agility.
She unloaded a right cross upon him. He stumbled to the side. Falcon followed through with a left. Then she delivered a blow to his stomach. Black Adam stepped back and smiled.
"There is more to you than I gave you credit for, woman," Back Adam confessed, "But you are hopelessly outmatched."
"Then why am I the only one that has landed any blows?" Falcon taunted.
Black Adam hit her so fast she never saw it coming. Another blow followed and then a third. Falcon was out on her feet. She was just too stubborn and prideful to fall over.
"Be wise and stay down when I knock you out," Black Adam advised.
Falcon spat bloody spittle at him. His responding right cross put her on the ground. He then turned towards Scarlet Rose.
"Dare you try your luck?" he demanded to know.
Scarlet Rose held up her phone, "I just gave the word for your son's execution. If you hurry you may arrive in time to witness the event."
Her laughter was ringing in his ears as he sped away. Heru granted swiftness but his ability to fly was from the Power granted him by Aton. He bulldozed his way through the palace until he arrived in the royal bedchambers. There he was met by a blow unlike any he'd faced in some time.
Black Adam came crashing into the floor. His eyes searched out his new opponent. What he found was a man that looked remarkably like Superman only this person wore a "U" on his chest. He then heard Superwoman's mocking laughter.
"Poor Black Adam," she said scornfully, "Were you surprised by my dear Ultraman?"
She'd spoken to him of her compatriots on Earth-3 often enough during his time with the Legion of Doom. He sought out and found Isis. She was bound in a green "X" frame. Her legs were spread and a corkscrew was poised just below her vulva. Adam knew Isis would heal and recover from such an intrusion but would Osiris?
"I see you recognize the jeopardy," Superwoman mused, "Good."
Black Adam tried to launch himself at Power Ring only he was knocked onto his backside by Ultraman again. The brute truly was another Kryptonian. He knew from fighting Superman that he could match a Kryptonian for a time but they would ultimately prevail. But while he struggled, this Green Lantern copy would destroy the life of his unborn son.
Isis was straining at her bonds but Power Ring possessed a formidable will and she couldn't break free. Black Adam raised his hands as he rose, "There is a solution to be found here. What are your terms?"
"Abdication. Pure and simple," Scarlet Rose said as she strode into the room.
"And just how did you arrive so fast?" Black Adam wondered.
Scarlet Rose wore a mirthful smile, "Oh, I have my little tricks. Now, about my terms?"
Black Adam looked to Isis. She was as fierce and defiant as ever but there was also fear in her eyes. She knew the peril that Osiris was in as well.
"How do I know you will honor the bargain once it is made?" Black Adam sharply inquired.
"My sister could be deceptive but once her word was given, she honored it. Did she not?" Scarlet Rose turned the question on him.
"Yes, but you are not your sister," Black Adam reminded her.
"No, I'm still alive while she was murdered by an ex-lover," Scarlet Rose said coldly.
She hesitated as she saw the grief in Adam's eyes and upon his face. It was genuine and heartfelt. It made Scarlet Rose actually want to heed to the offered bargain.
"Luthor?" Black Adam asked at last.
Scarlet Rose nodded, "And he took my nephew, El-Faddil."
"Yet you made a devil's bargain with him?" Black Adam asked.
"He knows his time grows short," Scarlet Rose assured him.
"If I agree, you will adhere to the bargain?" Black Adam pointedly asked.
"Yes," she answered sincerely, "As long as you remain outside of Bailya's borders we shall have no quarrel."
"Very well then, I accept. I formally abdicate and renounce all rights to the throne," Black Adam declared.
"Release her," Scarlet Rose commanded.
Power Ring collapsed the construct. Isis readied herself for a battle but Black Adam called her to his side, "We must leave now."
"But we could fight them…" Isis trailed off but halted when she saw the resolve in her husband's eye. He'd given his word and he would not go back on it now. She nodded, "Very well. I understand."
"Superwoman, you and your associates will escort the Black Marvels out of the palace." Scarlet Rose ordered.
"You shall be queen then? In your sister's place?" Adam finally inquired.
"I should expect so," Scarlet Rose's eyes twinkled with delight, "Farewell Black Adam. May you never darken our doorstep again."
"Agreed," Adam replied and then he and Isis began their final stroll through the corridors.
Later, he and Isis were flying over Europe and heading out to the Atlantic Ocean. She finally posed the question on her mind, "What is to become of us and our child then?"
"Remember my telling you that I had resigned from the Global Guardians?" Black Adam inquired.
"Yes, of course. I tendered my resignation as well," Isis was wondering where this was leading and said as much.
"I accepted membership in another team shortly thereafter," he revealed, "I hadn't informed you yet because it only happened a handful of days ago."
Isis was suddenly feeling very cross with him, "You should have told me immediately. What team is this?"
"The Justice Society has reformed," Black Adam divulged, "And we are a part of it."
"The Justice Society?" Isis' tone was almost reverent, "But they were the very first band of super folk."
"Indeed," Black Adam was pleased that she recalled them.
"And we are members?" she inquired.
"As are the Marvel Family," Black Adam shared.
Isis beamed, "It would be good to see Mary and the others again."
"Yes, it would," Black Adam concurred.
"So where are we going?" Isis wanted to know.
"The JSA has a base in the northern region of the state they call New York," Black Adam disclosed, "We shall join them there."
"Will anyone be ready to receive us?" Isis wondered, "It is merely dawn there."
"Ah, but you have not met Roxy yet," Black Adam smiled.
Isis was curious as to whom this "Roxy" was and why she brought such a smile to her husband's face.
They entered the command center and suddenly Roxy's avatar appeared before them, "Top o' the mornin', Chief."
Her jaunty greeting brought a smile to the faces of the Black Marvels. Black Adam spoke first, "And greetings to you, Roxy. This is my wife, Isis."
"Hello. You look ready to pop," Roxy blurted, "No offense."
Isis grinned, "None taken."
"Roxy, we have been…" Black Adam began but Roxy cut him off.
"Tossed out. Yeah, your abdication has been all over the regional news feeds," Roxy informed them, "The Europeans and the North American broadcasters are just catching up."
"You watch the international newscasts?" Isis wondered.
"I watch everything," Roxy boasted, "All at once. Most of it makes me glad I'm not physical. All that sweat and stickiness. Eww!"
The Black Marvels enjoyed the AI's humor. Roxy then abruptly shifted the conversation, "I bet you need accommodations."
"Precisely. While we need not sleep, a little privacy is a good thing," Black Adam confided.
"Especially when you want to get all sweaty and sticky," Roxy winked. A map of the grounds appeared next to Roxy and she highlighted the command center in red, "This is us. Proceed to these green huts and enter in. I'll meet you there."
"You can appear in the domiciles?" Isis was slightly alarmed.
"Only the hallways. I can't enter rooms. I'm sensor blind in a room except for the fire alarms," Roxy admitted, "Once you're in your room you'll disappear from my systems. Of course, I can call you over the phone but it's not the same as this."
Roxy sounded downcast. Isis wondered just how "alive" this machine was. And how was she treated by those who possessed the conventional form of life?
"Never fear Roxy. Since Teth-Adam and I do not sleep, we shall be seeing a lot of one another over the days ahead," Isis assured her.
"Cool!" Roxy enthused, "I'll see you in the married quarters then!"
The avatar vanished and then winked back into existence, "Oh! And I'll also tell the others you're here now as they arrive. Want me to call you when you're wanted?"
"Please, Roxy. By all means," Black Adam agreed.
"This is terrific. I can't tell you how boring it gets around here with no interaction. I actually sit around hoping for a crisis. Isn't that lame?" Roxy bubbled.
"We shall see you in the housing quad," Black Adam declared as he escorted Isis outside. He smiled at her, "It seems we shall have experience in parenting even before Osiris is born."
Isis held his arm and leaned into him as they walked, "It shall be good for us."
"One can only hope," Black Adam sighed.