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SIX

"No plan survives first contact with the enemy."

-Enlistee Ollanius Pius (Attributed)

I couldn't help but worry for myself for this mission. It wasn't enough to worry about the simple scouting mission going ploin-shape, as it would inevitable become, but it was something entirely heretical to travel in the "Martian*94" ship. This vessel wasn't a normal cogboy ship from the Mechanicus that I'm reasonably familiar with, it belonged to the Martian greenskin named "Megan.*95" Apparently, she's the niece of the big greenskin git, and that meant that if I want to live more comfortably from now on, I'll have to be nice to her.

If that weren't enough of an issue, then my second complaint was the fact that the bloody thing was a living being, acting on the beck and whim of Megan's emotions! One wrong move from her, one dissatisfied glare, and I can kiss my arse goodbye. Which means, I have more of a reason to keep a good relation with her. Admittedly, the seats were remarkably comfortable, though I'm not sure if that was a good thing given the fact the ship was alive.

I spared a glance at Jurgen, taking comfort in his distinct aroma*96, though it was much to the some dismay. Upon a scan around me, I could see the impatience boiling over the child and the mutant. They appear unable to handle their emotions and seem willing to act upon it. Now, I am under no illusion that Jurgen does takes some time getting used to*97, but that seemed rather harsh. The 597th and 12th Valhallan Regiments handled Jurgen just fine, all things considered, why wouldn't they? Unfortunately, if I were to intervene, I rather doubt those two would listen. Those two were hardly an open-minded lot, and they may seem ever so inclined to harass my aide, given the opportunity, so I saw no point in doing anything for them.

Admittedly, I was concerned for the greenskin. She was having some difficulty concentrating, and I dared not take my chance if she did. Megan was an inexperienced psyker at best*98, and it's best I snip this at the bud. If she lost control, we'd tumble out of the sky! Fortunately for me, her xenos-loving juve was upon her and I didn't have to intervene.

'Are you alright Megan?' He asked, not bothering to hide his concern. 'What's wrong?'

'Oh, I'm fine.' She insisted, sounding more placating for the young man. 'I'm just having trouble focusing right now.'

'It's probably the smell that's distracting you angel.' The Narcissist half-whined and half-lusted over the xenos. Now, he was glaring daggers at my ever faithful companion as if it were his fault. I will admit, I was rather enraged by this blatant display of bullying. 'Like seriously dude, have you ever heard of a shower?!'

'Now, that is enough.' I firmly snapped, giving him by second best glare in retaliation. I must have lowered my wits in anticipation for this impending disaster if I shot at the narcissist this quickly. 'No matter your personal feelings about Gunner Jurgen, that is the least of your worries, and I will have no further disparagement of his character.' The threat was left unsaid, as I felt no need to press it. Unfortunately, that was an error on my part, as I had forgotten that Kid Flash was a narcissist.

'Oh c'mon, commissar.' He sneered, spitting out my title as if it were an insult. I was beyond bewildered and shocked by this blatant display of disrespect. Now, I had taught my whelps that they will never be loved by the Imperial Guard, but this blatant insult was…beyond comprehension that I almost missed out what he said next. 'Even you can agree that he stinks! Like, I mean pew-yew! He stinks. Should you order him to take a shower man? Why haven't you shot him yet dude?*99'

'How dare you?!' I said, unable to hide the vitriol I had for him. I must have really lost my head because I was out of my seat and levelled my sidearm at him. 'I have been beyond patient with you, mutant, but you have gone too far!' Now, I don't normally use the powers entrusted to me by the commissariat, but I couldn't help but feel the need to use it now. I was sorely tempted to just shoot the git, but I doubt I would get away with it. 'It has become clear to me that your attitude has become detrimental to the functionality of the team! As such, I am placing you under arrest to await a tribunal of your peers! Failure to do so will amount to your guilt, and you will be shot.*100'

He started laughing. I was expecting indignation, terror even, but the mutant was laughing at me. I couldn't believe it, and it must have shown on my face because he laughed harder. I could hear the shrill, grot-like giggle from the child, and the two weren't stopping. Without thinking of the consequences, and it wasn't like I didn't warn him, I squeezed the trigger. Unfortunately, Kaldur had intervened and stopped the hammer from striking the primer.

'That is enough!' Kaldur firmly stated, not shouted. 'The Commissar is right in one regard, that is enough. Whatever differences we may hold, we must be united for this mission. Wally, I understand that Jurgen has problems with his body odour, but please bear with it. Ciaphas, I understand that you are only protecting the honour of your friend, but violence is not the answer, no matter how aggravated you had become.'

'But Kaldur-' The mutant protested, only to have it shot down by Kaldur's glare. 'No Wally. Now is not the time. You went too far. We'll discuss this matter on a later issue. You too Ciaphas.'

'By your orders.' I said, in my practiced court speech. After the mission, I realized just how much the abhuman had saved my arse that moment. I would have caught the ire of the Justice League High Command, and lost all of my good will with them. Though, that never did stop me from feeling some lingering contempt for the mutant. At the time, I thought that I had demonstrated a small display of my commissarial duties, erroneously believing that it would instill some discipline into the mutant*101.

'Cain?' Kaldur said, bringing my attention on him. 'May I have a word with you?'

'Of course.' I said, welcoming the distraction, even though it was going to be a dressing down. I followed him to a private room and stood at parade rest.

'Ciaphas.' The abhuman said, addressing me more formally than I deserved. 'Please know that I truly understand why you did what you did. You simply wish to defend Jurgen's honour and tempers were running high. However, I can't have you perform your…usual duties as you are familiar with.'

'I understand.' I replied, trying to present a cowed juve. 'I suppose that my usual wits have left me, considering the uncertainty with this mission.'

'I know how you feel. This mission will be…challenging.' He admitted, resting a hand on my shoulder. 'However, I feel I must impose upon you a favour.'

'Which is?' I wondered, trying to figure out what he wanted. Depending on what he wanted, I could simply deny him, after all.

'I want your assurances that you will protect Kid Flash and Robin.' He stated, lacking any of the usual confidence that I know he has. 'Promise me, please. As a friend.'

Throughout the remainder of the travel, I never once felt how utterly stupid I was. I knew this mission will go disastrously, and that the first casualty would be the Narcissist and the Child. I knew this! Yet, I so dumbly agreed to this favour because I thought that this will bring allow me to call upon a favour from him as well! Oh, I had hoped this would be very well be damn worth it, though I really should have known better. If only I were so lucky.

Fortunately, Aqualad took time to speak with both the Narcissist and Child as well and properly chastised the both of them. They didn't seem to be bothered by Jurgen anymore, for which I'm thankful for, and they stayed silent throughout the remainder of the trip. This was all fine and good, unfortunately, I had forgotten about one other xenos.

'Is this not glorious, friend-Cain.' The blasted Orangeskin cheered in such a way that reminded me of Sulla. 'At last, we have a chance to fight alongside each other as allies, rather than face each other as foes.' Oh yes, definitely like Sulla*102. I swear to the Emperor on high, if I knew I would be paired with her from here on out, I would have tendered my resignation and stayed in my cell. To think I would even forget about someone as subtle as a Baneblade.

'I am not very enthusiastic with this particular operation, no.' I admitted, allowing a hint of my own doubt shine through. 'With the way things are going now, death is but an assurance.'

'Then we shall meet our deaths together.' She gleamed, a smile on her orange face. 'Like true warriors.' Oh Emperor on high, please end me now! Over my long career, I had never met someone that I would dare say could surpass even Sulla for absolute bloody recklessness and zeal!

'While that is all fair and good.' I said, in a manner I reserve for noble ladies. 'I believe staying alive in victory to be much sweeter.'

'On which, I agree.' She said, twirling her chair to face me. 'It will be my honour to fight alongside you and your honourable comrades.'

'Indeed.' I said, trying my best to put up a polite smile for her as our group neared the drop zone. Kaldur was long gone, dropping into the water below, which left me, Amberley, and Jurgen to babysit the second group. Megan had her xenos ship hover over our drop zone. Already, the children were "testing out" the new stealth technology, which consist of a button that changes the colour of their clothes to something more appropriate. Honestly, it would have been much cheaper if they wore darker clothes at the start.

'Hey, Supey. Not too late to put on the new Stealth-Tech.' The mutant commented, almost teasing him to do so. As expected, the xenos-lover replied nonchalantly. 'No capes. No tights. No offence.' Which, of course, brought the xenos into the conversation. 'It totally works for you.' To be a juve once again. Honestly, this was getting ridiculous.

I turned to Amberley, whom shrugged, and hooked onto the cable. I held in a shiver as I grabbed hold of my cable. 'Are you not going to hook on?' I asked the xenos-lover, "Super Boy," gesturing to the device.

'I won't need it.' He said, waving me off. Then the coin dropped. Surely he isn't…

'You aren't going to jump down, are you?' I asked, incredulous horror making my voice rise as I spoke. Overhearing the exchange, Amberley stepped in. 'And I'm sure you will certainly survive the fall and won't need the cable.'

'I won't.' Superboy confirmed, ready to jump. Fortunately, Jurgen stepped between him and the hole, giving Amberley more time.

'And I don't doubt it. Believe me, I don't.' She said demurely. 'However, it is quite the fall, and it will be quite a loud "smack" when you hit the ground. It'll attract attention towards us, and the enemy will send a team over to investigate. It'll increase the chance of someone getting hurt…especially a certain someone that doesn't possess your superhuman invulnerability. At least hold the line until about halfway down to decrease the impact.'

Superboy seemed to be miffed at the thought. Emperor damn him, we just need a little more. 'Do it for her.' I encouraged, holding a line for him. 'I'm sure you can test your limits in the event we go loud.'

'Alright.' He said, after a moment of pensive thought. 'As long as you don't tell me what to do, okay?'

'We wouldn't dream of it.' Amberley said, throwing a black hood over her head, rappelling down to the forest below. Superboy followed after her, leaving Jurgen and I to follow behind. Fortunately for us, we witnessed the slight seismic event created by Superboy, throwing the child, the narcissist, and Megan around. At the very least, I doubt anybody will be coming to investigate the event. Hopefully, at least.

'Aqualad.' Megan informed on a blindingly bright holo-display. 'Drop B is go.'

'Head for the factory. I'll track your GPS and rendezvous ASAP.' He replied before shutting up. I felt rather elated with the force he said those orders. He was doing rather well being the leader that even the child agreed with a sharp. 'Roger that.'

Then we were off to the objective through the dark jungle and a myriad of creatures. Sufficed it to say, it reminded me of Archipelaga*103 in some ways. The landscape was dense and I was sorely tempted to cut down the foliage some, if it didn't make more sounds then necessary. At the rate we were going, the mission was going far better than I expected, but my decades long paranoia was acting up and I knew something has bound to happen.

'Hello Ciaphas.' Amberley whispered, trailing beside me. 'How are you holding up?'

'So far?' I remarked with my usual "heroic" bluster. 'Everything has gone well, better than what I expect it to be.'

'Indeed.' She agreed readily. 'But how long will this unity last until we initiate contact. I suggest you rally Superboy and the greenskin to you.'

'What about you?' I asked, not quite sure what she was trying to do. 'Would you like it if Jurgen were to stay with you?'

'That won't be necessary.' She affirmed, seemingly limbering her arms. 'Just get ready.' Before I could comment, the xenos-lover quickly reacted, stopping me in my tracks.

'Did you hear that?' Superboy said, alerting us to absolutely nothing.

'Uh, no.' The mutant answered, before realizing something. 'Wait, is this a super-hearing thing?'

I referred to the xenos-lover. 'What did you hear?' I asked, trying to extract as much information as possible. Superboy quickly relayed, looking aimlessly to the left. 'I heard some twigs snapping.' Great, an enemy patrol.

'Superboy, kid. Switch to infrared.' Aqualad ordered. 'See if you're being tracked.'He must have been listening into the conversation. Good for him, I say. I admit, he's really shaping up as a good leader. Perhaps a smidge too loitering for my tastes, but nothing a little criticism won't fix. If he were recruited into the Guard, and hasn't been executed, he would be a good commissioned officer. As for if we were being tracked, I highly doubt it, but completely understandable given the circumstances. Taking a glance at where those two were looking, the squads must be heading towards us.

'Got a squad of armed bozos incoming.' The mutant informed, with the xenos-lover adding. 'Two squads. They'll meet each other before they find us.' Before I could say a thing to update Aqualad, out of habit mind you, autogun fire was being exchanged. The mutant quipped. 'No super-hearing required now.'

Good, if the enemy were killing each other, the better my chances at survival. 'We best swing clear.' I advised, now noticing the child and Amberley were missing. 'I'm sure we'll find Robin and Amberley somewhere away from the fire fight.'

'Yeah, whatever.' The mutant said, suddenly pulling goggles over his head. 'Just after I find Rob.' I levelled my sidearm at his head before he could run.

'You will stay in line.' I hissed my warning quietly. 'I will not let you endanger the mission because you were impatient. Need I remind you that Amberley is with him. He'll be fine without us.'

Predictably, the mutant scoffed and already took off running faster than I could blink. Well frak. 'Aqualad.' I said through the com-bead. 'Kid Flash has gone AWOL. What are your orders?'

'Get after him.' He ordered, a little frustrated. 'I'm putting you in charge of Team B for now. I'll meet up with you soon.'

I had prayed much too soon for the abhuman to say to leave him. 'Acknowledged.' I confirmed, before turning to the others. 'We best get going. Jurgen, Megan, take point.'

'Superboy.' I referred, now seeing the xenos-lover tense up. I figured as such, he wasn't one that takes orders well. Fortunately, with my experience with the Reclaimers, I believed I could convince him. 'Superboy, if you would be so kind to point us in the general direction, I would be grateful.'

'Alright.' He said, smirking. 'Think you can catch up.'

'Lead the way.' I encouraged, ready to follow about twenty metres behind him. Good, he'll take all the shots for me now! Though, I never anticipated his speed to surpass even the head start Jurgen and Megan had.

'Oh wow.' She said, shock evident in her eyes. 'I never seen Connor react this well. What did you say that made him want to follow your orders?'

'I simply made a request for his assistance.' I answered, acting like the reputation I gathered. 'No need to make grandstanding orders.' At the screams and the dying of gunfire, it seems he will dispatch all of the enemy before we arrive. Unfortunately, that really wasn't the case when two enemy combatants were in front of us. Before Jurgen and I could dispatch them, Megan used her Psyker abilities and caste them aside like children's toys. I decidedly ignored her abilities for the time being. That is, until I know for certain that the rendezvous point was cleared. A wasted effort really, because by the time we reached the clearing, all enemy combatants were dispatched, and the mission had already failed.

'Some tea, commissar?' Jurgen said, already pouring a bowl of canna tea for me.

As I had expected, the mission had gone ploin-shaped, however, that did not mean we would be returning in complete failure. For starters, it would ruin my completely unfounded reputation for heroism and success. How would it look to Jurgen if he saw Cain the Hero turn tail over a little bit of bad news? Secondly, instead of killing the frakkers and blaming it on the enemy, we were forced to tie them up. Lastly, I was called upon to take to Kaldur's side as his second.

'I recognize those uniforms.' The child said, staring at the red cape and hood of some of our prisoners. 'They belong to the Cult of the Kobra.'

'I'm certain Batman would've mentioned if he knew a dangerous extremist was running Santa Prisca's Venom operation.' The abhuman muttered to himself, more as a pensive afterthought than anything really. It was rather obvious to me as well, but I don't care much to say anything about the matter.

'Cult of the Kobra?' Amberley queried from behind my back, playing on the innocent civilian look really thick. 'Perhaps you could elucidate more about them.'

'The Cult of the Kobra are a pseudo-religious criminal organization.' Robin explained, his childishness pleasantly absent from his tone. 'They believe they are descendants of snakes and believe they are the true progenitors of Earth. Their leader, Kobra, is worshipped as a living god, and they'll do absolutely everything for him, even die.'

'So we have an organization of heretics then.' Amberley said, sounding rather gleeful at the aspect*104. 'Splendid.'

'Hey, I know you're scared beautiful.' The mutant said, attempting to sound consolatory. 'But they won't be getting out of those ropes. I did them myself.' Does this mutant even know who he's trying to "console?" Fortunately for me, Amberley seems best suited to dealing with him.

'Oh yes, I feel so safe.' She sarcastically remarked with such acidity, I could almost taste it. 'Now if you don't mind, I will begin interrogating the Heretics. Commissar Cain, I have need of your aide.'

'Of course Lady Inquisitor.' I said, playing up my courtroom tone. 'Jurgen, assist the Inquisitor in her every desires.'

'Very good sir.' My faithful aide acknowledged, as unimaginative as ever, following her every directives. Now I was left alone with the children again, and I best take initiative, less they take over.

'Now that we have established the presence of heretics and the criminal class, I believe it prudent to inform high command immediately.' I began, somewhat offhandedly. If they were to listen to me, I have to be as unassuming as possible. If they believe I am taking a backseat when I make a remark, it should echo in their heads as well.

'I hate to say it, but I agree with him.' Kid Flash said, much to my surprise. 'Kobra took over the island, they want super-cultists, mystery solved. Let's go home in time for…'

'These cultists aren't on Venom.' Robin retorted, almost seething at the mutant. Good, they'll be at each other's throat more than mine. Though I can't help but pause at his words. 'Kobra's hoarding the stuff. We don't leave, not until I know why.' Now, my hand reacted faster than my mind could, and I covered the mutant's mouth before he could complain.

'Now, I'm sure you have plenty of things to complain about, however, that has been on my mind as well.' I said, sparing a glance at our captives. 'Though, I would feel more comfortable if we call in reinforcements for a complete wipeout engagement.'

'No, we do this ourselves.' Robin firmly stated, and I wanted to smack the git upside the head. Nonetheless, I calmly informed. 'Then I would remind you that we lack the numbers to capture all the heretics. Some will get away.' I felt my palm tingle. I turned to look at the prisoners, and I just caught a glimpse of them stop talking. Great, while we were busy, they were planning an escape.

I levelled the handgun at a random prisoner, whom I later found out was the conspirator of this ill-advised plan, only for Kaldur to hold onto the barrel. 'What are you doing?'

'Making an example of him.' I replied just as easily as I breathed. Honestly, he was an insult to anybody capable of forming an escape plan. For starters, it was within earshot of literally everyone here. Next was that it was within earshot of me! Now, I'm forced to act upon this, less I get accused of incompetence, and I can't have that. It'll reflect negatively on Amberley.

'C'mon, everyone here knows that's a bluff.' The child said with as much sarcasm as I excepted. Glancing at Kaldur, he was begging me to reconsider. I opted to ignore him and blasted the little frakker in the head. Sufficed to say, it seemed to bring everyone into a bit of a nasty shock, which I expected. As for the prisoner, well, he'll have a nasty headache to look forward too. What I didn't foresee was the immediate tackle made by Kid Flash and my subsequent predicament by Robin.

'Why?' The narcissist screamed. 'Why'd you shoot him?!'

'I thought I made myself clear!' I retorted, though I probably should have stayed silent. 'I am making an example of him!'

'By executing him?!' Robin shouted, forcing my arm into an unnatural angle, and making me wince a bit. 'Who gave you that gun?!'

'Oh frak off, he's not dead!' I answered calmly, and steeled myself for more pain. 'Also, Batman has entrusted me with this weapon, and I have carried out my duty as commissar! Now kindly get off me!'

'That's a load of bull!' The child protested, almost infuriated by me. 'Batman would never have given you, and the rest of you maniacs, guns!'

'Well he did, now get off me!' I replied, looking at Kaldur, whom seemed to be indecisive at that moment.

'Not a chance!' The narcissist shouted, forcing my head into the mud. 'You won't hurt anyone else again!' Then we heard laughter from the hulking specimen of what must be a Catachan*105.

'Such funny Niños.' The man said nonchalantly. 'You fight amongst yourselves over such petty reasons. There should be a TV program about you.' I felt the pressure release from me, just enough for me to stand back up.

'And I presume you have something else in mind.' I asked, taking control of the situation. 'You hardly seem like one to talk with no reason.' I was partially taking the piss off him, but I have seen my fair share of the deranged and the lunatic to surmise that he is actually smart, and that meant trouble for me. Fortunately, he seemed to take my words at face value.

'Si, Señor Comisario.' He replied in that exotic language of his. 'El Bane*106, has a little story to share. You want to get inside my factory, yes? I will tell you it has a secret entrance.' Great, he's going to want something in return.

'There is a secret entrance.' The greenskin xenos confirmed, but her frown told me everything I needed to know. 'But he's also hiding something.' Her eyes started to glow an uncomfortable ethereal green, while the Catachan was laughing.

'Ah, ah, ah Chica.' El Bane said, amused by the attempt. 'El Bane is not that easy.'

'He's mentally reciting football scores.' She replied, disappointed by the attempt, though it was useful information. If I could cover my own thoughts with scrimball scores and Tarot card nights, I should be able to hide my own thoughts too, and maybe Amberley's*107.

'It is not so complicated.' He said, almost warmly. 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'

'The enemy of my enemy is also my enemy.' I retorted faster than I could stop myself. 'Aqualad, I advise caution. Have the…er…greenskin extract the location of the secret entrance from El Bane's mind. I can guide us in.'

'You?' The narcissist spouted. 'You have no powers, what use are you going to be?'

'I have quite the sense of direction, especially in corridors.' I replied, perhaps boasted a bit. 'Just find me the location and I'll lead us in.' Apparently, that seemed to bring amusement to Robin.

'As if we'll trust you!' He said, pointing at me. 'You're nothing more than a fraud! Just some madman with a gun that the Justice League has on a leash.' Yes, well, I have the gun, something that this idiot seems to be forgetting. 'C'mon Aqualad, just knock him out and tie him up. We'll come back for him.'

'And your Batman would think that appropriate?' I shot back quietly. 'And need I remind you that Aqualad has ordered us to drop this matter until we return to base. I very much suggest we do it.'

'Oh, you suggest.' The narcissist mocked, which was grating on my tempers as is. It almost makes me wish to break the promise with the abhuman. 'Or do you mean ordered?'

'Orders?' I asked Kaldur quietly, begging him to make a decision immediately.

Unfortunately, the abhuman very much decided to bring El Bane along to guide us to the secret entrance. While the child and narcissist took the lead, we were at the rear. Apparently, we had much more to talk about. Why he's taking me into his confidence was beyond me*108. Nonetheless, I obeyed and did so.

'Cain, I believe us friends, are we not?' He asked, rather all of a sudden.

'I would like to think so.' I said neutrally, trying to gather what he's trying to say. 'Why, is there a problem?'

'Just your way of doing things.' He assured, though it seemed to do nothing upon my confidence. 'It is not one I'm used to, let alone how the rest are used to. I'm sure the Justice League had encouraged temperance on your actions?'

'I admit that they had.' I admitted, trying my diplomacy skills. 'And I do understand what point they are trying to make. However, our abilities won't just go away. Need I remind you. our training had been thorough, comprehensive really. In all honesty, I would have executed the lot of them to save us some time.' Not a complete lie, but that is usually reserved for the lunatics at the inquisition*109. As for myself, I just let my wall of guns do all the heavy lifting of shooting the lot of them. I can't let Jurgen do all the work now, can I?

'And I am grateful that you are doing the best as you can.' He said, sounding grateful for once. If I had my way, the best I can would be me back in my office sipping Tanna tea. A shame I can't have any nice things. 'And given time, my friends would see that way too, but that isn't what I wished to discuss.'

'I apologize.' I said, trying to sound thoughtful. 'What is it you wanted to talk about?'

'A renegotiation of my favour.' He whispered, leaning in close. 'You had held out admirably against them, and tried to stay your hand as much as possible, but I must make a small amendment.' And then the coin dropped. Surely he doesn't…

'You mean for me to surrender my weapons.' I muttered, shocked at the thought.

'I do, and the other's as well.' Kaldur confirmed, at least a little bit regretful. 'If only to calm the fears of my friends.'

'You know I cannot do that.' I replied, praying he understands. This was beyond insanity! He's asking me to commit literal suicide! I mean, even if I did do so to maintain the discipline of this group of human shields, I still come across a problem! Jurgen would grumble, but would follow my directives, but Amberley would absolutely murder me! 'Believe it or not, I do not command my aide and the Inquisitor.'

'But you do speak for them, do you not?' The abhuman pointed out, sparing a glance at Jurgen carrying Amberley in his arms. 'Surely you can convince them.'

'I cannot.' I stated firmly, pleading with him to back down. 'Nor will I be willing to surrender my weapons. I'm sorry, but this is something I cannot accept.'

'Ciaphas.' Kaldur pleaded, as if that'll change my mind. I shook my head, confirming my answer. Yes, our relationship would have taken a little hit, but my safety comes first*110.

'I will see what I can do to convince the others to stand down.' He assured me, after a moment of silence. 'I just ask that you temper your…training for the time being. At least, until everyone has "chilled out," so to speak.'

'That is all that I can ask of you.' I replied, relieved he won't press the matter. 'Could you at least tell them not to get in my firing line? I fear they might try to disarm me.'

'I will do my best.' Kaldur replied. 'But I cannot guarantee they might try to force you or the others to fight with your fists.' Great, that means they'll definitely try to interfere and get me killed. Still, it is better than nothing.

'That's all I'm asking.' I said, before walking ahead further to meet Amberley and Jurgen. 'We may have a problem.'

'How so?' She asked, resting the back of her hand on her forehead. 'Would it endanger our lives?'

'Possibly.' I answered. 'The narcissist and the child may try to disarm us, given an opportunity.'

'Got it.' Amberley acknowledged, hiding her sidearm deep within her person. 'Jurgen, do it all the same.'

'As the Emperor wills.' He said, letting Amberley go so he could hide his weapons in one of his many deep pockets. 'Sorry I had to let you go ma'am.'

'No need Jurgen.' She replied nonchalantly. 'You need to be prepared for this. Besides, the commissar will carry me.' Amberley hopped onto my back, forcing me to carry her.

'May I inquire as to why you're having us carry you?' I wondered, though I'm not all that opposed to the action, especially my current position.

'I'm simply making the Kid Flash and Robin underestimate me.' She whispered in High Gothic, leaning in close to my ear, almost slithering around my neck. 'They seem to be under the impression that I'm your acolyte.'

'Should I play the part then?' I murmured, making even pace through the jungle. 'Why, is there something wrong?'

'Let's just say that'll we'll be debriefing the Justice League once this operation is over.' Amberley said, as conservative as ever. 'This must take priority, and I fear that we must prepare ahead of time.'

'I don't understand.' I admitted, not sure where she was going with this. 'Prepare for what?'

'Indeed, my dear Ciaphas.' She said, squeezing tighter. 'What, indeed.'

—FOOTNOTES—

94. Yes, Cain was correct in his designation of the green-skinned xenos. She is a "native Martian" that lived on the red planet years before the Mechanicus found a home. Sufficed to say, I must really investigate into Mars.

95. M'gann M'orzz as I have been reliably told.

96. You weren't the only one, though I suspect not for the reasons you may believe.

97. As well as the fact that he's a psychic blank, mind you.

98. Not entirely accurate, per se, however, she seems to have no experience with blanks.

me, I was just as much as shocked as he was. I had heard of stupidity, but this was beyond what I could believe.

100. I would have shot him without warning.

101. The actual atmosphere was rather tense, though it mainly stemmed from Robin and Kid Flash.

102. You weren't the only one Ciaphas. Starfire, as she has been referring to herself, seems to show delight in combat. Apparently, her world of "Tamaran" seems to boast a feudal culture with each ruling family settling disputes with fights. Sometimes to the death, but usually until one yields. That, and the fact she was much too close to you throughout this exchange.

103. A select period of Cain's illustrious career when he joined General Lokris in the pacification of the Feral Ocean World. See Dead in the Water, for more details.

104. It is a true rarity for any in the Ordo Xenos to put to the torch a heretic, let alone a whole organization of one. It reminds me of my time as an initiate.

105. I will remind my readers that Bane is not a Catachan Jungle Fighter by any means, but he certainly is built like one. However, I suspect that if he were to meet any actual Catachans, they would kill him at first convenience due to "not earning his swole bod the right way," I believe it was.

106. Just Bane, Ciaphas. I believe he must have heard wrong.

107. To my surprise, as I found out later, he was correct. It appears that the psykers here are more rudimentary in their methods than those found in the Imperium. Then again, with Rakel as my only reliable source…perhaps I could be mistaken.

108. Cain, as always, is as clueless as ever to his growing influence, especially on this team.

109. Only those from the Ordo Hereticus. Apparently, even the Ordo Malleus has standards, who knew?

110. Actually, Kaldur'ahm had great respect for Cain after that conversation. He once said how brave he was to stand up to a friend and be honest about it.

Author's Note from the Real Author

I apologize for getting this out so very late. To be perfectly honest, the first few iterations were unacceptable and I refused to post it out. As such, I hope this one is more satisfactory and more in line to Cain's ever so "modest" and "humble" character. Thank you for staying with me in this adventure.

-Vumanchu