Disclamer: Do not own Justice League or any characters from the Marvel or DC Uninverse.
DJCOOL- Glad you liked it. Sorry it didn't have much action but I did have to sum up some of the plots. This chapter will have more but not nearly as much as the next one. I thought the bad guy reformations was a good idea as well. I would be interested to know where this comic crossover would be found. But thanks for the comparison.
Superpup92.0- I was afraid the chapter seemed a little slow compared to the others but I am glad I was wrong. If you love cliffhangers you will love the one in this chapter too.
SpartanCommander- I'm afraid Osborne even with the Green Goblin's powers isn't strong enough to survive such a blast. Also I mentioned this earlier the dimensional equipment is at another base but it was a good thought. You are close about your thoughts on the rest Skull but just a little off. I think you will see why on this chapter.
Reviwer not a writer- Thanks, I am proud of it myself.
Nightbug08- Glad you like it and I am doing my best with the spelling mistakes. I might take you up on your offer for the sequel.
Manuel- I think you meant fond of. I'm not really I just wanted to show how evil they are. Don't worry, I will finish this story. Not sure what that jokes mean but thanks anyway.
Skyterror- Always glad to have a new reviewer. I know the spelling and grammar is not the best for thanks for not mentioning it.
Alright people we are coming to the home stretch. There will only be three chapters after this and it will be done. I can't believe it has taken me two years. Before I started writing this I thought other people were just slow in posting. I now realize it takes time especially with real life involved. Hope you enjoy it and look for the sequel sometime in the fall.
The explosion rocked the very foundation of Cadmus with its intensity. That such a force started form underground made it more devasting. The support beams and columns were hit with more impact that they were ever meant to take. They cracked and bend but somehow did not break. Do in large part to the force fields and dense metal surrounding the area of the computer core. Because the sub basement homed such an important piece to Cadmus it was created to absorb impacts to the equivalent of three atom bombs. Unfortuneally for Cadmus that protection only protected it from exterior attacks. From interior attacks, the shielding could do very little. Which is why when the small nuke was set off so close to the core the majority of the blast was held inside by the same structures that had been intended to protect it. Which meant the blast was localized and did far more damage in one area instead of doing smaller damages throughout the base. The conclusion to this: the core was vaporized.
An effect that not only affected the Cadmus base and it personal, but also affected the events that were happening in space.
"Its firing, damnit everybody hang on!!" Mr. Terrific yelled hanging onto the consol preparing for the blast. The engineers and techs around him did the same.
Blue light radiated from the cannon as it was about to leave its restraints and hit its target. The energy began to push out when it suddenly stopped. Slowly the blue energy receded until it faded away completely leaving the cannon silent.
Inside the Watchtower Mr. Terrific looked on preparing for the worst. Which is why he nearly fell over when the lights came back on and the computer voice spoke.
"Interruption in the receiving of data for firing primary cannon. Unable to continue without further instructions, firing sequence deactivated." Said the computer voice.
Mr. Terrific felt his mouth drop at the simple announcement. He looked around and saw the techs had similar expressions. He quickly shook himself free of his stupor and typed in commands on his console.
"Get your heads in the game people, the virus has stopped transmitting. Quickly isolate all the files corrupted and delete them. I want to prevent this sucker from regaining control." Mr. Terrific ordered.
The techs shook themselves free of their shock and followed his orders. Dozens of fingers flew across the panels trying to isolate the now inactive virus attempting to make sure it could not infect the system again.
Throughout the rest of the Watchtower the Justice League members were noticing the changes as well. The automated defenses had stopped firing and the doors that had been locked suddenly became open again.
"What the?" Superman said flying through the now open door of Vixens door. He had been preparing to knock it down with his fists and the momentum caused him to fall forwards on to his knees.
"Superman, are you alright?" Vixen asked bending down to help him back up.
Superman waved her off gently and rose to his feet under his own power.
"Yeah, I just didn't expect the door to move out of the way at the last second. Hopefully that means Mr. Terrific has made some improvements on the bridge. Either way lets get out of here while we still can." Superman said flying through the open doorway with Vixen right behind him.
Once they were safely out Superman tapped his communicator in his ear.
"Mr. Terrific, the doors have opened. I also don't hear any sound of fighting so I assume the auto mated systems are down as well. Have you managed to regain control of the Watchtower?" He asked hopefully.
There were silence on the other end except for the sound of typing.
"Mr. Terrific?" He asked again.
"Not yet, but I'm getting there. I give you more specifics later but right now I busy, Terrific out." He responded in a rushed voice.
Superman's eyes widened at being brushed off but he quickly got over it. It seems they had a short reprieve and he and to prioritize what would happen next. The first thing that needed to be done was to get the world leaders out of here. The Watchtower was still a death trap with the ships outside ready to attack.
"Superman to Green Arrow and Black Canary, do you copy."
"Green Arrow here."
"Black Canary here."
"Are the world leaders still safe with you?" Superman asked directly.
"Yes, even more so since the wall cannons stop firing, are we back in control?"
"For the moment, but Mr. Terrific is trying to make sure it lasts. If he can't we need to get the leaders off the Watchtower while we can. Those space ships still have us targeted and could fire on us any moment. Even if we have the Watchtower defenses under are control it is going to be a difficult battle." Superman explained.
"I agree, so we should head to the teleporter?" Black Canary asked.
"No, although that would be quickest. The problem is that virus might have corrupted the transporters and that atoms could be spread throughout space." Superman warned.
"Okay, but then how do we get out of here?" Green Arrow asked confused.
"To the shuttle bay, they are going to have to be transported on one of the Javelins. Myself and a few others are going to escort them back to the Earth's atmosphere."
"What, you want to go through those mind field of ships." Green Arrow said astounded.
"No, but it is the best option. It is dangerous, but no more so than trying to keep them safe in here. We only need to get them to the Earth's atmosphere, hopefully the Avengers can escort them the rest of the way." Superman explained.
"I still don't like it, but I guess we don't have any other choice." Green Arrow agreed reluctantly.
"We don't, now how far are you away from the hanger?"
"We can probably be there is six minutes." Black Canary answered.
"Make it four, time is not our friend. I'll meet you there with the rest of the escorts, Superman out."
Lead space ship
"Commander, something's wrong, the cannon should have fired." Said one of the pilots in confusion.
Captain Alverez looked down at the man with a sneer.
"That's impossible, it was charging just a few moments ago. What the hell happen!" He demanded.
"I don't know sir. The cannon was giving off a substantial amount of energy when it suddenly stopped. Also the shields appear to be back up." The pilot answered.
"Damnit, this is not going according to plan!" Alverez shouted.
"Sir, ship Three is trying to contact us." Reported the communications officer.
"Those fools, we are suppose to be on a silent run, a complete communications blackout once we begin the assault." Alverez raved.
"They know sir, but things haven't gone as planned. They are wishing to know if we should proceed with the attack or not."
Alverez stopped short at that. He had never back down once a mission began. But at the same time he realized the situation had changed. He would have to get orders from central command on how to proceed now that the Watchtower wasn't defenseless as they had originally planned.
"Tell Three to hold, patch me through to headquarters. Alert them to these developments and ask for next course of action." Alverez ordered
"Yes sir."
There was silence on the bridge while they waited on where to go from here.
"Sir, I can't get through to headquarters."
"What, is our system being jammed?" Alverez asked standing straighter.
"No sir, all channels are clear. It appears that no one is receiving the signal on the other end, I don't know what to make of it." The communications officer summarized.
Now everyone on the bridge started to sweat at this new revelation. First the cannon didn't fire and now they couldn't get through to headquarters. Things were taking a bad turn and they all knew it.
Alverez himself didn't know what to do. He was a soldier brought up to always obey his superiors. But now he had no one to take orders from. The discipline he had centered his life around was no longer present.
"Keep trying, we must receive conformation on whether to continue the attack." He ordered at last.
The communications officer nodded his head and turned back to his work. Theo others looked on wondering just what the hell went wrong.
Back on Earth Cadmus headquarters were in no condition to give orders. Fires had broken out on the two lower levels and main power was down. The emergency lights were the only source of illumination throughout the base. Half of the force fields and locked doors were no longer operational putting defenses at a minimum. Both Cadmus personal and the invaders had been knocked to the ground from the explosion and were still trying to organize themselves.
"What in hell was that?!! It felt like this entire place was hit by an earthquake." Hot Streak yelled getting back to his feet.
Red Skull checked his suits scanners to see if they could identify the source.
"No, it looks like some kind of explosion occurred some levels below us. Something fierce since it seems to created a emp knocking out most electrical and mechanical systems. Luckily I designed by suit with protection against such things. It appears Cadmus didn't, this will make our objective all the more easy." He told them.
"In that case what are we still standing around here for? Let's keep moving and get the job done." Ebon pronounced.
"Calm yourself, I call the shots here not you. If you have a problem with that let's hear it now. Because this will not come up in the future." Red Skull told him.
Ebon looked at Red Skull in the suit while the other metahumans looked on. They all knew it had been hard for Ebon to relinquish his leadership to the Red Skull. They also knew that he had no choice and the Red Skull would kill him and the others without a second thought if he even sensed betrayal.
"No problem, you're the boss." Was all Ebon said.
"And don't you forget it. Now our destination is the lab. According to the map our benefactor provided its this way. Every body follow me and stay alert. The Cadmus troops are probably desperate at this point and desperate men do desperate things." Red Skull said moving forward.
The other metahumans followed with Ebon the last. His eyes glowed and he had a scowl on his face but said nothing.
The Red Skull's warning proved futile however when they turned a corner and saw a strange site. Several troops were standing still looking into space while other were walking into walls over and over again. Added to that they seemed not to see any of the metahumans at all.
"Well, you don't see something like this everyday." Hyde commented.
"Looks like the blast fried their brains. These guys have lost their minds." Chianlink added.
Red Skull himself had no idea what was wrong with the soldiers and didn't care. He raised his arm and let loose a barrage of fire balls. Even as the soldiers were bathed in flames they made no sound and simply slumped over dead.
"No point in keeping them alive, kill them and move on. I want that lab before we destroy this place." Red Skull commanded.
The others smiled with glee having no problem killing helpless opponents.
Ebon expanded his shadows encasing two soldiers and literally squeezed the life right out of them. Chainlink advanced on them and used his tentacles to separate arms and legs from their bodies. The others too concentrated on their fun as the Red skull merely walked by. He liked destruction and death as well. But it wasn't as satisfying without the screams of torture and pain. To him, without those killing held no joy. These thoughts distracted him enough that he didn't see a thin object coming his way. But he did fill his suit rattle as the protective bubble around him was sliced through sending glass scattering into his face. He balked in surprise and fell back a few steps in surprise. The metahumans noticed this action and stopped their senseless mayhem for a moment.
"I don't know who the hell you freaks are and I don't care. But I have some serious aggressions to work out and you'll do." Came a femine voice with a hard edge.
It wasn't until the voice same into the low lighting that they saw its owner. It was a tall brunette woman with colorful armor on her head, chest, and wrists. Her muscles were very define and temporally detracted one from noticed the scares on her leg and under her armpit. She looked somewhat familiar but none of the metahumans could place her face.
"Ah, our benefactor did say Cadmus had made clones of the founders. You must be the clone of the one called Wonder Woman." Red Skull said ignoring the cuts on his face that were even now healing.
"So, one of the weaklings we associated with actually turned on us. I will take pleasure in forcefully getting the name for you. But for now you have invaded this base, of which I am a defender. You can call me Amozonia. Now that the small talk is over, let's get down to the fight." She said.
The metahumans started to laugh.
"Get serious lady, your all alone. Your soldier boys are in dream land and you are already hurt. I don't care how strong you are, you don't stand a chance against all of us." Hot Streak bragged.
To that Amozonia smiled and advanced on them.
Red Skull was reviewing his systems damages when he noticed her battle stance preparing for an offensive.
"I don't have time for this. Hot Streak, Hyde, Chainlink, Saber Wolf, take care of her. The rest of you come with me. We have a distinct advantage at the moment and I don't want to lose it." He ordered them all.
The four me mentioned stepped forward to engage the new threat.
"Don't under estimate her. Remember her and a few others took out half the Legion of Doom." Red Skull warned.
Hot Streak simply waved his hand dismissively.
"Those old guys were caught off guard. We're young and far better prepared." He said.
Amozonia smiled at the dialogue.
"The stupid always die young. Let's get this over with kids. I still have my revenge on some other people to get to." She said.
Hot Streaks eyes burned red from being talked to like that. The woman thought he was just some punk kid. He had heard that garbage all his life. Ever since the docks when he got his powers that had changed. He was respected, feared, he wouldn't go back to being a nobody. He raised both arms and fire emerged that lightened the entire hallway. His body emitted such a flash that a few of his teammates actually had to turn their eyes away.
"BURN BITCH!!!" He yelled before throwing both huge fireballs at her.
Amozonia felt the heat touch her skin but didn't falter in the least. Quicker than the eye could see she slashed her whip across both fire balls. The wind from the force and speed of the slash scattered the flames sending mini fire into Amozonia that did no harm what so ever.
The metahumans looked on in shock at what just happen. They hadn't seen everything but the result was plain as day.
"IMPOSSSIBLE!!" Hot Streak raged.
The other three took his failure to kill Amozonia as their signal to attack. Saber wolf got on all four and sprinted to short distance to his opponent. He saw the whip come down at him but jumped above it and aimed right at Amozinia's neck intending to rip her throat out. This was prevented when Amonzonia bent down and he was meant with her head instead. She head butted him square in the mouth and he felt a few of his teeth crack. As he fell helpless to the ground he met a foot to his side in mid air sending him into the opposite wall.
After taking down the wolf Amozonia tried to bring back her whip but felt a snag. She looked up and saw it was tangled up in the tentacles of one of the metahumans.
"Not so bad without your little toy are you." Chainlink said arrogantly.
She had no time to reply as the rock creature Hyde swung a might fist as her face. Still holding onto her whip she used her free hand and caught the fist inches from her face.
Hyde was surprised someone could hold him at bay but used his power to free his hand. When it didn't moved he used raised his free fist and hit her in the gut.
Amozinia felt the blow to the gut, but not much. Her armor had absorbed most of the blow. Still the situation could not remain as it was. She either had to relinquish her weapon or hold onto it and stay at a disadvantage. She decided she liked nether of those options and chose another.
As Hyde brought back his fist to hit her again Amozonia twisted his hand still in her grasps and turned him sideways. She was now behind Hyde with his arm pinned between his back and her stomach. Hyde tried to fight free but this position left him with no opportunity to do so.
Amozonia then used her full strength and pull her whip towards her. Chainlink was caught off guard by the move and found himself flying through the air heading right toward her.
Amozonia turned Hyde in the direction of the flying Chainlink and released his arm pushing him forward. The result was climatic as the two crashed into each other having no way to dodge. The blow caused Chainlink to release the whip and he bounced backwards to the ground groining in pain. Hyde himself felt the pain and was forced to one knee.
Red Skull witnessed all this with a look of disgust on his face. They were still fighting as individuals, not a team. He would have to reprimand them for it later. The operation was running behind schedule.
"Fools, I told you don't underestimate her. Hot Streak, clear us a path. You four finish this while we move on." He ordered.
Hot Streak bristled at the command but nodded. He shot his flames above Amonzonia's head bring the ceiling down around her. She shrugged off the wood and the metal easily enough but it did distract her as Red Skull and the others ran by on their way to the lab. After the debris had finished falling Amozonia noticed their absence and turned her head to see where they had gone. She then turned back and raised her wrist blocking a fire ball with her bracelet.
"Forget about them, your fight is with us." He said.
True enough Saber Wolf had gotten up although bleeding from the mouth. Chainlink was favoring his right arm but he had seven others to compensate. Hyde just plain looked pissed.
Amozonia thought this showed a lack of brains instead of courage. Either way she wasn't done from working out her frustrations from her failure earlier. To be beaten and trapped in ones own jail was humiliating. When she caught up with the others she would make them pay. Until then these children would have to do.
"Fine with me, time for round two." She said raising her whip once again.
While this was going on the technicians in the lab were valiantly trying to get the systems back up.
"We must stabilize the containment unit, the symbiote must not be allowed to escape." Said on of the scientists.
"I'm trying, but emergency power is not enough to contain it. The containment unit has been cracked and field around it is flickering in and out." Said another scientist.
"Damnit, if only they hadn't taken Octavious and Doom away. They were assholes but their knowledge was vast."
"At least they took the black symbiote with them. It was mature enough to move. The red one was still young and it couldn't be moved without chances of its structures breaking down."
"If we don't hurry that will happen anyway. It won't survive long without the power generating inside the containment field. If it dies the Council will have our heads."
"Then stop talking about it get back to work. We have to-"
The scientist was cut off when they heard a crashing noise. All eyes quickly moved to the sound and were horrified to see the containment unit had shattered and the red Symbiote was on the floor not moving.
"NOOOOOOO!!! Quick pick it up. If we use one of the other units we might still be able to save it." Yelled the head scientist.
One of the youngest scientists nodded and jogged towards the symbiote. He stopped in front of it.
"Are you sure it's safe to touch?" He asked with small fear.
"Of course you fool, it isn't mature enough to meld with a host. Not to mention outside the field its energy had decreased even more. Now hurry, we are running out of time!" The lead scientist ordered.
The younger one nodded and gently bent down to pick up the symbiote. It was still in a solid state so he was able to grab it and bring it into his chest.
"Good, unit three should suffice, get over here."
The young man got to his feet and walked in the direction containment unit three. However he suddenly stopped when he felt something slide up his arms. He looked down and saw that the so called weak symbiote wasn't so weak after all. Before he could drop it our scream out in terror it covered his mouth as well as most of his upper body. He fought mightily but was helpless as the symbiote quickly engulfed his whole body.
The others scientists backed up in fear and disbelieve.
"This isn't possible, it should take weeks for the symbiote to mature to the stage of taking a host." Said the lead scientist in fear.
"We based those calculations on the black one. We simply assumed the growth would be similar. But if it has evolved this quickly than it is even stronger than the original." Said another.
"My god, is that even possible?" Another asked.
"The proof is before us, it has taken over poor Grady. Its new shape will represent the qualities and traits of its host. Since it is Grady it shouldn't be too dangerous."
"Bastards." Came an unfamiliar voice.
All eyes widened as they followed the source. It was the now entirely red Grady.
"You always looked down upon me because I was the youngest. Called me names behind by back. I knew, I always knew." Came the deep and scratchy voice.
"Grady, you don't know what your talking about. The symbiote is clouding your judgment. Look deep within yourself and see the truth. We are your colleagues, your friends." The head scientist said moveing forward with an air of confidence.
The new Grady looked at him without saying a word.
"Yes, now you remember. Now lets remove the symbiote-"
He was interrupted by a hand shaped scalpel slashing through his neck and removing his head. The head fell to the ground with its eyes and mouth wide open. The other scientists scream in horror and disgust at the sight.
"I never did like the sound of your voice, now I won't have to hear it any more." Grady said with a cruel laugh.
He then turned his attention to the others in the room.
"Now for the rest of you. His death was too quick, I am going to make sure the rest of you suffer before you die. You'll never make fun of me again." He proclaimed moving near them.
The screamed in terror and ran to escape the attack. But it proved useless. No matter how fast they ran Grady used his inhuman speed to get in front of them. The two who had made it to the door had their feet taken from under and were dragged back inside. The scientist clawed at the floor and yelled for help but it fell on death ears. The base was under siege and half the clones confused and no one came to their aid. From inside the room the screams continued and were only drowned out by the sounds of cruel laughter.
Back inside the council chambers they had recovered from the blast and found that the door that had locked them in was now open.
"Finally, we can get out of here." Amanda Fields said in relief.
"Yes, but go where. There are tons of clones out there who are no longer listening to us. Brianiacs last order was to keep us isolated. They will probably kill us if they see us." Colonel Adams said.
"Not necessarily." Kevin Russo stated.
All eyes turned to him.
"What do you mean Mr. Russo?" Adams asked for clarification.
"I mean that by the sounds of the explosion it came somewhere deep underneath. Add to that was Brainiac said about the escapees heading for his core it stands to reason that the explosion took place near it." Russo stated.
"You mean they actually succeeded in reaching destroying the core. That means that toaster is gone." Colonel said with an happy gleam in eye.
"Unlikely, even if the core was destroyed Brainiac still probably had some kind of back up unit to escape to. But it will lack the power of his core. Since the clones brainwaves are regulated by that they are no longer receiving messages. Their like children waiting to be taught." Russo explained.
"Your right, I helped install those safety guards as well. It was to ensure they wouldn't turn against Cadmus even with the loyalty engrained into their genetic make-up. Of course then I thought it was connected to Cadmus major networks and not to Brainiacs computer core." Dr. Hamilton added.
"If your right then a good deal of Cadmus attack fleet has just become useless. That will give the Avengers and the Justice League a fighting chance." Adams concluded.
"Yes, but it will only affect the Ultimen to an degree and won't affect the founder clones at all. They were designed differently because of their complexity." Dr. Hamilton verified.
"Still, it will slow the Ultimen's reaction time some. As far as the founder clones their on still only seven. Despite their awesome power the combined forces of the Justice League and Avengers can beat them." Russo added.
"That's assuming there are enough left. We don't know how much damage was done before the core was destroyed. Even now the battle still wages including the Legion of Doom and those we recruited from the other dimension." Ms. Fields countered.
"All we can do is hope doctor. Still if the systems are down I might be able to get a message through to military. My men may be dead but I still have friends in high places. With the proper people we can deploy troops to help out. Without the World leaders it will be difficult, but I see no other choice." Adams stated.
"If that's the plan I suggest we hurry to the communications room. There is no way of knowing if the clones won't reboot themselves eventually." Russo cautioned.
"Alright then, let's move out. That is after I finish something." Adams said turning away from the door.
He then walked over to the prone Amanda Waller and looked at her for a while. He then raised his gun and shot her in the head. He then turned and left the room without a word. After a brief pause the others follow without ever looking back at the dead body of the former leader of Cadmus.
In the second Sub basement level the fires still raged around the fallen metal and wood. Being on the same level as the computer core it took a lot of damage. Therefore the escapees and the Warbots they had been fighting were now under six feet of rubble. Besides the fires sparks flew from ripped out power lines making the area even more dangerous. The area was nothing short of a grave yard. Yet it seemed there were those who still refused to rest.
One area of the rubble appeared to shift and rise. Then a clawed hand popped out breaking the surface. Then another beside it. Soon the hands came down using momentum to carry out a body, a body that was Wolverine.
"Damn, that sucker such packs a punch." He coughed out. He felt bones broken as well as several bleeding scars. But even now he felt his healing power working over time to repair the damage.
He tried to sniff for the others but the smoke, ash, and dust clogged up his senses. He knew Sara was alright. But he had his doubts about the green guy. He looked tough and could fight, but Wolverine had no idea if he was built to withstand this devastation.
He got his answer when a green blur suddenly leaped out the debris and landed not too far away. In his arms was Wolverine's daughter who looked bad as well but was awake.
"Thanks for the ride Scorpion." She said wiping off the grime.
"Don't mention it kid." Scorpion said with a smile as he gently put her down.
Wolverine winced at the 'kid' remark and waited for his daughter to go off. He nearly fell over when she said nothing and simply walked to him looking up and down.
"You look like crap dad." She offered.
He rewarded her with a crooked smile.
"You don't look to good yourself princess." He responded.
She scowled at 'princess' and tighten her fists. Wolverine shook his head. Why could the green freak say it and he couldn't without getting the death glare?
"I guess the professor really went through with it." Scorpion said interrupting the father daughter moment.
Wolverine looked up at him and somberly nodded his head.
"Yeah, he must not have had any choice. I don't know what was waiting for him but it had to be something fierce. That man wouldn't have went down without a fight." Wolverine said.
"At least he took whoever it was with them. Still, I'm sorry he's gone. For the short time I knew him he seemed like a good man. I don't know what demons were in his past but he seemed to want to over come them. Reminds me of you dad, hell even me." X-23 added.
"Yeah, I guess all of us are trying to make up for past sins. His journey is over, but ours are still going." Wolverine said.
"Crud, you mean there is more to it. Damn, I thought you just changed sides and that was it." Scorpion groaned. It seemed that if he was really going to be a good guy he had a long ways to go.
The other two laughed at his discomfort. Scorpion scowled at them for a moment before laughing as well. It was something they all needed through this ordeal. Wolverine was the first to sober up.
"Alright folks, rest time is over. We may have helped the good guys but there is still a war going on out there. I intend to fight it, and clip the wings of a certain bird who took my best friend." He said growling.
"Your not going anywhere." A voice said behind them.
All three turned and saw a misshaped figure walking over the fallen metal heading towards them. It appeared to be mostly green with a battered red cape. But the most unusual things was that most of the left side of its body appeared to be missing. The left arm and half the chest was missing. Only about half his left leg seemed to be intact. The body as a whole had several scars but no blood.
"What the hell are you?" Scorpion asked.
"I failed, I failed my duties. That bastard made me fail, him and his stupid bomb. How was I to know that was what he was planning. You humans, your minds are so strange. Thinking so many things at once not knowing what your final descion will be. How can such a race survive so long?" The being said seemingly to himself.
X-23 leaned into her dad and whispered.
"I think this guys off his rocker." She told him.
"Blast must have knocked some screws loose. Surprised the guy even survived." Wolverine responded.
"You mean this guy that got in the way of the professor?" Scorpion asked hearing their conversation when his senses.
"That be my guess, and if he survived that blast he must be one tough son of a bitch." Wolverine answered with a little awe in his voice.
"In that case I say we finish the job the professor started. If he's dead I say this guy should join him." Scorpion dais with a growl.
"I agree, hell how bad he is it will be a mercy killing." X-23 agreed.
Wolverine nodded and raided his claws in front of his face.
"It's unanimous then, lets turn this guy into mince meat." He said before dashing at the creature. X-23 and Scorpion were right behind him and let out their battle roars.
Those sounds broke the Martian clone from his musings and his eyes glowed bright. He sent forth physic blast the connected with Wolverine staggering him. He saw scorpion come at him on all fours and created three sharp blades out the good side of his body. He extended them forward and slashed down. Scorpio avoided two but the last one connected with his shoulder. But instead of slashing through his skin it slided right off without doing any damage.
The clone was surprised by this and took a step back in confusion. X-23 capitalized on the move and dashed forward. The clone had no defenses on his left side and switched the direction of his blades at her. But X-23 was too fast as slashed at his chest. The clone used its powers inherited from Clay face and literally moved his chest out the way so the claws only met air. However this movement put him right in the path of a right haymaker that scorpion aimed at his head. The punch connected and spinned the clones head around backwards. Such a move would have killed most people put he simply turned back around and looked at Scorpion.
X-23 slashed again and met flesh. But for some reason it went through the flesh and out without seaming to do any damage. Whatever surprise she held didn't last as a spear went through her left leg. She yelled in pain and fell to one knee.
Scorpion looked over to her and the next moment he found himself floating into the air. He struggled against the invisible force carrying him but nothing happen. He then found himself flung what was left of the side wall over and over again.
As the clones eyes glowed continuing the mental assault on Scorpion he looked for the remaining attacker. He saw the other man missing from the area. He quickly wrapped his body around the girl preventing her movements as well as using her as a shield against the unseen opponent.
"Come out where I can see you or I will suffocate the girl." The clone demanded. Indeed his body was covering X-23's mouth and nose stopping her breathing. She tried to fight out of it but her claws still had no effect against the opponent.
"Let her… go…you son..of a. bitch." Scorpion wheezed in the air. He was no longer being smashed against the wall but he was still helpless in mid air.
The clone saw no body and looked at the girl struggling inside of him.
"Looks like your friend doesn't care about you. Such a shame to waste such a pretty face and body. The things I could have done to you." He left off.
Her eyes burned with rage and she fought harder than before. He simply laughed at her pitiful defiance.
"You are a firecracker, maybe I will keep you alive. Just me, you, and-"
He was cut off when a clawed hand burst from the debris in front of him and attached an electrical cord to his feet. The clone yelled in pain as thousands of bolts of electricity coursed through his body. X-23 felt it as well but it seemed to fuel her body more than harm it. Using her new strength she slashed through the clones body again and was rewarded with flesh. Smiling at this new development she slashed some more hitting more parts of a now solid body.
The combination of claws and electricity was too much for the founder clone and he released his hold on her and threw his body to the side. He damned them for finding a weakness. The electricity had given his body a more solid shape than it usually had. While it ran through his veins he was no longer immune to physical attacks. He was now on his hands and knees with scars all over him. With the bomb earlier his body was reaching its limit. He no longer had the capability to use his body as a weapon. He used what little concentration he had to create a mental shield around his body. He didn't have the strength to beat them, he had to escape. It was then he found himself covered in a shadow. With great effort he turned his head up and met the cruel stare of the Scorpion. He had completely forgotten he had released the monster when he formed his barrier.
"First the professor, and not you hurt the girl. I have had it with you, your done." Scorpion growled reaching down to him.
The barrier stooped his hans and the clones let out a breath of relief. His breath quickly hitched when the hands continued to move through the barrier.
"No, it won't be that easy." Scorpion said continuing to push through the invisible force that was between him and his prey.
Wolverine looked on as he hooked his daughters arm mover his shoulder. The kid was bone tired and hurt from the last attack. The electricity didn't help with the metal running through their bodies. It had given her a temporary high, but now she was down from it and could barely move. Wolverine would like to get the bastard himself but would be pleased if Scorpion did the deed as well.
The Martian's clones eyes brighten to their fullest to stop their attack. But his body was just to hurt and power to drained. Scorpions hands went around his neck and squeezed. With that the clones lost the last of his concentration and the barrier shattered as his eyes returned to normal.
Scorpion held his grip around his neck and picked him off the ground. With his feet no longer touching the ground he looked at the clone straight in the eye.
"You know, one thing about being a good guy I don't like is not killing a guy when he is helpless. When you're a bad guy its no problem, there is no such thing as a innocent. Things were much simpler then. But I made a promise to the guy you killed, and I intend to keep it." Scorpion said starting to loosen his grip.
The clone look first surprised, then relieved.
"After I rip your throat out." Scorpion said with a vicious smile.
The clones eyes widened. Before he could act Scorpion pulled both hands apart taking with him hands full of flesh. The clone fell to his knees and clawed at his missing neck. He did that for a couple more seconds before falling forward and stopping all movement. Scorpion looked at it a moment before kicking it to make sure. He then looked at Wolverine and X-23.
"I guess I had a minor set back on my road to redemption." He stated with no remorse.
Wolverine met his stare before allowing himself to smile.
"I won't tall anybody if you won't." Wolverine responded.
Scorpion nodded back and let loose a small smile of his own. The three then turned and made their way back to the steps that would take them to the upper level.
Back at Avengers headquarters they had received a communication from J'onn that the cannon had been stopped and that for now they had back control of the Watchtower. Captain America thanked him as well as congratulated him. He then listened to J'onn tell him about how Dr. Fate had arrived and he was transporting the World Leaders back to Earth. Cap was happy about that as well and signed off.
"It was rough, and we had some deaths and injuries. All the Avengers are fine but it was still pretty bad. I can't believe Cadmus would attack so blantely in front of the public." Robin reported of their situation.
"I think they decided that the time for being subtle was over. They probably planned to kill you and explain to the public afterwards. Either way the fighting is far from over. I am sending you coordinates where fighting with Cadmus is still going on. If you are up to it I want you to join up with some of the others." Cap told him.
"Yeah, by the way what's the status there." Robin asked.
"Not too good. We've got two dead and four others badly wounded. Only me, Shebang, Raven, and Herold are up to fighting." Cap explained.
"Damn, who were the two deaths?" Robin asked hating to do so.
"Wilderbeast and Gear, but they gave as good as they got. The fought like true heroes to the bitter end." Cap said with a mixture of sadness and pride.
Robin shook his head and held in his tears.
"Have you told Static yet?" He asked.
"No, that's the last thing he needs to hear right now. I'll tell him when this is over, that way we can all mourn in are own way." Cap said sadly.
"Yeah, okay we'll join up with the others, Robin out."
Cap turned back to the others.
"Alright people, I know were bone tired but we have to go on. Shebang, I want you to stay here and keep a look after those in the infirmary as well as our prisoner. Raven and Herold, you with me. We're going to take a shuttle and join in the fight in space. The Justice League didn't ask but I know they are going to need all the help they can get." He ordered.
The three Avengers nodded and jogged off for their tasks. Now it was just him and Luthor in the room.
"Your putting a lot of trust in me. Just one active Avenger alone with me with the injured and the prisoner." Luthor offered.
"No, I'm putting jut enough trust in you. What you did a today gave me a better respect but I haven't forgotten your past. You will have to continue to do good things in the future before you have the Avengers trust." Cap corrected.
"Fair enough, I look forward to that day."
Cap nodded and walked by Luthor. He put his hand on his shoulder and looked him straight in the eye. Luthor met his gaze without turning away. Once Cap was satisfied with what he saw he walked on and made his way to the shuttle bay.
Back in space Dr. Fate had returned after delivering the final World Leader back to Earth.
"Thanks for the assistance Fate. I didn't like my plan to escort them back there but I didn't see any other choice." Superman voiced relieved.
"Not a problem, I would have been here sooner if my home hadn't been attacked by Cadmus. They used Thangarian weapons to break through my magic and me and my wife had to use all our skills to stay ahead of them. Then suddenly they just stopped and looked around confused. We wasted no time wondering and expelled them from our home and teleported their weapons in the ocean. Afterwards I quickly came here." Dr. Fate explained.
"Not a moment to soon, our own home is about to come under siege." J'onn said referring to the ships outside.
"It also looks like you aren't the only one who witnessed the Cadmus troops lose their minds. I'm getting reports that have the Cadmus soldiers have suddenly stopped fighting. Also the Ultimen seem to be moving slower than usual. No one knows what happen but it had certainly turned the tide on Earth." Mr. Terrific reported.
"Yeah, but we still need help up here. This is going to be a hard battle." Superman stated.
"Yeah, and I know some folks that might just be willingly to help. They do owe us a favor." Flash said brightly.
"Who?" Green Arrow.
J'onn eyes glowed momentarily and he nodded.
"Good thinking Flash, their technology is superior and they might help us." J'onn said with approval.
"Who?" Green Arrow asked again.
"I rather keep it to myself just in case they won't. Don't want to get anyone's hopes up." Flash said.
He then ran up to Dr. Fate and whispered something in his ear. Dr. Fate nodded and created a portal that appeared to have a lot of trees on the other side. Flash ran through and Dr. Fate closed it behind him.
"Alright then, Flash is doing his thing it's time for us to do ours. Mr. Terrific, is the Watchtower now back in our control." Superman asked.
"Yes, we have isolated the corrupted areas from the mainframe. We cannot be taken over again." Mr. Terrific reported with pride.
"Good work, now put the Watchtower on red alert and open all launch bays. Prime weapons and fire on my mark. We aren't going to wait for them to attack. We have been two steps behind Cadmus all day and its time that changed. Tell all Justice League members to suit up. Thos who can travel into space safely get to the launch points. The rest guard inside. It's likely they will send people in, we are going to do the same. Alright people, lets do this!" Superman commanded before flying off.
The other nodded and prepared for the battle of their lives.
Back on the head ship they had still not received any conformation from Headquarters.
"It's no good sir, no one is responding." Said the communications officer.
"Damnit. How could Headquarters have been breached?" Alverez said with sweat running down his face.
"Sir, we are getting communications from the rest of the fleet. The cloned soldiers are acting strange and unresponsive. Even the Ultimen seem be off some. They fleet wants to know if we should continue with the attack with all these changes."
Everyone looked on the bridge to Alverez for guidance. He returned their look trying to keep the nervousness he felt inside from showing. He then felt a arm grab his shoulder and looked behind him.
"There is no decision to make. I alone am powerful enough to do significant damage to this Watchtower. Order the attack, Cadmus will have its victory and then it will help me achieve mine." The Lord of Magnetism said with complete confidence.
Alverez looked at him for a moment before nodding his head. He turned back to the others and stood arrogantly.
"Tell the others that the attack will continue. Even with their shields we can transport people in. Tell them to reach scrambler generators so our suicide bombs can detonate. Prime all guns and prepare to fire. This is war people, and it is a war Cadmus will win."
TBC
Another big cliffhanger. The ultimate battle in space will be in the next chapter so keep a look out for it. I hope to have in done in two weeks.