Justice League of Amazons: Halo
…
Chapter 9
The Watchtower in orbit.
"You're kidding, right?" Zatanna asked as she and the rest of the Justice League all looked at Barbara, Helena, and Dinah from their seats at the table. "Selina Kyle actually wants to join the Justice League?" she reiterated what the three Gotham heroes had said.
"I wish we were joking around, Zee," Helena said the raven-haired magician. "But, Selina told us her sob story about her regrets and that she wants to do some good by joining us," she added as she took a sip of her iced tea.
"Can we trust Catwoman?" Kara asked, looking at everyone. "I'm not familiar with her, but Barbara has told me enough to know that she's always got some sort of scheme going on," she said.
"Well, she did help Helena, Dinah and Babs with that Intergang bust," Mari replied. "I've rubbed elbows with Selina at the occasional charity event, mostly to do with wildlife preservation causes that deal with cats big and domestic, and she's a strong advocate of them so she can't be all bad."
"Even so, there is the matter of her criminal record," Diana pointed out. "What sort of message does it send if we accept a criminal into our ranks?" she asked.
"True, but Selina isn't like Harley Quinn or Poison Ivy," Zatanna said. "She never goes out of her way to cause senseless destruction or violence," she added.
"No, she just robs people blind," Helena deadpanned.
"Never said she was innocent," Zatanna mumbled quietly.
"Well, the fact is: can we trust her and give her a second chance?" Barbara asked out loud. Everyone looked to Shayera who sat in her chair and deliberated the decision.
"Selina's crimes are extensive although not truly abhorrent and certainly don't tread the waters of terrorism or murder," Shayera said after a long moment of thought. "We extend an offer to join the Justice League, but we take it in turns to keep a close watch on Selina," she added.
Looking at everyone, the Thanagarian asked, "Does everyone agree to this?"
Everyone glanced at each other before they all gave a nod of agreement. Shayera nodded back and said, "Then it's settled. We contact Selina and tell her the good news."
"So, onto another matter that was forgotten about: Maria Contranetti, how the hell did she get a Green Lantern Power Ring?" Karen asked.
"Normally, it takes a great amount of will power in order to wield a Power Ring," Shayera said. "That fact alone could say how much will power Maria has," she added.
"So, it won't be easy to take her down," Helena stated. "But doesn't the use of a power ring also depend on how creative and imaginative you are with it?" she asked.
"That's one of the questions that we'll aim to find out the answer," Shayera said. "As the new leader of Intergang and in possession of a power ring, we must consider Maria a high-level threat to world security," she stated.
"Don't power rings have weaknesses that can be exploited?" Diana asked.
"There are a few weaknesses that we'll aim to exploit if and when we face Maria in the field," Shayera replied. "But should one of us run into her out there, don't engage her alone, call for back-up," she said to everyone.
"Not a problem," Barbara said. "So, I've been meaning to ask; when's the Chief coming back? It's been almost a week since he went to Atlantis," she added.
"Chief sent me a message last night," Shayera replied. "He's coming back tomorrow," she said with a slight upturn on her lips.
"Well, that's good to hear," Karen smiled. "It was getting a little lonely around without him," she said.
"I'll bet it has been," Helena quipped which caused Karen to mildly glare at her.
"Any word from Cortana?" Kara asked.
"Someone say my name?" Cortana's holographic avatar showed up in the middle of the conference table.
"I did," Kara said.
"Of course, you did, so what's up?" Cortana asked, folding her arms under her chest.
"Well, we were hoping you had some updates on Intergang," Shayera said immediately. "Anything on that front?" she asked.
"A few promising leads, plus I managed to snag one of their lists of hired muscle for some of their jobs," Cortana replied as he avatar disappeared and showed some database entries and a list of well-known female criminals that were listed as hired help, including two certain individuals: Star Sapphire and Tsukuri.
"Figures Sapphire and Tsukuri would fall in with Intergang after their involvement with Aresia," Mari said grimly. "I imagine there's quite a bounty on their heads for genocide by association," she added.
"Yep," Cortana said as the files disappeared to show documents on Star Sapphire and Tsukuri. "So far, Intergang has kept them to ground and I can't find any digital files on where they're being kept but I'll know as soon anything digital comes up on their whereabouts."
"So have you heard from Chief?" Zatanna then asked Cortana.
"Well, he did send me a message, as he did with Shayera," Cortana admitted. "He's done the donation run to Atlantis, so he'll be coming back to dry land tomorrow," she said.
"Where?" Dinah asked.
"Same place as when he departed for Atlantis; Metropolis," Cortana replied. "I can tell some of you are getting anxious without the Caveman here," she then said mischievously.
"No, we're not!" Kara blurted out before blushing scarlet. Cortana simply grinned like the cat that got the canary and said, "If that's what helps you sleep at night."
"Well, suppose we are getting anxious without the Chief around, he's coming back tomorrow so we have no reason to be so anxious any longer," Dinah said.
"Of course," Cortana agreed demurely. "I'll see you ladies in a few," she then said before her avatar blinked out.
…
The next day.
The Justice League waited at the Metropolis Docks for the Spartan to arrive. Some news crews were also present to capture the moment. Some of the reporters had asked for statements from the Justice League, but they received a "No comment," from each Justice League member.
"Where are they?" Courtney asked as she fidgeted with her Cosmic staff. "It's been almost an hour!" she complained.
"It's only been five minutes since we got here," Helena deadpanned.
"Really?" Courtney had a surprised look on her face. "Feels longer," she said more to herself.
"Just relax," Shayera said placatingly. "Chief will get here when he gets here," she added although her grip on the handle of her mace tightened a little.
After ten more minutes of waiting, the surface of the ocean began to bubble and froth and the news crews began a live recording and cameras flashed to capture every second. Then breaking the surface of the water was an Atlantean ship which then slowly floated over to the dock before extending out a walkway and the doors opened. Standing there was Master Chief along with Queen Mera and a retinue of her guards. Master Chief strode out of the ship with Mera. More cameras flashed and new reporters took note of how closely the Atlantean queen stood near the Spartan.
"Chief, welcome back," Shayera said respectfully.
"Ma'am," Chief responded with a nod of his head.
"I take it everything went smoothly?" Shayera then asked.
"As can be expected," Chief said in response. Shayera nodded in acceptance of his answer before she looked at Mera.
"I trust it wasn't too difficult having Chief as your guest?" the Thanagarian asked the Atlantean.
"Not at all," Mera replied graciously to Hawkgirl's question. "The Master Chief was good company, although he could be more talkative," she said with a slight smile.
"I speak only when I need to," the Spartan said. Mera and Shayera exchanged a smile having expected such a response from the soldier.
"Regardless, we've already begun the process of artificial insemination among my people. Those among us who wish to have children have volunteered," Mera then said.
"That's good to hear, Queen Mera," Shayera replied. "I hope this will be the beginning of more amiable terms between Atlantis and the surface world," she said.
"One can hope so," Mera said nodding her head. "Now I must take my leave, but I do hope to visit again," she added before she turned to look at the Spartan and embraced him warmly.
"Thank you for your assistance in our plight, Master Chief. I hope to see you again," the Atlantean queen said to the Spartan softly.
Master Chief simply nodded at Mera who smiled softly before heading back into her ship with her guards. The door closed up and the ship then descended into the ocean before zooming away.
Master Chief then looked at Shayera. "So what did I miss? Cortana told me there had been some troubling developments while I was gone," he said.
"There are," Shayera confirmed. "But let's not discuss it here," she said as she cast a glance over at the news crews. "Your public awaits," she added dryly.
Master Chief grunted as he resignedly walked over to the news crews, reluctantly engaging them and their numerous questions about Atlantis and his relationship with its queen. The Spartan's responses were blunt and taciturn which had some of the reporters a little put out by his responses and any other questions they had were answered with "No comment." After dealing with the media, the Spartan then left with the Justice League back to the Watchtower for a full debriefing.
…
Aboard the Watchtower.
John exited the shower, wrapping a large towel around his waist to dry himself off. After drying himself off and slipping on a pair of unisex shorts, the Spartan then headed into his room where standing against the wall was his familiar MJOLNIR Mark VI Armour. Nearby a holotank stood where Cortana's avatar appeared.
"So, how was your trip to Atlantis, Chief?" the UNSC Smart AI asked him.
"Fine," John said bluntly. "I learnt a few things about Atlantis and its history, including the capabilities of its military," he added.
"Of course, you would want to know Atlantis's military capabilities," Cortana quipped dryly.
"Call it being prepared," John stated, and Cortana knew that her Spartan was simply being cautious in the event that Atlantis became an enemy of the surface world. It had happened nearly twice before; once when Aquaman nearly declared war on the surface world for what Lex Luthor was doing and the second time when Aquaman's brother, Orm, staged a royal coup and attempted to use a superweapon to flood the surface world. Both instances were enough for John to want to learn the full military capabilities of Atlantis and prepare for the event should it come to pass.
Granted Atlantis had lost half its population to Aresia's Virus, but there were still some Atlanteans who held prejudice towards their surface dwelling neighbours.
"Mind if I have a peak inside your head so you don't have to tell me everything?" Cortana requested. John did not answer, he simply pulled out Cortana's chip from the holotank and slotted into the back of his head. A familiar feeling of vertigo and cold water hit John momentarily as Cortana entered his consciousness.
"Ah, feels good being back in here," Cortana said inside the Spartan's mind and she began to sort through his memories of Atlantis while he began to process of putting on his MJOLNIR. First came the bodysuit then came the armour pieces which had to be put on with the help of special automated arms. Then lastly came the helmet which once put, sealed itself around John's head with a hiss of air.
"Good to be back in armour, Chief?" Cortana asked him and John shrugged noncommittally; while he didn't say it loud, he felt very much naked without his armour. Nearly every Spartan II felt naked without their armour having spent so much time in their armour it was almost like second nature to them.
"Well, I hope the ORCA armour held up while you were down in Atlantis," Cortana then said. "My mother put a lot of work into the new designs for your armour," she added.
"I know," John replied simply and be briefly thought of Doctor Halsey and then his fellow Spartans. He wondered where they were and if they were even still alive.
"Still thinking about home?" Cortana asked him and John didn't answer; Cortana would already know his answer before he even said it.
"Don't worry, Chief. Even if it takes us a hundred years, we'll find a way home," Cortana said softly. "But I might not be with you when we do," she added sorrowfully.
"Cortana?" John intoned questioningly.
"Chief… you know that Smart AIs like me only live for about seven years, right?" Cortana asked him and John reluctantly nodded. "It's been over eight years now and while I don't look it, I feel… thin. Sort of stretched," she said fearfully, her voice sounding tired and haggard.
"We'll find a way to fix you," John said firmly. "There has to be some way," he added although there was a rare hint of uncertainty in his voice.
"Maybe, but I don't want you to hold onto a hope that may never be achieved," Cortana said.
"I'll find a way to fix you. I promise," John said sincerely.
"Don't make a girl a promise… if you know you can't keep it," Cortana replied. The pair of them stayed in silence for a moment before Cortana broke it.
"Anyway, enough about that," she said briskly. "We've got a few things to tell you about. There's been some interesting developments with Intergang," she added.
"Such as?" John asked as he left his room and walked down the hallway.
"Intergang has a new leader, one who is armed with a Green Lantern Power Ring," Cortana replied.
"A power ring… how did they get their hands on one?" John asked.
"Not sure. From what files I read on Green Lanterns and their weapons of choice, a power ring usually chooses its wielder, but I kinda question its logic in choosing someone who now leads a world-wide criminal organisation," Cortana said.
"And just who is it that now leads Intergang?" John asked.
"One Maria Contranetti. Born in Brooklyn New York and educated at Brooklyn University, Maria was a struggling comedienne with a decidedly toxic feminist stance and possessing an abrasive narcissistic personality which is very few people hung around her," Cortana informed her Spartan bringing up a dossier and other files she had found on Maria. "Something tells me she would've gotten on well with Aresia," she said grimly and John hummed in agreement.
"So, as to how she got her hands on a Green Lantern power ring is a mystery unto itself but the fact she can wield one tells how much willpower she has to use it," Cortana then said.
"Any weaknesses we can exploit?" John asked.
"Green Lantern power rings share a weakness to the colour yellow, plus how creative and imaginative you are with one can also be a weakness," Cortana replied. "So, we could just paint your armour yellow and put you up against her," she said in a somewhat humorous manner. John grunted, obviously in disagreement.
"Well, anyway, the fact that the new leader of Intergang wields a power ring is cause for concern. What is also cause for concern is that two of Aresia's accomplices, Star Sapphire and Tsukuri have fallen in with Intergang," Cortana told John. "Not surprising. Both of them have worked for Intergang before," she said.
John nodded his head slightly as he entered the conference room where the rest of the Justice League was waiting.
"Chief, good to see you back in armour," Shayera said from her seat and John nodded at her in response. "So, how was your trip down to Atlantis?" she asked.
John then proceeded to give the Justice League a full debrief on his time in Atlantis. He glossed over the details of his donation, feeling a little uncomfortable with the subject, but he informed the League of Atlantis's history and its military capabilities, reduced as they were.
Zatanna took an interest when John mentioned reading about the Old Ones. She said she would take a deeper look into her library for more information and John asked to be kept in the loop although he was a little out of his depth when it came to magic.
Magic was a foreign concept to the Spartan; he scarcely believed in the idea and his scientific upbringing had taught him that everything had a logical explanation. Even the Forerunner technology was rooted in highly advanced science that was almost literal light years ahead of humanity. But since coming to this universe and encountering literal gods out of mythology and numerous other things that defied John's logic and by extension the UNSC's science, he was beginning to broaden his horizons, if only to prepare for a situation where he would be faced with a magical or supernatural opponent.
After debriefing the League on Atlantis, John got right to the question he wanted to ask. "Maria Contranetti and Intergang," he said bluntly looking at everyone.
"Yes, we had a feeling you would want to know about her and Intergang's movements," Shayera said nodding her head. "Cortana has been hacking into their databases for more information and we have some leads on where they'll strike next, but we don't know if Maria will be among any of them," she added regretfully.
"Maria's a narcissist, she'll want to lead the biggest of the jobs," John said. "Which among the jobs is the most lucrative?" he asked.
"There's a couple," Shayera replied as she brought up a computer file on two jobs Intergang was planning. "One is a shipment of food, medicine, water and other supplies that are going out to some rural and remote communities and the other is a STAR Labs shipment of some experimental technology," she said.
"Both of which are promising," Diana said from her seat. "Which ones would reap the most profit to Intergang?" she asked.
"Both would," John stated. "But, Intergang may be more interested in the STAR Labs shipment as they often use advanced technology for their own ends and to sell on the black market," he said.
"So, we divide the teams to guard the shipments and if Maria does show up at either one, we take her out," Shayera said. "Everyone on board with the plan?" she asked and everyone nodded in response.
"What are the teams?" Kara asked.
"We'll decide that later," Shayera said. But everyone knew the reason Shayera said that was so that there was no arguing amongst them about which team would have the Spartan on. While everyone in the League had agreed to keep things cordial and friendly with each other for John's sake, there was still some tension and even rivalry among the ladies regarding the Spartan.
Shayera then dismissed everyone and everyone went back to their routines.
…
TO BE CONTINUED…
A/N: There, the ninth chapter of this done and dusted. I hope this satisfies you all as I know some of you were anxiously waiting for this. Seriously, some of you were messaging me on a regular basis about when I would update this and I understand some of you wanted to see the next chapter, you just have to exercise some patience and good things come to those who wait.
Anyway, not much more to say, so I'll just leave this here and I'll see you all in the next one.
Be kind to one another,
Angry lil' elf.