Land of Heroes: DC Style comes from Harbinger of Kaos. I just write the reactions, and I still down own any of the characters.
Hope you're ready. Things are about to get crazy as the league learns of the mysterious Spartan's true origins.
Chapter 8: Manhunters and metal mayhem part 2
Arrow said, "Just to recap, we have one group of the league going after Lantern here, and the other going after a scientist, which didn't happen the first time around, right?"
Batman said, "Yes."
Arrow said, "Just double checking."
On route to Hoboken, New Jersey…
Batman, Wonder Woman and the Spartan were currently on board the cloaked Pelican towards Magnus Laboratories, along the way Cortana's avatar informed about some details of the man.
"William Magnus is considered one of the foremost experts in the fields of robotics; he has multiple doctorates, in the diverse fields of Electronics, Mechanics and Computer science." She said.
"He has written several papers that show genius level intellect, some I bet Dr. Halsey would be interested in; he is also considered a radical by many."
"Is that good thing, or a bad thing?" Flash asked.
Batman answered, "Depends on the kind of radical."
"Why is that?" Diana asks.
"During his college years he had given rise to a theory where he stated that the then current science of artificial intelligence was flawed, he assumed that things were already intelligent and that "personality traits" might indicate the presence of certain metals in the human body and that he could find a way to draw out this intelligence and personality, in our reality this akin to what is known as metastability." She said.
"Does anyone else suddenly have a terminator vibe going on?" Arrow asked.
"What does metastability entail?" Batman asks curious to learn more,
"Well you must understand that in our reality A.I's are divided in two categories, "Dumb" A.I's that function within set parameters and "Smart" A.I's, who because of their unique creation can function on a level much higher level without boundaries meaning we can get creative and imaginative, I am part of the second classification."
"So that's how that works," Batman muttered.
Flash leaned towards Ollie and asked, "Did you understand any of that?"
The arrow shook his head.
"How are "Smart" A.I's created?" the Dark Knight continued.
"Believe or not, we are the result of mapping a human's neural patterns, it doesn't matter if it's a living person or dead, so long as the mind is intact, in my case I was created using Dr. Halsey as a template."
"Or a cloned brained of hers as a template to be precise." She thought privately as they were not comfortable with what they had used cloning for in erasing John's chance of normality.
"So that means you are a clone of her?"
"Not entirely, I do have some of her memories of her life but everything, that I am and how I act are of my own experience, and that is why I believe I am close to achieving metastability if I am not already there, what I mean is I can live without fear of rampancy and act as if I was human." She said with a smile.
"What is this rampancy you speak of Cortana?" Diana asks.
"Rampancy is what happens when a "Smart" A.I which has been in service too long starts to believe itself superior to others, like a god complex, because we accumulate so much knowledge we are pushed to the edge of our existence and literally think ourselves to death."
"Sounds like Brainiac when you think about it," Superman said, "The only difference is that he hasn't thought himself to death."
J'onn said, "He probably would have after a couple of centuries. However, the casualties in that time would, without a doubt, be staggering."
"This nearly happened to me twice once when I was captured and tortured by the Flood's Gravemind and the other on the Forerunner home world when John was heavily wounded; the only way I can describe the first was rape and the second was like I lost family." She shuddered at the memories of those events.
Diana gave her friend a look of sympathy and understanding, she may not be flesh and blood but for her to react that way clearly shows she was alive, just not in the way humans were.
Batman could tell she was no mere program as he initially thought; she was an actual intelligence in digital form
"But you're all right now Cortana, Gravemind is dead and I am alive well, you are well, that is all that matters." John said to his friend and she smiled in return.
"It's interesting the relationship that he has with Cortana," Diana said, "It's like their siblings connected at the hip."
Batman said, "They always seem to have one another's back."
"The bond of trust they must share in one another must have been placed on many trials to be this strong." The Amazon and Batman thought at the time.
After a few minutes they closed in on their target.
"We're closing in on the target zone." John said as he approaches' the large laboratory complex, he decloaked the Pelican and landed near an empty section.
"John, I would like to accompany you, I am interested in meeting the good doctor." Cortana spoke.
"Are you sure that is wise?"
"Don't worry I have a copy ready to alert us if anything occurs." She replied.
"Hop in." He says to her.
Her avatar winks out and once more he feels the ice water signifying her arrival.
"Ah home sweet home." She speaks.
"We appear to have drawn a crowd." Batman spoke as many scientists had come to look at the vessel.
Flash said, "A bunch of costumes individuals landing in a high-tech ship, is bound to draw a crowd. The only reason it doesn't happen to me so much is because not a lot of people believe I'm the flash at first."
Ollie asked, "Really?"
The speedster said, "You would be amazed at how many people dress up as me."
John left a copy on board and grabs his rifle; he took point with the other two flanking him, and soon all three got out.
They made their under hushed comments of awe at their presence, most were directed at him as they eyed his armor.
"Excuse our sudden arrival, but we were hoping to speak to Dr. William Magnus." Wonder Woman asks.
From the crowd a man of brown hair, mid 30's approached, he wore a green plaid jacket and khaki pants; he had a pipe with him.
"I am Dr. Magnus, how may I assist the Justice League?" He asks.
"We would like to get your opinion on something of your area of expertise sir." The Spartan replies.
"Hmm, I see, let us go to my lab and see what I can do to help, all right everyone! Back to work, no need to bother them." The man said to the group, and then all four headed in side.
Meanwhile in space near Ajuris 5…
The Javelin came out of Hyperspace and calmly approached the planet where the captured Lantern was being held.
"At least we won't be cut out of the loop on this," Ollie said.
Batman was also curious. He had not been present on the mission, and was curious to see how thing would play out.
Those who went on the mission were wondering what the new player, Keyes, would bring about as well as the presence of the other earth lanterns.
"How are things Commander Keyes?" Superman asks.
"We are good Superman, we are currently approaching the planet under cloaked and will hold position," was the reply over the com channel.
"Understood."
"I still don´t get it why would he give up his ring?" Hawkgirl asks out loud.
"John´s a strange one that´s for sure." The Kriptonian replies.
"I´m beginning to think all you humans are." She says in turn getting a look
"Oh right…" She thought "Sorry."
"It´s all right I take it as a compliment." He says with a smile.
"Initiate landing procedures." He said as he reached for the controls, however…
"ZZZAAT!"
"And, of course, nothing is ever easy," Flash said, as he sipped his drink.
Everyone was caught off guard when three ships fire upon the ship, luckily the modifications on the armor held, the fighters then turned around and began shooting them from behind.
"Guys, what´s going on!" Came the alarmed voice of the Commander.
"They´re firing at us, that´s what!" Flash said with alarm as he worked on his console, trying all known frequencies "And they´re not responding to our signal to boot."
"You´re over a heavily populated area, we can´t get a clear shot."
"I have one, they want a fight then I´ll give them one." Hawkgirl says just as she reaches for the firing controls, of course that´s before Superman grabs her hand.
"No we are not here to start a war." He says as he releases her.
"She always did have a shoot first, and ask questions later way of doing things," Lantern said.
Flash said, "And as usual, "Supes winds up playing mediator."
"Great, he just has to act like a boy scout now." She thought as he nurses her arm.
Superman soon steps out of the chair, followed by the other flyers.
"Flash, take the controls." The man of steel says as he passes him.
Flash of course is shocked by this and runs at super speed to get in the chair.
"Why on earth did nobody tell me I had to fly this thing!" He thought furiously.
Lantern answered, "Probably because everyone thought he would take it for a joyride."
Flash said, "Normally, I would defend, but we all know he probably would if he had the chance."
The three soon appear in the opened cargo bay and take of each selecting a space craft.
Superman using his heat vision blasts the ships weaponry, then quickly get behind the ship and stomps on the rear stabilizers.
The Martian became intangible, thus the lasers pass through him in a non-damaging way, the ship soon arrives at his position, however the crew are caught off guard by the fact that his entrails aren´t all over the glass.
The reason for this is soon made clear as J´onn solidifies inside the engine and damages the fuel lines, taking this one out of the fight without incident.
Hawkgirl however got overzealous and struck with too much force the engine, thus it was well on its way towards the city.
"Hawkgirl!" Superman shouts as he races to catch the vehicle.
"What?" She asks in a confused tone until she sees the results of her aggression.
"Oh that." She says in realization, before she can think of anything? Why else to say her earpiece chimes.
"What the hell is the matter with you! Are you trying to spark a war! You…" Commander Miranda Keyes verbally disciplined the thanagarian.
"I never knew humans cursed THAT much." She thinks.
"Dang" Flash said, "I've heard about swearing like a sailor, but that is ridiculous."
Lantern shrugged and said, "You should have heard my army instructor if one of us went against an order. It was more "loud and in your face" than anything else, but if he got mad he tended to let out some very interesting words."
Superman manages to catch the vessel and deposits it gently into a plaza, proceeding to then blow out the flames.
While occurred Flash was having problems of his own, this was showed as the Javelin struck several buildings in his attempts to pilot the vessel.
"Flash, take the controls…" He argues as he tries various controls at high speed "…but does anybody ask if I know how." He finishes as he deploys the landing gear.
"God if you love me you will not allow me to die a horrible burning death." He thinks as he heads for a landing strip and the vessel begins to rock with the force of the landing, stopping just as a third of the ship over the edge, he gave silent thanks and headed to the hatch.
"Well they say any landing you walk away from is a…" "CLICK!"
"Crap!" he thought as he gazed at several rifle wielding aliens and with that he rushed back inside just as they began to fire.
"Starter! Starter, where´s the starter!" he said with alarm as they began to fire at the cockpit.
Batman said, "Note to self. We are including a javelin piloting lesson for future recruits."
Everyone said, "Agreed."
Luckily for him the others soon arrived to prevent any further damage.
Superman ignored the lasers striking him and knocked out the guards.
Hawkgirl struck the weapons themselves, the explosions disabling the alien security force.
And J´onn used a combination of intangibility and mental powers.
"I had everything under control honest!" Flash says in an attempt to salvage his ego.
He was thusly ignored and soon joined Superman and Hawkgirl approach the Martian, who was using his mental powers to prove the mind of one of the security forces.
"Green Lantern is close by, that way." He said in his neutral tone as he looked towards the largest structure in the city.
Meanwhile at the trial…
Stewart was shackled, and his ring lay in front of him, an expression of sadness and shame could be seen on his face.
The prosecutor spoke to the council, his voice filled with contempt at the sight of the fallen Lantern.
"There is no excuse for this horror, and there can be no escape from punishment, an example must be made!" He urged strongly.
In the stands the three terran Lanterns watched on, the others having left in disgust.
"I´d like to make an example out of that pencil pushing son of…"
"Cool it Guy, this isn´t going to help John." Hal said to the hot tempered man.
"Help? He doesn´t want help Jordan, I mean look at him he's letting himself get crucified!" Gardner says at the sight however murmurs soon break out.
"What the heck?"
"It´s Superman!" Kyle speaks at the sight of his friend using his heat vision to melt the glass dome.
"Hey, I just realized something," Flash said, "Where were these guys when we were out there?"
Lantern answered, "Guy was dealing a few red lanterns, Hal was vising the blue lanterns, something about wanting to check on an old friend, and Kyle was dealing with Sinestro at the time…That's why none of them showed up."
They see him fly in followed by the Martian holding onto Flash and finally Hawkgirl.
"Oh no." Stewart says upon seeing them, the bailiff asking for order.
"What is this some kind of trial?" the crimson speedster asks.
"Apparently." Superman replies "But a trial for what?" he asks inwardly.
"REMOVE THE INTRUDERS IMMDIATELY!" The head of the tribunal demanded.
Two creatures rushed at the heroes on board of hover platforms, only to be pushed away by the man of steel, the Manhunters would have intervened next had the Kryptonian decided to act as peacemaker.
"Wait!" He spoke as he held a hand up in a disarming manner.
"We apologize for interrupting these proceedings, but John Stewart is our friend." He spoke to the three.
"THIS IS A PUBLIC TRIAL." The head on right spoke while looking at the others.
"VERY WELL…" The left head spoke "…YOU MAY TAKE SEATS IN THE GALLEY."
"BUT THIS TRIBUNAL WILL NOT TOLARATE ANY FURTHER OUTBURTS" The central head finally added.
"Thank you, your honor." He replied sincerely as he and the others were taken to the galley and Stewart watched on.
They were deposited near the steps and look for some seats when…
"Superman over here!" and as one they all turned to look at another Green Lantern stand up and wave over to them, behind him were two others.
They soon met up with him and Superman immediately recognized him.
"Kyle Rayner, it´s good to see you again." He spoke as he shook the man´s hand.
"Likewise, though I wish it was under better circumstances." The raven-haired man spoke.
"Oh yeah," Lantern said, "When he told me he met you when he got his ring, I thought he was kidding."
Wonder Woman asked, "You met him?"
Superman answered, "When Kyle got his ring, he was attacked by Sinestro, and had no access to a lantern battery. The guardians of the universe asked for my help getting it to him."
"Hal is that you?" Flash asks as he recognizes the older man.
"One in the same Flash, how are you doing?" Jordan as he talks to the man.
"I wish I could say great but with all this happening." He replied honestly.
"I agree, and who might this gentleman and lady be?" He asks as he sees the Martian and the Thanagarian.
"This is J´onn Jonnz, the last known Martian; he came to Earth to help us during the invasion…" Superman says as J´onn steps forward and holds out his hand.
"Greetings." He says in his neutral tone as they shake hands.
"…and this is Hawkgirl, she also aided us during the invasion." He spoke as she stepped forward and nodded towards them.
"Thanagarian huh? Bet you´re a real scrapper in a fight." Guy says out loud.
"I see my people´s reputation precedes me." She replies with a smirk.
"I heard there were two new heroes, real unique ones." Kyle speaks.
"That´s one way to call them." Flash says with some humor in his voice.
"We´ll talk about them later, there starting." Superman says as he and the others seet to watch the proceedings.
"ARE YOU READY TO CALL YOUR FIRST WITNESS?" The central figure asks.
"I am my Lord. I call Kanjar-Ro." (A/N: This is how they pronounce it in the comics.)
As he spoke a human sized figure appeared with pinkish skin with insect-like eyes with a long nose that teeth that looked sharp came forward dressed in a blue and pants and a matching blue with white sleeveless shirt with a helmet on his head that had that had space design.
"Dang that is one ugly bastard," Arrow said, wincing at the alien's appearance.
Flash said, "Yeah, he's even uglier in person."
"Kanjar-Ro, do you agree to let us probe and display any and all memories you have?" asked one of the guards.
"I got nothing to hide." He spoke getting on a disk. It flew him straight to the prosecutor who started asking questions.
"State your name and profession." He requests.
"Kanjar-Ro, I'm… a pirate."
"A criminal? Yet you come here to bear witness to another crime. Why?" asked in genuine curiosity.
"I may steal things but it's nothing compared to what he did." The pirate pointed at John Stuart.
"So, they have a criminal going all postal on Lantern?" Arrow said, "This sounds like a mafia thing."
Batman answered, "They have evidence, and he backs it up. That's all they need to know."
Many in the crowd grumbling while the league and the Lanterns look at one another and then pay more attention to what is occurring.
The prosecutor pushed a few buttons and a light started to glow on the dome and hit the pirate.
"Tell us of your encounter with John Stewart."
"It all started with these blasters I…found." He says unconvincingly before continuing with the tale as the images flowed of him piloting his ship.
Every league member proceeded to roll their eyes in unison as they heard that.
"I was on my way to sell them to some rebels on Ajuris 4, that´s when he showed up." spoken bitterly as it shows Stewart appearing on seen and the pirate accelerates.
"I figured he was going to try and stop me, so… I shot first." The images corroborated this and later show the Lantern using his power ring to tear out the ships means of propulsion.
"His ring tore out my engine…" the ship crashes on a barren asteroid "But he still wasn´t done with me. He wanted to know if I was working with anyone, I told him to turn around and see for himself." Stewart did do so and found 16 vessels of different makes behind him.
"He tried to shoot my friends, but his beam bounced off their deflector shield and shot towards Ajuris 4, there it hit a volcanic fault line, starting a devastating chain reaction." The images showed the planet breaking apart and exploding.
"Three billion, that's how many were on that planet." The pirate finishes, the audience stunned into silence, most of the league included, all except Hawkgirl and Hal Jordan.
Arrow's jaw dropped and said, "Holy shit."
Flash said, "That was our reaction."
Arrow turned and said, "Judging by the fact that you are here, you weren't guilty were you."
Lantern answered, "No, I wasn't, but I thought I was for a long time. It was the reason that I went willingly. I didn't want to make things worse."
"I have no more questions." The prosecutor speaks to the tribunal.
"THIS ACCOUNT IS MOST DISTURBING; WE WILL RECESS TWENTY PENTA CYCLES" Spoke the central figure before all three vanished.
All the aliens slowly vacated the stands while the League and the terran lanterns went to John.
Flash spoke to him as he was the one to reach him first.
"Now I get it, you wanted to clear your name. That´s why you didn´t put up a fight back on Earth." He spoke matter a factly.
"Way to play the system John." Guy adds, however…
"I told you to stay out of this." He replies, while he does Kanjar-Ro scurries off, though Hawkgirl sees him.
"That scum is an obvious liar, give me 5 minutes alone with him and I'll get the truth." She speaks as she palms her mace.
"Not if get to him first." Gardner adds his ring glowing as he speaks.
"Hawkgirl! Flash! Guy! All of you! Listen to me! Nobody is lying! Do you see that?" He asked looking at the rubble. "I did it, I'm guilty…" he finishes much to their shock.
Back on Earth…
Superman and the others weren't the only ones in for a shock.
"Right this way please." Doctor Magnus asked the three as he led them to his private labs.
"Oh, I was getting so nostalgic, I almost forgot about this guy," Flash said.
"I wonder why this doctor seems so important," J'onn said, "I have a feeling that he is more than just a simple scientist."
The others nodded in agreement, seeing that this man seemed to be of greater importance in this alternate world.
As he did the watched the many innovations his facilities provided.
"You have very impressive facilities here doctor." The Spartan comments.
"Oh, that's thanks to the many contracts that we have obtained for our services, many in automotive industry, some in other laboratories that require precise and careful handling and in some cases the better funded hospitals." He replied.
"Any military applications?" Batman asks as he can see what many applications that could be used for that, not that he wanted that after that fiasco he and Superman had to solve involving Luthor and the Joker.
"Oh, heavens no, I abhor the thought of the military using our facilities for the use of warfare, uh no offense to you sir." He says looking at the Spartan.
"Pardon?"
"Oh, it's just I and some companions watched the broadcast where you and the others presented themselves to the world, I overheard how you came from and alternate world, one where you are a soldier." He replied.
"I see, then I take no offense, I have long since come to terms with what I am and what I do, many may not look on favorably, but I do what I must to ensure the safety of humanity." He replied.
"Doesn't mean you can't change John, you yourself are human, and from what I have seen from other humans they can change under certain conditions, the only question is do you?" Cortana spoke to her protector.
J'onn said, "People do change under the right conditions. I wonder if our world will have an effect on him, as well as what effects he may bring to us."
"I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there won't we?" He replies.
"Does the military respect that decision?" the Dark Knight asks.
"Reluctantly, oh there are those who can be quite insistent, but I remain steadfast in my ideals, I wish to help better this world, and I doubt I can do so by building weapons that help take lives, oh here we are." He replied as they had arrived at a very secure looking door with voice, palm and retinal scanner as well as a keypad.
"Pardon the security measures but some of the applications I work on are of personal importance to me and I do try to make sure they are kept away from prying eyes." He spoke as he approached the door.
"VOICE IDENTIFICATION PLEASE."
"William Magnus."
"…"
"VOICE IDENTIFICATION CONFIRMED, PROCEED TO SECONDARY AND THIRD TESTS PLEASE."
He places his palm on the scanner as well as his eyes on the small opening where a laser can be seen.
"PASSCODE PLEASE."
He enters is code and soon enough thunk is heard followed by the hiss of pressure being released.
"WELCOME DOCTOR MAGNUS."
They all soon enter and see many computer servers all quietly working, as well as some electronic microscopes, beakers with chemicals in them, presses and scales as well as some blackboards with equations on them, the doctor heads towards a desk with a computer on it.
"Now then, if we all take a seat please we can see what it I can do for you." He spoke as he sat in his chair.
"I shall stand, my armor is heavier than it looks, and these chairs would not support my weight." John polite speaks.
"Really? I say it must weigh a good 300 pounds at most." He says as he gives a scrutinizing look.
"More like 700 pounds." That caught all three by surprised.
"…I see, I must admit your technology is quite fascinating, any chance I can give it a look?" He asks with a hopeful look.
"He better keep his examination to scientific curiosity," Batman said, "An army of Spartans is a scary thought."
The others agreed. If his skills were anything to go by, then anyone with his armor would be incredibly powerful, especially if they got their hands on the serum that is necessary to take the suit.
"I will have to think on that, much of what I have at my disposal is not safe for humanity at this time and there are certain elements I am weary of." He replied.
"I understand, I know full well how certain unsavory characters may try to use such technology for less than noble purposes, but enough of that let's see what it is you require of my facilities." He spoke.
"Well Doctor Magnus, the Spartan and I recently have been investigating a series of high profile thefts involving several renowned technology firms, Batman was sent a copy of our findings and he soon brought us in when we saw a pattern develop, however we seek your aid as you are known as the foremost authority in your field." Wonder Woman spoke.
"Hmm, I wouldn't say that I am the foremost but still I am honored you came to me for help, may I see the information you have?" He asked.
Batman gave him some sheets that contained lists of what was stolen as well as a rendering of what they thought it could build.
However they soon noticed the Doctor's change in demeanor as well as the color drain from his face as he read.
Flash said, "An incredibly smart man is pale and looking scared while he goes over some blueprints…that is never a good sign."
Arrow said, "The last I check, any scientist doing that is never a good sign."
"It's…it's impossible, I never loaded its schematics into the database or kept files on it here in the open." He said out loud.
"What is it Doctor?" Batman asked analyzing the man's physical condition.
"He knows what it is, and what's more it is something only he was supposed to know about."
The Spartan also came to this conclusion and voiced it.
"You know what these parts are used to build don't you?" He asked.
"Yes b-but I-I only told one person about it and he passed away, and the original files were destroyed in a fire." He spoke with a frantic look on his face.
"Whatever it was sure has him spooked, his vitals are all over the place." Cortana provided.
At that moment the phone rang.
"Aren't you going to answer it?" Dinana asks as the man gets up and paces around the table.
"The machine will get it, this is more serious we…" Whatever he was about to say was stopped by the sounds of gunfire, yells and loud voices, making everyone turn to look at the machine.
Everyone immediately rose up in surprise at the sound of the gunshots. Whoever was on the other end of line was obviously in danger, and by the look of it, they knew the doctor. Was it some project he was working on?
They doubted it was military because he seemed against it, but people had lied about their nature before.
"D-d-doc! W-w-we need help!"
"Someone shoot that thing!" a voice could be heard over gunfire.
"Thing?" was the collective thought of the league.
"Thing am I! I'll show you!" another was heard though they could swear there was something strange about that one.
"Mercury! Do not go for the kill!"
"I wasn't going to; I am just going to cut off their b…"
"We aren't supposed to say naughty words."
"I think the doc will allow just this once in view of the circumstances Lead!"
"Grenade!"
"Oh fuc…" "BOOM!" was a distinctly feminine voice before the explosion.
"What was that!" Wonder Woman said in shock.
"Trouble, and big from what we just heard." The Spartan says.
"Oh god! Someone found them!" Magnus yells and soon can be seen moving towards the door, the others follow suit.
"What is it Doctor? Who are "them"?" Batman asks as he keeps up with the man.
"I'll explain later, but we must get to them before something terrible happens, please you have to help me!" The clearly distraught man implores.
"All right but we expect to have this explained agreed?" John says to the man.
"Yes, yes of course."
Soon the four ran to the place where the Pelican is seen waiting without touching down, John picks up the doctor and Diana does the same with Batman.
"Tell me where you live."
"West 1322 sycamore street, it an abandoned office building." Was the reply.
John inputted the coordinates into the navigational system and they were soon off.
It did not take long to see a column of smoke rising in the distance, making John put on a bit more speed, once they arrived though they could tell it was a war zone.
He saw two long trailers trucks from which 15 heavily armed men could be seen shooting at the police and some could be seen shooting at something in the building.
Whatever it was, was throwing them back out like rag dolls onto the concrete and asphalt, reducing the fighting force much to their misfortune.
"Can you land this thing?" Magnus asks.
"Please let them be all right." He silently prays.
Everyone was surprised at how Magnus was reacting. Were those people getting attacked friends of his, family? He was a professor in artificial intelligence, so it was possible that they might have been creations of his.
They remembered Ivo's android and, after going through security tapes, that it had watched over the doctor after he died. Maybe this was something similar to that incident.
"Negative it's too hot down there, I and the others will have to engage them, and you must wait here Doctor." He spoke as he placed his hand on the computer to download Cortana before he got up and headed for the weapons locker.
"But I…"
"No buts Doctor, your safety is our responsibility, once this is over you shall be brought in." He spoke as he took out two M6 and a BR55HB SR and finally his trusted MA5C.
"All right but please hurry." The doctor spoke with worry.
"We will, Wonder Woman, Batman I'll take point and draw their fire, wait 2 minutes then follow in." He spoke with an authority he only summed when he led troops into battle.
They nod in return, Batman a bit surprised by the Amazon willfully taking the order.
"Leave some for us." Diana says with a smile not the least bit offended by him taking charge, though the fact that they have worked together for months helps.
He gives her the Spartan smile before he heads for the hatch.
"Watch your step." Cortana quips as she opens the hatch.
He soon jumps out and activates his thrusters and heads to the site.
Once he is in range is in range he cuts off the thrusters and lands hard on the ground with a resounding boom, bringing everyone's attention towards him.
"How many times do you think that he's made entrances like that?" Ollie asked, with a raised eyebrow.
"It's the Spartan!" One of the officers yells happy to have some back up.
"Shit! We can't let him stop us now, fire!" one of the black clad men yells and fires his rifle at him soon followed by the others.
John grabs his MA5 and begins taking shots at the group, striking them in the shoulders or knees, nothing deadly but still very painful; of course this prompts them to take cover behind whatever they can find.
"Use the grenades!" Another orders, and lobs the small explosive at the Spartan followed 5 others.
John sees this and jumps back, not out of fear but out of need for a new vantage point.
"BOOM!" is heard repeatedly as several go off.
"Did we get him?" one asks as he and 3 others are behind a turned over Sedan.
"Good thing they were all focused on him," Batman said.
Wonder Woman said, "Would grenades even work on him?"
J'onn said, "Probably wouldn't be very effective, but It would probably still rattle him, if he isn't careful."
"He is the least of your worries." They all hear behind them, making them look and see none other than the Batman, who runs up to them and delivers a shoulder charge to one followed by a left hook to a second to his right, then a right spin kick to a third to his back, the last one decides to charge him, but he sidesteps left and the mercenary smashes into his forearm hard.
They aren't the only ones to get this treatment as another group, this one of five see this and raise their rifles to shoot the Dark Knight, but the Amazon would have none of that as she barrels into them from high up sending them tumbling.
"Cowards! Fight with honor." She says before flipping one on his back with a Judo throw followed by a back kick that sends another flying into a window from an abandoned grocery store.
The other three get up and fire at her, but with grace, speed and agility she deflects the bullets of her bracers back at them, or more precisely their rifles firing mechanism causing them to jam up.
"Get her!" one yells and all three rush her, all three pulling batons from their belts.
"Big mistake," Diana said, crossing her arms under her chest with a smirk.
She just gets in a stance and waits for the first one to approach.
One runs in and is disabled with a chop to the back of the neck as she sidesteps right, the next swings and misses as she ducks down before rising and delivering a strong uppercut, mindful of not using her full strength, the last one manages to complete his strike but the clang of metal on metal shows she has used her bracers to block, she then grabs him and drives her knee into his abdomen, knocking the air out of him before sending a left straight to the face, knocking him out.
The outside forces have been disabled leaving only the few who were assaulting the building, which sadly is only around five able men the rest to beaten and battered to put up a fight.
Upon seeing the results of their companions efforts against only three heroes, one pointing his guns at them, they do the only logical thing, drop their weapons and surrender.
"You can bring him down Cortana." He radios the vessel, and soon it can be seen landing in the street, much to the surprise of those gathered.
The scientist soon disembarks and heads for the building.
Batman and Wonder Woman follow him while John goes to collect Cortana.
Once that done he make sure the prisoners are secured and assuring the police that the doctor will see them to compile information before entering the building there he hears voices and heads towards them, passing scorch marks, bullet holes and blasted walls.
"Whoa…what has this guy been working on?" Ollie said.
Batman said, "Whatever it is, someone clearly wants it in the worst way."
"Cadmus?" Superman asked.
Everyone blinked as they remembered the now defunct military organization. Given the time this took place, it wouldn't be that much of a surprise if they were the ones behind this. There were also other people who could hire such a force to grab the technology.
He reaches what appears to be the undamaged kitchen and stops dead at what he sees.
There behind the doctor were seven robots of different shapes and colors.
"I guess the good doctor succeeded in proving his theory." Cortana says to him, though she is just as surprised.
"That explains why they called the person talking a thing," J'onn realized, "They are robots."
Batman answered, "Most likely smart A.I.s that the doctor created using his device."
"Ah you must be the Spartan the Doc was telling us about, pleased to meet you." The Gold one says and from across the room he stretches his hand towards him.
John looks at it and hesitantly shakes it.
"Trust me Chief you aren't the only one to be surprised." Diana says as she still has the effects from seeing the metal beings.
"That's good to know." He replies as he approaches.
"I was about to explain to your companions about my Metal Men…"
"And women." The brown one says.
"…Heh, yes and women, allow me to introduce them to you" He says as he points first at the silvery robot at the farthest left.
"That is Tin; he was the first to be built."
"H-h-hello." He waves, albeit timidly.
"Despite being the oldest, he seems more like the youngest," Diana said, noting the smallest metal man's nervous attitude.
Batman said, "Tin isn't considered a strong metal. Maybe their name is a reflection on their personality."
J'onn responded, "That is a possibility, or it could be an effect of Magnus' device."
"Next to him is Lead, say hello Lead."
"…"
"Hello." The largest one says.
"Something tells me he's not the sharpest knife in the drawer," Flash said.
"Speaking from experience," Lantern and Ollie both said at the same time. The two looked at each other and then chuckled while Flash grumbled a bit under his breath."
"Do pardon him but given his element he is a tad slow in reaction time."
"And just about everything else too." The red robot speaks up.
"And that would be Mercury, I do wish you did not put him and Tin down like that."
"It is my nature Doc."
"Oh great," Lantern said, "Now we have to deal with two versions of Guy."
"Sigh, next to him is Iron, the muscle of the group." He says towards the dark blue robot.
"Hey there, thanks for watching out for the Doc." He greets.
"Given his metal it seems fitting that he's a heavy hitter," Ollie said.
"Next to him, Platinum the first female member of the group."
"You can call me Platina or Tina, whichever you like." She says with a smile.
"She seems a little bubbly," Diana observed, and then thought, 'I wouldn't be surprised if she turned out to be the voice of reason on more than one occasion.'
"And the one to my right is Gold; he acts as the leader of the group."
"Now Doc, I think of myself more like your right hand man or robot in this case." The gold robot replies humbly.
Superman said, "Given his element, I thought he would be more arrogant. At least we know this one is humble."
Flash said, "Sort of reminds me of you, Supes. You crazy strong yet humble enough to not let it go to your head."
"And that is usually the sign of a good leader Gold, finally to my left is our latest addition to the family Copper." He says to the other "female" machine, the difference between her and Tina being, the first had what would be considered hair in a long ponytail while she had shorter hair that fanned out at the neck.
"Hello, thanks for bailing us out, I don't know how long these psychos would have kept shooting at us." She spoke clearly quite disturbed at the events.
"I do not like to be shot at." Lead says with a sad expression.
"E-e-easy buddy w-w-were ok now." Tin speaks up.
"Yes, we are safe now, and the Doc is here, maybe now we can figure out what these men wanted." Gold speaks.
"Isn't obvious, they were after us sparkles, only they didn't care if it was in pieces." Mercury replies.
"You are upsetting Lead; you know how sensitive he is." Tina says as she goes to comfort the big robot.
"This is truly astonishing, their reactions and motions mimic human responses perfectly, Chief you have to let me talk to them." Cortana excitedly says.
"Someone seems happy to see them," Flash muttered.
J'onn answered, "From what we've seen, there arent' many other AI for her to talk to. This must be, what you humans call, a godsend to her. To have people of her own to relate to."
This was met with a few nods from the others.
"Is that wise?"
"Please Chief, this is a rare opportunity, besides I have you, Diana and Mr. Tall, dark and brooding to protect me." She says, though if she was in avatar form she would be giving him puppy dog eyes.
"Sometimes I wonder who gets into more trouble, me for keep getting into these situations or you who lead us into them." He replies before speaking up.
"There is someone else who wishes to speak to you Doctor Magnus." He says before lifting his right hand, and before he can ask a lift shines from it and soon they all gaze at the UNSC A.I.
"Hello everyone, I am Cortana pleased to meet you." She says to the group.
They are naturally stunned silent at the sight; Lead however moves in close to get a better look.
"Ooh pretty lady." He says in childlike wonder and points at her.
"Aw, thanks Lead that was very nice of you." She replies with a smile and shakes the finger.
"What is she?" Gold asks.
"I am A.I Gold or more precisely a Smart A.I."
"Incredible, how were built? Or is it programmed? What powers you?..." The scientist asks as he looks at her.
"Easy Doc, remember your condition." Tina says to him in worry.
"Huh? Oh right, that reminds me Tin please bring me my medication, would you?"
Medication? That got everyone's attention as they realized that something might have bene wrong with the doctor. Of course, given he was experiment around multiple chemicals and machinery, it wasn't a far stretch to see him afflicted by something.
"S-s-sure Doc." The small robot replies as he goes to the cupboard and brings out small bottle of Prozac and grabs a bottle of water from the fridge.
"Thank you Tin, my apologies to you, but I suffer from a bipolar condition, though it limits me in certain areas I require taking daily doses lest I do something…unpleasant." The man said with a faraway look.
"…"
"And pardon my outburst Cortana, but you are quite frankly fascinating."
"Easy Doctor, flattery will get you nowhere with me." She says with a smile, though she noticed Tina had a small frown.
"We can trade stories latter; right now we need to figure out why those men attacked and what their connection is to these thefts." Batman spoke.
"Yes of course, I still owe you an explanation in regards to my outburst in the lab." He spoke as he leaned on the sink, putting his thoughts in order, before returning to his seat.
"It all started 10 years ago when I first built my Laboratory facilities after I graduated, despite the relative youth of my establishment it quickly grew in notoriety and fame, this allowed me the funds I needed to pursue my research into the creation of what would eventually become the Metal Men."
"You mean your theory about how to bring out the intelligence out in machines." Cortana says.
"Yes exactly, I, my fiancée and four researchers who believed in my work aided me in this endeavor; the only other person who knew about what I was attempting was my old college professor Thomas Oscar Morrow…"
"You mean the man who developed the Red Tornado android?" Batman asks.
"I remember him," Lantern said, "Wasn't Red Tornado on our recruitment list?"
Batman answered, "He is, and I think we should potentially add Magnus to it as well."
"…the very same, he was a true pioneer in the field of robotics and the only one who understood and comprehended what I was trying to do, his death was a true loss." He spoke sadly at the memory of his mentor.
"It took several years to develop but I and the others had finally succeeded in building not only a cerebral scanner to map the human mind but also what would serve as the key to making my creations work the Responsometer, here take a look, Tina if you would please." He says to the female.
"Gladly Doc." She replied all too happy to aid the man as her chest plate opened up and revealed a small device with a shifting center.
Everyone stared in shock at the sight of the device in the woman's chest. it was clear that this is what powered her, and made her work.
"This is what allows them to not only live but also gives them that spark that makes act and feel like any human would, that's enough Tina thank you."
"You're welcomed."
"They aren't artificial intelligence but actual intelligence, aren't they Doctor Magnus?" Diana asks in wonder of the beings.
"Just like Cortana." She thought.
"Indeed Wonder Woman, however the patterns used to create them was not done out scientific need but a personal one, you see we were about to run the first test with a willing subject, a janitor I befriended when we were attacked." He spoke a faraway look came upon his features.
Flash said, "Okay am I the only one to notice the fact that a lot of people seem to have tragic backstories?"
"Attacked? By who?" Cortana asked the man.
"I don't know, they wore black masks and body armor, they demanded that I come with them or they would kill everyone in the complex, there was no choice, I could not let that happen so I willingly left with them, however before I knew it they locked everyone in the chamber and damaged the electronic lock, this short circuited the system and activated the machine at dangerous levels." He spoke as tears formed in his eyes
"I watched as they banged on the door and cried for help, I was restrained so I could do nothing but see as it activated and they screamed in pain and then I was knocked out and taken away." He remained silent at that with Copper and Platinum hugging him and Gold placing a hand on his shoulder the others had their heads bowed down for their creator's pain.
"It is not your fault Doctor; you could not possibly have predicted what could have occurred, this group obviously never intended to leave witnesses regardless of your cooperation, you did not know that." The Spartan spoke.
"That's what I keep telling myself, but I can never find it myself to believe that, sigh, anyway it was days later I awoke in a lab, two guards pointing guns at me and a man whose face was hidden in shadow."
"He told me that he wanted me to build him an army of robots based off my ideas, I refused at first but again they threatened to kill my employees, I asked what guarantee was there he would not do it anyway, he brought Paul Stevens the head of the mechanical designs division and shot him right there in front of me, after that I agreed."
"Figures," Lantern said, "A guy tries to create something that could benefit the world, and someone wants to use it to make an army."
The others nodded at the almost universal theme of technology meant to be used for good and then being used as a weapon by power mad tyrants who were willing to stomp on all who they believed would stop them.
"I don't know how long I worked but eventually they stopped giving me my medication to speed up the process, it did do just that but also made me do something terrible." The look on his face clearly spoke volumes of what he was about to say.
"I built the first Metal Man out of Plutonium, and used my own mind as a template, however since at the time I was not stable it was filled with my anger at my captors, and my self-loathing, I activated it and what followed was a bloodbath."
"He slaughtered everyone on the base, left only destruction in his wake and when he had dealt with my kidnappers he turned his attention to me, I had built in a failsafe I activated, but sometimes I wonder if should have just let him kill me for all the lives I destroyed."
"By Hera," Wonder Woman said.
Her thoughts were mirrored by her friends, only in different words. The man had built a horrible machine, but was smart enough to stop it. It was clear the man was riddled with survivor's guilt.
"No! Never think like that William, you are not a bad man, just a man who was a victim in all this, a bad man would not have made us, he would not teach us right from wrong or protect us as you do." Tina spoke as she hugged him.
"She is right Doc, it is them who took your medicine and hurt you, they wanted a weapon and they got one, it just pointed itself at them and not at their victims." Iron said to which the others nodded.
"What happened afterwards?" Batman spoke in a neutral tone, a part of him thinking he shouldn't have created such a monstrosity yet another wondering if they had not deserved their fate.
"I regained enough sanity to realize what I had done and dismantled him, I torched the lab with all relevant information, I found a map that said I was on an island south of the Chinese mainland, so I radioed for help, when Chinese and American forces came I gave them a cover story and after an investigation I was sent home."
"Smart man," Batman said, knowing it would be disastrous if that information had been made known to the public, and what would have happened if the remains of the Plutonium metal man had gotten out.
"I spent months rebuilding my life after that, and it was during this period I learned that my friends and fiancée had died after being in a coma, I went to the lab intent on destroying the machine when I made a discovery, parts of their minds were mapped and stored in the cerebral scanner."
"It was there I had chosen to save what I could of them and created the rest of the Metal Men each with an element that I felt could match the personalities of those caught in this tragedy, further study allowed me to create Copper without the scanner."
"And now someone intends to create their own Metal Men based on your work correct?" Batman asks.
"What! Is this true Doc?" Gold asks shocked.
"Yes, and I fear that it is for less than noble purposes, from the list you gave me they require one more item to create their own Responsometer, a unique polymer that would allow it to continue to operate as the machines shape shift."
"Where would they find it?" John asks a plan forming in his mind.
"It is kept in a hidden safe in my private lab, however if they knew about them I can only assume that whoever sent these people after my creations must know this as well." He replied.
Batman nodded and said, "I have to agree. If they know where he was hiding the metal men, it is likely that they know where the rest of his research is."
"Then this may be what we need to flush out these people." The Spartan spoke.
"You want to set an ambush." Batman said more than asked.
"Yes and I believe that we can find out who is behind this, however we'll need additional help to pull this off effectively."
"W-w-we c-could help." Tin spoke up.
"That's a great idea Tin!" Gold said to the small robot.
"Absolutely not! You could be captured or worse." The scientist protested against such a thing.
"You'd think he'd be more for protecting his creations," J'onn said.
Batman answered, "Keep in mind, they are technically his old friends and fiancé in new bodies. If he dies he will probably go through the same issue again, only this time he won't be able to pull himself out."
"Doc, they could very well come after us again and YOU could be killed this time, we have to try and put an end to this, please trust us on this." Leader of the group spoke.
"Yeah Doc, I have been itching for some action and these guys are just the thing I need." Mercury adds.
"I hate to say this but, I agree with red here." Copper comments.
"I'm in." Iron spoke up followed by Lead.
"Me too."
"We can do this, please believe in us." Tina said with a hand on his face.
"All right, but I am coming as well, no buts, I need to know how they found out about you and my secrets." He said to all involved.
"All right then, now we need to come up with a strategy." Wonder Woman spoke.
Soon all began to plan the coming confrontation.
"Seriously, what else is going to change with the big guy there?" Flash asked.
"I'm not sure," Lantern said, "but I'm also curious as to see what the other guests, and what Commander Keyes might be able to do back on Ajuris 5."
Back on Ajuris 5…
After Stewart's admittance of guilt the heroes and Lanterns moved away from the still in a state of disbelief and confusion.
"Three billion gone, I can't believe it." The Flash says in a low tone "And GL was responsible?"
"Neither can I…" The man of steel said not in anger or sadness, but in conviction of his friend's innocence "…I want to take a closer look at what happened."
"I'm with you Superman." Jordan spoke the other terrans beside him also agreeing.
"Why? John' admits he's guilty, no one disputing the facts." Hawkgirl says, playing devil's advocate in this case.
"Maybe I am, J'onn, Hal I need you two to come with me…"He spoke to the Martian and Lantern before turning towards the other two members of the league "Flash, Hawkgirl can you buy us some time in court?" he asked.
"You're asking the world's fastest man to slow things down?" the speedster asks in seriousness at the question posed to him before answering "…won't be easy."
"Guy, Kyle you two stay here and keep an eye on things and watch their backs, I got a feeling there is more going on than we know."
"You got it Jordan" "All right Hal." They replied.
They were all about to depart when.
"Superman!" he heard a familiar voice.
"Commander Keyes?" He asks as he sees a figure in armor.
And it was as she was wearing the ODST BDU, in this the CQC variant of the armor, no weapons as she had them confiscated before entering, much to her displeasure, she asked around and soon came upon the group.
"I came down when nobody responded, what's the situation?" She asked.
"Pardon but who is this?" Hal asks.
"Oh sorry…" She says as she removes the helmet "I am Commander Miranda Keyes of the UNSC Navy, acting captain of the frigate Forward Unto Dawn, and you are?" She asks in turn.
"Hal Jordan, pleasure ma'am, these are my associates Guy Gardner and Kyle Rayner." He speaks as he offers his hand which she shakes followed by the other.
"I'm not familiar with this UNSC? Is it a recent faction?" Kyle asks.
"I really hope we don't have to go through that story again," Flash said, "It was pretty depressing."
Ollie said, "I wasn't' here for that, but it does sound like it would be a bit of a downer."
"It's a bit of a long story, I'll tell you later, right now what is the situation with Stewart?"
They soon explained all they had seen and heard, Miranda reeling from it all.
"So he says he's guilty or believes it enough that he is not contesting the facts, and now you three are going to the scene of the crime to investigate, is that about it?" She asks.
"Yes, I believe there is more to this than all of us realize." Superman replies.
"I agree, I shall remain here and help Flash and Hawkgirl, I'll inform Redeeming of the situation and aid you." She spoke with a confidence and authority born from years of combat.
"All right, let's hope we can pull this off as soon as possible." Superman said as he and the other flew towards the Javelin.
They arrived in record time to the League's transport, Jordan giving of a whistle in appreciation of the craft.
"Got to admit, that is one fine ride you have there, you mind I take for a spin afterwards?" He asks.
"Sure, but if you thinks this is impressive you should wait o see the Commander Keyes toys." Superman said with a smile as the three boarded the vessel.
"So what do you expect us to find on this moon?" J'onn asks in a neutral tone.
"I don't know…" the kryptonian says in uncertainty "…there's something bothering me, just call it a…"
"An intuition?"
"Exactly!"
Soon they launched towards the satellite, unaware they were being watched.
Back at the trial…
"JOHN STEWART, YOU MAY NOW QUESTION YOUR ACUSER." The central figure spoke.
"No questions." Was the despondent reply, making the heads of the tribunal look at one another and murmurs to break out among the populace.
"NONE? DON'T YOU INTEND TO DEFEND YOURSELF?" The one right asked in curiosity.
"No, I don't." was the sad reply as the platform lowered.
More murmurs broke out and the Leaguers, Lanterns and UNSC Commander were not happy to say the least.
"Damn it! He is going to let himself be crucified." Gardner spoke in anger at his fellow Lantern's disregard for his life.
"We have to do something guys." Rayner adds as he looks on with.
Flash being who he was and true to his nature did do just that.
"I object! You call this a trial? I say it's a joke!" He mocked before Hawkgirl pulled him down towards her.
"Are you out of your mind! What do you think you're doing!" She whispers harshly.
"Prepare to be dazzled." He replies with a cocky smirk.
"REMOVE HIM!" Commands the head judge.
This of course is an exercise in futility when dealing with the fastest man alive, who quickly knocks the aliens away and heads for the podiums where Stewart and the prosecutor were.
"Listen to me, with something this important you got to hear both sides." He said for all to hear.
"Flash I told you not to get involved." He tells him in anger and resignation to his fate.
"I agree!" Miranda spoke from her place "If you truly want to see unmitigated justice here then both sides must be heard." She said though she kept her body tense as she saw some of the aliens looking at her.
"Commander Keyes is here!" Stewart asks in shock.
"Listen GL, they're railroading you and you expect us to sit back and watch?" he asks unaware of the two behind him until "Not hap…Ugh…Grr. Hey!" he grunted as to bailiffs grab him and start to drag him away.
They were about to do same to Keyes when the right figurehead spoke.
"WAIT, THESE BEINGS MAY HAVE A POINT, WE DON'T WANT ANY LINGERING DOUBTS ABOUT OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT DO WE?" She asked.
"OF COURSE NOT, BUT WHO WOULD SPEAK ON BEHALF OF JOHN STEWART?" The left figure asked.
"Don't you have any lawyers here?" the speedster asks, the Commander and Hawkgirl wondering the same thing.
"WE SOLVED OUR LAWYER PROBLEM A LONG TIME AGO." The central one said with a satisfied tone.
"I don't like the way he said that." The heroes thought.
"What was that?" Ollie, asked, thought he had a bad feeling about the answer.
Flash answered, "The lawyer dies along with the defendant."
The archer yelled, "That's crazy."
Flash said, "That's what I said."
"HOWEVER YOU CAN SPEAK FOR HIM IF YOU WISH." The female spoke.
"BUT BE AWARE. IF YOU LOSE YOU SHALL SHARE THE SAME PENALTY AS THE ACCUSED." The left one said ominously.
"The same penalty? You mean…" he doesn't finish as their silence tells him all he needs to know.
"That's crazy!"
"NO, THAT'S HOW WE SOLVE OUR LAWYER PROBLEM..." The central one spoke in a casual tone before continuing "…WHAT'S YOUR ANSWER?"
"Don't do it." Stewart implores him.
"And sit back and let you become a martyr?" he answers back "I'll defend him!" he yelled back.
"We both will!" Keyes added shocking everyone.
"Okay things just got a lot easier," Flash said, "All I managed to do was hold them off for a while, until everyone got back, but we almost wound up getting a gas chamber treatment."
Ollie said, "Dang, you guys managed a lot of crazy stuff don't you."
"Are you insane!" Hawkgirl yells.
"We have to buy time and John sure as hell isn't going to give us that, listen to me you and Gardner look around ask questions, give us anything we can use to stall this thing, Rayner I need you here as a character witness." She ordered.
"What if no one wants to talk?" the Thanagarian asked as she rose.
"Ask them again…hard." She said in a dark tone.
"Lady I owe you a drink for this." Guy spoke with smirk.
"We make it through this first round is on me." She spoke as she walked down towards the central arena.
"VERY WELL PROCEED."
"Right." The Flash spoke as his platform rose.
"But first I would like to say a few words about…Habeas Corpus, yeah Habeas Corpus and Ipso Facto and Five Beta Kappa…" one thought went through their minds at that start of the speech.
"They/we are sooo dead."
Everyone then turned to Flash with dark expression as they realized that putting him in charge of this was apparently a bad idea. However, they had a distinct feeling that Keyes was going to get them out of this.
Hawkgirl and Lantern soon went into the city and found very few willing to talk, mostly out of fear and anger towards the Lantern, which really pushed the boundaries of his patience, until finally stopping at a bar where the saw the other Lanterns.
"Waiter another round." Gallius orders.
"Disgusting." Gardner spoke in contempt though not loud enough to be heard over the ruckus.
"Why aren't you at the trial?" She asks them.
"Hoh, we couldn't stand it anymore." The round alien spoke.
"John Stewart made us all look bad." Arkus adds as he downs his drink.
"So much for the vaunted loyalty of the Lantern Corp." She sarcastically replies.
"Okay now I wish that Spartan was there," Lantern said, "It would have been nice to se eho whe reacted to these guys abandoning one of their own."
Flash said, "Yeah, but circumstantial evidence man…though let's face it, Hawkgirl did her own number on these two."
"Oh don't get so and mighty Lady, if you're smart you'll stay away from him too." Gallius speaks, not seeing Gardner close his fist and narrow his eyes.
"Otherwise you'll end up reeking of his stench to." The hairy alien spoke.
This proves enough for both the short tempered individuals.
"You backstabbing bastards! After all he has done for you; this is how you repay him!" Guy yells in anger.
"We are looking out for the rest of the Corp Gardner; unlike you we do give a fratz about it." Arkus replies.
"In other words they were more concerned with their own reputations," Batman said. He was somewhat annoyed with the group.
The others were of similar boats as they always stood beside each other, even when things went bad. Flash remembered when he was mind-controlled by Grodd, and how Lantern had gotten him out of trouble, and helped him clear his name.
These lanterns were clearly nothing like that. As the old saying goes, with friends like this, who needs enemies."
"WHAM!"
"Cowards!" She yells before attacking with her mace despite their use of the ring.
Gardner responding in kind.
Knocking Arkus and Gallius over.
"My friends please! No weapons! No weapons!" he owner, a small tentacle alien yells as he gets between them.
"You think I need this mace…" she started as she threw it at a wall hard enough it stayed there.
"Or my ring." The earthling adds as he powers down.
"For us to take you down?" She finishes.
"GRRR." Gallius growls as he and the other power down as well, especially when she bids then to come with her finger.
Arkus is about to charge her when Guy tackles him to the ground and gives a right cross to the face.
"I been meaning to take you down a peg since all this started." He speaks.
Gallius charges Hawkgirl but she back hands him with a right, another bird like Lantern manages to tackle her but she simply uses the moment to flip him off her an into a neon sign.
Guy was delivering rights and lefts on Arkus who desperately tried to block the assult.
He got his reprieve when an alien with one eye, four tentacles and feet, grabbed him from behind; he rammed his head back which stunned the alien before he grabbed him from the scruff of his neck, spun him around and threw him into the bar with the other Lantern.
Gallius got back up and jumped Hawkgirl but she ducks and flies past Argus.
Killowog who up till now stayed out of the fight and drank, manages to grab him before he can crash through the window.
Arkus however was not as lucky as his distraction left him open for both Guy and Hawkgirl to punch him hard enough HE flies through the window, both Killowog and Gallius look through it.
The two others behind the bar try to jump them but one right hook to the bird alien and a throw from Guy to the one eyed creature disrupts this plan.
The small round alien tries one more time, but as he jumps and flies through the air, Guy kicks his behind and launches him into the waiting arms of Hawkgirl who throws him into one corner causing to rebound until he lands in a chair dazed.
Arkus arrives for round three eyeing both the hero and Earth born Lantern.
Finally after much brawling someone decided to intervene, in the form of emerald wall.
"No more!" Killowog orders.
"They're right, we should have backed Stewart, and that's exactly what I am going to do." The large alien spoke as he left.
"Good old Killowog," Lantern said, "When in doubt, he never lets anyone stop him."
"At least one of ya has some guts for standing up for their friends." Guy says as he wipes some blood of his lip.
Hawkgirl and him intend to follow when she sees the pirate Kanjar-Ro, talking to a Manhunter.
"Well…that doesn't bode well," Arrow said, seeing the pirate, the key witness speaking to the metal machines.
"Guy look there." She says to him.
"It's that pirate, what is he doing talking to one of those junk heaps?"
"Let's follow him, he may have information we need." She replies.
"Fine, but I get first shot if he doesn't want to talk." He spoke as his ring glowed.
Back with Flash and Miranda…
After letting Flash try the patient of the Jurors, Miranda took over and called Kyle to the "stand".
"Mr. Rayner you have been a Lantern for how long?" Miranda asked.
"Oh, thank God," Flash said.
Lantern said, "I'm beginning to think that we should look more into politics in the future. The last thing we need is to make ourselves look like fools if we wind up in a situation like this."
"About 5 to ten years I believe."
"And when did you first meet the accused?"
"3 years ago, I was assigned his partner for sector 2814, we were investigating a weapons trafficking ring that was passing through."
"And how long were you together on this assignment?"
"Three weeks."
"And during that time did the accused ever appear overzealous with his power?"
"No ma'am, he was always in control and knew just how much power to use."
"So he doesn't strike you as some maverick out to make a name for himself."
"No he has always upheld the laws appointed to us by the Guardians, and I believe this was all some sort of mistake."
"Objection! That is bias opinion."
"SUSTAINED!"
"Out of my way!" was suddenly heard as Killowog shove some guard's aside.
"NOW WHAT!"
"Uh, looks like we got a surprised witness." Flash says with a smile.
"Surprised witness? He was nowhere near the crime scene, what kind of witness can he be?" The prosecutor asks as he and the others float towards the tribunal.
"A big scary one." Flash mocks as the alien steps up.
'Damn right,' everyone thought, as they remembered first meeting him, and he was somewhat intimidating.
With the Superman and his group…
J'onn and Superman was out in space in their suits while Hal had his ring to protect him from the vacuum, Redeeming was piloting the Dawn, using passive scanners to check for anomalies.
"See anything wrong with this picture?" the kryptoninan asks.
"Where do I start? The loss of life? The echoes of our own pasts?" He replies dramatically as he stairs and the ruins of the planet.
"You really do have a flare for theatrics, don't you?" Arrow asked, raising an eyebrow.
The Maritain answered, "I do enjoy Shakespeare every now and again."
"No, not up there down here." He states.
The two look and can't find anything wrong until…
"It can't be…" J'onn being the first to notice.
"But it is this moon is still orbiting a planet that doesn't exist."
Flash said, "You know…now that I think about it…shouldn't they have noticed that the remains of a moon were still in orbit?"
Lantern leaned in towards Flash, not wanting to spoil it for Arrow, and whispered, "Maybe, but if the Manhunters did bribe the Kanjar-Ro, it is possible they did the same with investigators."
"I concur with Superman, sensors show gravitational shifts shown in stable orbiting satellites." The Forerunner A.I spoke through the comms.
"It should have flown off into space the moment the planet was destroyed." The Martian spoke as another puzzle was added.
"But it didn't, did it?" He retorted.
"Guys, my ring is picking up an energy reading that's coming from around here, I think we should check it out." Hal said as the moment the revelation came he began a more thorough search.
The other soon agreed.
At the trial…
"And the Thorians would have gotten me for sure had it not been for John Stewart, he saved my life and risked his own to do it, that's the kind of guy he is." Killowog finishes proudly.
"Thank you Killowog, John couldn't of asked for a better character witness." Flash replied at the end before taking a seat next to Keyes after letting the prosecutor know it was his turn to cross-reference.
"Anything from the guys?" He asked her.
"No and I doubt we'll get any more surprise witnesses." She replied as she watched the prosecutor approach Killowog.
"Killowog, can you tell me exactly what a Green Lantern does?" He asks directly.
"Well that's easy, we catch bad guys." He said as it was the simplest thing in the world.
"Commendable…" though he did not seem to mean it "…but how do you know who the bad guys are?" he asked.
"Uh oh." Alarms were suddenly going off in both the hero's and soldier's head.
"This is why I sometimes hate crime shows," Superman said, "I understand that he's doing his job, but sometimes I feel that they just do character assassination for the fun of it."
Meanwhile, Flash was realizing that having Keyes there was a mixed bag. While it was good to have a more reliable source in the trial, it was also dangerous as it was leading the prosecutor to become more creative, and bring out some stuff he didn't need to when John was letting himself be arrested.
"How? I…I just know."
"Oh so you're saying you use your obviously superior intellect to routinely sort out matters of life and death." The prosecutor spoke.
"I didn't say…I mean…Well yeah kinda." He replied unaware of the trap he was being led into.
"And then you and the other Green Lanterns enforce these decisions with those incredibly deadly rings?"
"Objection your honors! He is leading the witness!"
"…"
"SUSTAINED, REFRAIN FROM DOING SO AGAIN PROSECUTOR." The central figure spoke.
This was met with a few breaths of relief. It was at this point that a lot of them remembered why they didn't like the justice system sometimes.
"Allow me to rephrase the question, who gave you this power to be judge and jury? Who gave you the right!" He demands.
"We did." A voice echoed in the hall as the Guardians of Oa appeared.
"Well I guess there are more surprise witnesses." Flash quipped.
"I'll say, they never got involved until after the trial," Flash said.
Superman nodded and said, "And after we proved John's innocence."
Arrow said, "Okay, spoiler warning."
Back on the moon…
Superman flew around searching for the source of the energy reading.
"I hope you two are doing better than me, I'll I see are craters." Superman spoke as he scanned every nook and cranny with his vision in multiple spectrums.
"Nothing on my end Superman." Hal replied.
"I have yet to localize the reading; certain elements within the rock are hampering my scans." Redeeming spoke.
"Everyone, I have found something I just don't know what it is." J'onnz communicated as he gazed at a large machine.
He was soon joined by Hal and Superman, who were a bit caught off guard by the machine.
"Any idea what this thing does?" Clark asks.
"When I was a child on mars, we had small toys call illusatrons. They could project crude images over objects and even empty space." The Martian explains.
"You had projectors for toys?" Arrow asked, earning a nod from the Martian.
The archer said, "Huh…nah, I think VR is dangerous enough as it is with that pokemon game."
"You think this is a larger version?" Superman ventured.
"The engineering principal appears the same." He replied
"So it's an illusion." Superman said followed by the Lantern.
"And I bet it's pretty obvious what its hiding." Jordan spoke up.
"It would explain why this moon's orbit remains intact." J'onn said in a neutral tone.
"But who…" "ZZZAAAT!" "AARRRG!" the trio shouts as they are suddenly struck by laser fire and are sent into a wall.
"And of course, there are guards," Arrow said, "Why is this stuff never easy?"
Flash answered, "Hey, if this hero thing was easy, everyone would be doing it."
Batman said, "Which makes me glad it isn't busy."
The ship passes and fire above them releasing debris and burying them.
As the ship passes the would-be tomb, its pilot is revealed to be the same pirate who testified against John.
"The secret will stay buried with them." He gloats however before he can savor it he is attacked by another ship.
"RARRRGH!" Hawkgirl, its pilot cries as she fires at him.
Meanwhile a green glow erupts from the rubble containing the heroes.
"What took you so long?" Guy asks them.
"What are you doing here?" Hal asks.
"Saving your tail apparently now if you'll excuse me." He said as he fired his ring at the pirate.
"This moon is filled with surprises." J'onn says as he phases from underneath the rock.
Meanwhile Kanjar-Ro is doing everything to avoid the duo, he however is not prepared when a massive warship appears out of nowhere in front of him and fires missiles at him.
"AARRGH!" He yells as they explode close enough to cause damage, Superman tears through the doomed vessel and deposits with the others.
"Friends of yours?" Guy asks as he points at the ship.
"That would be the Commanders ship." J'onn replies.
"I want one." Was all he said.
"No. way. In hell," John said.
"We followed this scum from Ajuris 5, I had to uh, ah borrow one of the defense forces fighters." She finished lamely clearly telling them all a different story but ignoring it in favor of questioning the pirate.
"So he's the one behind all this?" Superman asks as he looks at the pitiful creature.
"Not exactly…" She spoke.
In another area on Ajuris 5…
"It is time brothers, time to avenge a 1000 years of grievances, time to regain our power and dignity." The lead Manhunter spoke as the others cheered before he continues.
"So the tin men were behind it all," Arrow said, "But what grievance are they talking about?"
Lantern answered, "Be quiet for a minutes and you'll find out."
"Our plan has worked flawlessly so far, we've sown dissention among the Lantern Corp and stained their reputation forever, but beyond that, we've succeeded in luring the leaders of our most hated enemy, away from their home planet of Oa."
"Yes they're here, the Guardians." He spat out the word as a vile curse, the others sharing his hatred and screaming for their death.
"No my brothers, not here not now, our destiny lies elsewhere."
"But rest assured, the Guardians will burn, for we are the Manhunters!"
"NO MAN ESCAPES THE MANHUNTERS!" They all cry.
Back at the trial…
Unaware of the looming threat the few Guardians that had come were being questioned by the prosecutor.
"It's true that we Guardians control the Lantern Corp power source, but the individual Lantern has complete autonomy." The Guardian spoke.
"So if one of them those something wrong, it's not your fault." The prosecutor states.
"You misunderstand, we give them autonomy, because we trust their experience and…"
"No other questions!" He stopped the small but powerful being.
"How much more must we hear? We demand an immediate judgment." He demanded.
"We object!" both Keyes and Flash shouted.
"OVERRULED."
"No I do not accept that!" Keyes
"BE SILENT OR…"
"Is this your idea of justice? Or is this simply a formality you go through?" Keyes continues "…I, no we accepted to represent John Stewart knowing full well our fate should we lose, now the prosecutor has been allowed to ask his questions to the Guardian, well I have a few." She spoke.
"I like her," Flash said with a smile.
Diana smiled and said, "She certainly knows to give a speech."
"…" they remained silent.
"I ask the Tribunal to allow me to cross examine the witness, afterwards our fates are in your hands." She finished.
"ASK YOUR QUESTIONS HUMAN." The central figure spoke.
"Thank you, your honors." She said as she passed the prosecutor who gave her a glare, one she returned equally.
"May I ask what your name is?" She asks.
"I am Ganthet."
"Very well Ganthet, in the history of the Corp has any Lantern ever abused the power you have given them?"
"…Yes, the one called Sinestro." He replied.
Everyone remembered the beginning member of the sinestro corps and what he was capable of. What he did, and how he had caused issues with the league and the lanterns.
"I see, and what measures were taken against him?"
"We stripped him of his power ring and banished him to another universe."
"Tell me Ganthet, did he kill while wearing the ring?"
"Yes he did, it is the most gravest of crimes a Lantern may commit." He replied sadly.
"After that incident, were there any measures taken to ensure such a thing never occurred again?"
"Yes a more through screening test was made to ensure a better selection in ring bearers as well as certain protocols to alert us if they went rogue."
"Gotcha!" She thought.
"And within these protocols you installed, was there one that would alert you when a Lantern has indeed taken a life?"
"Son of a bitch!" Lantern yelled as he slammed his fist down on the table, "I can't believe I forgot about that. One call and it all could have been avoided."
Flash said, "Easy man. You were kind of guilt wracked you couldn't have thought of everything."
Superman said, "Yeah, and if they didn't succeed with you, they would have done it with one of the other lanterns."
"Objection!" the Prosecutor asked as he figured were this was going.
"OVERRULED, WE WISH TO HEAR THE ANSWER."
"Yes there is." This answer shocked everyone including the accused.
"Pardon? I must have misheard you because I could have sworn you just said that a Lantern cannot take a life without you knowing, is that correct?"
"Yes it is."
"Then why are we here? If such a protocol is place then how is it that John Stewart managed to kill three billion lives? Could his ring have malfunctioned?"
"No."
"Could the protocol be circumvented or tampered with by the Lantern?"
"No, it is hidden in the programming and only we know how to do so."
"Even if the death is accidental?"
"The loss of life by the Lanterns action would still be brought to our attention."
"No further questions." She spoke with a smug smile at the prosecutor.
"IF WHAT IS SAID TRUE, HOW IS IT POSSIBLE THAT AJURIS 4 NO LONGER THERE?" The right figure asked.
"It is there!"
"Superman!"
The kryptonian spoke from high above the galley, flanked by Gardner and Jordan carrying the pirate between them, before flying towards the accused, destroying the shackles with his heat vision, th others landing behind him.
"John is innocent!" He spoke loudly before he pressed his earpiece "That's your cue guys, hope you can hear me."
At the Dawn command center…
"Loud and clear, let her rip Bias."
"Launching pulse missiles now." He spoke before a barrage of Forerunner missiles streaked towards the large machinery and then...
"BOOM!"
After the explosion the wayward planet was revealed to all.
"Ajuris 4 was never destroyed, its right where it's always was, it was all an illusion a frame up as they say on my planet."
"YOU!" Stewart snarled before launching himself at Ro, and giving him a right cross.
"I suddenly feel very nostalgic," Lantern said, "And maybe some catharsis by proxy."
"AH!"
"WHY'D YOU DO THIS TO ME! WHY!" He bellowed.
"For…for money." Was the fearful reply.
"WHOSE MONEY!"
"Easy John." Jordan asks as he looks at the pitiful creature.
"Yeah, leave some of the greedy little shit for me to wail on!"
"The Manhunters." He answers quickly and loudly for all to hear.
"Where are they anyway?" Flash asks as they note the robots are nowhere to be seen.
"Come on!" Superman says as he sees the Guardians move quickly.
"GL!" Flash says as he quickly grabs the ring and hands it to him.
He will's it on and feels the power flow through him.
"Good to have back John." Jordan says to him.
"Yeah, now let's get those hunks of junk." Gardner adds and Rayner nods.
All soon leaving, the pirate getting up and turns to face the music, however before he can e feels someone tap his shoulder and then…
"WHAM!" Gets a fist to the jaw that knocks him unconscious.
"That's for get us in this mess asshole!" Miranda yells before joining the others.
"Dang…if Guy ever met her, he would probably fall head over heels," John said, crossing his arms.
Flash said, "Yeah, especially if she pulled something like that."
The Guardians soon congregate when they do not feel the presence of the machines.
"We're too late! We have to back immediately." One of them spoke and move towards a doorway except….
"Not so fast." The Flash says as he blocks them.
They try another route but are soon met with the others Superman being the first to address them.
"What's going on?"
"We don't have time for this." Ganthet speaks.
"Make time." Gardner says.
"Where are the Manhunters?" Stewart asks them.
"Headed back to Oa."
" "Back to Oa"? They've been there before?" The man asks incredulously.
"Yes, we created them there." The Guardian admitted shamefully much to the shock of the others.
Arrow's eyes widened in shock. As did a few others. That particular piece of information had bene kept from certain members of the league, as it hadn't come up.
"Say what!" Flash voicing his.
"Are you kidding me!" Rayner as well.
"It was…before the Lantern Corp. We thought robots would make good peacekeepers but they were flawed. They couldn't understand the subtle gradations between good and evil." Ganthet explained to the group.
"I take it that this didn't end well?" Arrow asked.
Lantern sighed and said, "It's worse than that. The manhunters were the reason behind the creation of the Red Lantern corps. The followers of rage."
"Because they were machines following logic, right?" Jordan adds and Ganthet nods.
"Why didn't you decommission them?" Superman asks.
"We reprogrammed them for lesser duties, tracking, hunting, guarding they didn't seem too object."
"Not out loud anyway." Stewart says.
"Yeah and now they're going back for some payback, well I say we oblige them." Gardner spoke while the others nodded.
On Oa…
The scene was best described as a nightmare as planetary defenses and Green Lanterns fought over the planet against the army of Manhunters hell-bent on taking back what they considered rightfully theirs.
"Don't let up brothers they're weakening!" The lead machine spoke as the bombarded the shield placed by the few Guardians remaining.
Half the forces struck or took over planetary defenses while the fired on the shield.
Inside the Guardians were indeed feeling the strain.
"They can't hide in there forever, rip it open!" It shouted as more Manhunters attacked the shield.
"Rip them to…"It never finished as a giant portal of energy opened up and a massive ship came through followed by a smaller ship it recognized as the Javelin from which the Earth's champions and the Lanterns jumped out from and engaged the robots.
"They can't stop us brothers no one can!" It shouts in order to rally its forces.
"Famous last words," everyone thought as they remembered all the times someone said they couldn't be stopped.
On board the Dawn Commander Keyes showed her keen military might.
"Raise the shield, launch all Longsword and Saber fighters and activate all point defense weapons; have them target the Manhunters that get too close."
"Afirmative."
"Have you reconfigured the missiles Redeeming?" Miranda asks as she surveyed the battle.
"Yes, all missiles are now calibrated to target the Manhunters."
"Fire a barrage at the largest cluster." She ordered.
The Manhunters soon got an up close and personal taste of the Dawns weaponry as dozen missiles flew straight at them.
Those foolish enough to charge the Dawn were taken down by either the fighters or the vessels rail guns and laser weaponry.
"That settles it, we are getting a freaking war ship," Flash said, crossing his arms.
"No," everyone said, thought they could not deny the effectiveness of the weapons against the mechanical monsters.
The League also made massive dent in their forces as Superman and the Martian used their super strength to rip them apart.
Flash speed help him evade many shots and used them against them on the rogue robots however he was soon surrounded but a flash of emerald and they soon were history.
"Got your back!" Stewart spoke to him.
Flash was relieved and glad, that soon changed when he saw a squad of Manhunters behind the Lantern.
Look out!" he shouted at his friend.
Stewart turns and both holds the shield and fires at the robots destroying those he can.
"Use the guns! The Guns!" The leader orders at those who have taken over one of the cannons.
They target Superman, Stewart and J´onn, but upon seeing the approaching blast the Lantern shields them, the Manhunters fighting them are not so lucky.
J´onn becomes intangible and rushes them while they fire on Flash.
The Manhunter operating the cannon gets a lock, but before he can fire he meets his end at the Martian´s hands…literally.
Flash is knocked unconscious and his friend shields him but it doesn´t look like it will hold against the barrage.
However a blast of energy saves them form death´s door as Hawkgirl and the Lanterns from the trial appear.
"You three take the north tower, Killowog and I will take the south." Gallius orders much to the surprise of the Thanagarian.
"Finally they come of their high horses," Lantern said crossing his arms, at the to little to late help.
They move swiftly and destroy the defense platforms quickly, Hawkgirl gives of a battle cry as she smashes the last one hard, and causing a chain reaction that destroys it.
"Hey Hal!" Guy calls out as he makes a minigun and fires indiscriminately at the machines.
"Yeah Guy!" he replies as he crushes three between two giant emerald fists.
"This reminds you of the time we got caught in that dispute between the Ron'nar and the Sla'ku!" He asks as he shields himself.
"No! It reminds me of that bar fight on Ornas IV."
"Ha! Yeah good times that!"
"Heads up guys!" Kyle yells as creates several missiles that strike six robots at their backs.
"Great kid! Just don't get cocky!" Guy spoke "I always wanted to say that."
"Classic line," Flash said.
Everyone else nodded as they recognized the line, even Dian and J'onn as they had both seen the movie as part of Flash's idea to getting them involved with the world.
The fights continued.
Inside the Guardians are too weak to continue, one collapsing from stress.
The lead machine got inside, however Stewart saw this and followed it in.
John looks on at the tower of light when he is blasted from behind by the robot.
"Manhunter! Stop!" Stewart commanded encasing him in an energy sphere.
"Not till we've regained what is rightfully ours!" It replied as
"Yours?"
"The power the Guardians stole from us." He spoke before firing at him.
Each taking a shot at the other, the drawing in close.
"It was never yours! It was always the Guardians!" he growled out as he fought the machine for dominance.
"And they betrayed us…" speaking with utter scorn for the beings "…just as they betrayed you!" before pushing him back.
"ZAT!" "ARRG!"
"This power is our destiny." It spoke before shooting him again.
Stewart collapse on a wall as the Manhunter entered the central power battery.
"NO!"
"YARRRGH!" It screamed as its body absorbed the energies released.
"NOW I AM THE POWER!" the newly transformed Manhunter spoke as all power rings deactivated.
"in hind sight…it was probably not a good idea to merge with the batter when someone is capable of draining said power with a few words," J'onn said, crossing his arms.
The Guardians fell to the ground as it left them.
"All is lost." One weakly spoke to Stewart.
"Not while I'm standing." He said as he stood with determination as energies crackled in the air and approached the central power battery, concentrating all his will into this one task.
He thrust his ring forward and chanted the Corp oath.
"IN BRIGHTEST DAY…IN BLACKEST NIGHT….NO EVIL SHALL ESCAPE MY SIGHT…" The energy being felt the energies fluctuated causing it pain as Stewart continued "….LET THOSE WHO WORSHIP EVIL'S MIGHT…" All the power flowed into this one ring returning the glow into his eyes "…BEWARE MY POWER…GREEN LANTERNS LIGHT!"
"I never realized, but dang that is awesome to hear," Flash said, "Maybe I should get an oath."
"BOOM!"
"NOOOOO!" It screamed as the power was released.
The Guardians soon stood together in front of him.
"We chose wisely when we offered you the ring, thank you John Stewart." Ganthet spoke, though John just remained quiet.
Outside things had finally calmed as with the loss of the leader the rest scattered like frightened insects.
"You're some fighter lady." Gallius said to Hawkgirl.
"Heh, we already knew that, didn't we?" Arkus joins in as laughter sounds, though three Lanterns did not.
"Lousy bunch of…"
"Easy Guy, I feel the same way." Jordan spoke as they waited for the formerly accused Lantern.
"John!" Killowog spoke as he spotted him.
"John I'm sorry." He said remorsely
"You came back went it counted." He replied as he patted his shoulder.
"I guess we were wrong about you John, we should have known better." Gallius spoke his and the other's heads bowed in shame.
"You're damn right you should've!" Guy said from the background.
John just walked passed and said to them as he did "His right you know, you should have." And then he went to the league and the others.
"Are you all right John?" J'onn asked his friend.
"You believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself." He replied.
"Hey what are friends for." Flash spoke with a smile.
"Damn right, now I believe some drinks is owed to us." Guy said.
"And an explanation also." Rayner adds as he looks at the Dawn.
"Let's go guys; it is a very long and complicated one." Stewart said as he and the others flew towards the ship.
Back on Earth…
In front of Magnus Laboratories a black van was park in front, inside were several men were looking at monitors, which showed several angles.
"Heads up, target is moving towards the entrance, he is alone." A voice over the radio spoke, while an image of a nervous Doctor Magnus appeared.
"Rookie mistake," Batman said, "looking into a situation at face value."
"Should we go for capture?"
"Negative, wait until subject is in private office." One of the men in the van replied.
Several minutes later.
"What is status of target?"
"He is in the office…he is opening a secret compartment."
"Go for capture now! All units move in!"
In the office Magnus was overlooking some papers when the windows explode inward and 5 men with guns, in black clothes with masks and visor on appeared before him.
Outside 20 men climbed the fence and headed for the entrance.
Back at the office.
"You're coming with us Doctor." One of the men spoke.
"Who are you! What do you want with me!" the panic man asked.
"Us? Nothing we're just hired guns sent to do a job, but trust me we are not men who liked to be screwed with and this little assignment has cost us money and people, so shut up and come with us." He said with authority.
"I think not." A voice suddenly spoke calmly from next to the scientist, which perplexed them as there was no one there.
Or so it seemed as the Spartan suddenly appeared as he dropped his cloak, showing him and the pair of M6 he had pointed at them.
"And the trap I sprung," J'onn said, with the other smiling at seeing the plan had worked.
That was not the only shock as the doctor suddenly changed shape and color.
"S-s-surprise!" Tin said.
"BOOM!"
A large explosion was heard followed by gunfire.
"It's a set up!" one of the five yelled an all fired at the armored soldiered, the robot hiding behind him as the shields absorbed the damage.
John responded by firing into the arms and legs of the captors so fast it seems as if e never moved at all.
"I-i-is it o-o-over?" Tin asks.
"Not yet Tin, I have to help the others." He spoke as he moved away.
"Please protect them." The robot said without his usual stutter.
"I will, and Tin?" he spoke to draw his attention.
"Y-y-yeah?"
"You did great here." He said before vanishing, leaving a happy robot behind.
Outside was a battle zone as the Metal Men and the two heroes struck at the persecutors, their creator there as well, guarded by Platinum and Lead.
"Paybacks a bitch ain't it!" Mercury spoke as he lobbed some fireballs at a group of mercenaries hiding behind a fork lift, making them run for cover.
"He can throw fireballs?" Arrow asked, "how the hell does that make any sense?"
Batman answered, "We know little to nothing about this technology. I think it is safe to say, that they have abilities we won't expect."
"Iron on your right!" Gold spoke as he extended his arms and punched two gunmen targeting Batman, who flung several batarangs at three others, each striking their hands and dropping their weapons, they were suddenly engaged by the Amazon as she punched one man with a right hook, delivered a roundhouse kick to another behind her and finish with a clothesline to the last one as she completed her spin.
Iron turned and saw one had decided to use the van as a battering ram, so he planted his feet as it slammed into him.
"CRASH!"
Metal and glass breaking as it did, the driver was still conscious and strapped in the seat, this didn't prevent him from pulling his handgun and firing.
"That is very annoying." The machine said as he gripped the sides and with his great strength delivered a suplex, flipping the van and passenger upside down.
Copper was fighting a trio of soldiers, each firing at her with their machine guns; however all this is make her angry.
"You'd think that after the first 172 shots you'd get the message, oh well." She said as she extended her arms and wrapped them up in them.
"I have the same problem with gunmen," Superman said, remembering all the times he'd been shot at, but nobody seemed to understand that he was bulletproof.
"Let's try some shock therapy." She said before sending a powerful voltage into them, not enough to kill them but enough to leave a painful reminder when they woke up.
"So mercury can throw fire balls and copper can shoot electricity," Flash said.
Batman answered, "It makes sense, since copper is a good conductor of electricity."
The Spartan made his appearance by spotting five men shooting at Lead his left arm transformed into a large shield to protect the scientist and his "sister".
He ran at high speed, and before the hired guns knew what was happening he struck.
The first was push back by a shoulder tackle and was flung 5 feet away, landing hard on his arm, he should have considered himself lucky because John had not even used a third of his strength in the armor or he would have crushed him.
John pistol whipped one on his right, while he smashed the butt of the gun on the nose of the one on the left, breaking the nose and knocking him out.
The last two began firing at him until their guns clicked empty; John ran at them, grabbed them by the scruff of the neck and smashed their heads together.
Things quieted down once all the shooting and fighting stopped.
"Is everyone all right?" Doctor Magnus spoke with some worry.
"My systems show no damage." Gold answered.
"I think I broke nail." Copper replied.
"How can you break a nail?" Iron asked her.
"It was joke you blockhead." Mercury replies ignoring the glare he gets.
"I left Tin in your office; he was a bit shaken by the fight but all right." The Spartan replies.
"I and Batman are all right." Wonder Woman added from the side as she and the Dark Knight joined the Spartan.
"Thank goodness! I was worried things would turn for the w…" Before he could finish one last mercenary appeared with a rocket launcher of all things.
"DIE!" he yelled before he pulled the trigger.
John did not even think as he ran towards the rocket while pulling his gun out and firing at it.
"BOOM!"
The explosion at close range threw him back straight into Lead who caught him.
Platinum rushed the man and delivered a right hook to the jaw, left jab to the stomach and kick to the groin.
"Nobody shoots at my friends!" she told him off as he slipped into unconsciousness.
"J…Spartan! Are you all right?" Wonder Woman asks with worry.
"A little rattled but I'm fine, the shields took the brunt of the blast." He replied.
"Thank you Lead." He said to the large robot.
"…"
"You're welcomed." He replied eventually.
Soon the police came thanks to all the commotion, unfortunately so did the media that went crazy when they caught sight of the robots.
They didn't answer any questions at the request of their creator, who told the people he would give a statement eventually.
The League helped maintain watch on the mercenaries as they were taken in by the police, the Metal Men helped clear debris and other such tasks to help their creator who was busy thinking in his office after securing the documents once more.
"This is the Forward Unto Dawn to Spartan, you read John?" The familiar voice of the Commander reaching his suit.
"Batman, Wonder Woman it's the Dawn their back." He said to his team mates as they went to him.
"Have they recovered John?" Diana asks hopefully.
"…"
"Yes, he has been retrieved and is safe and sound, we also have guests thy wish us to meet." He replied.
"Thank the goddess he is safe." She said with a smile.
"What of this guest?" Batman asks though inside he too is glad the lantern is safe.
"The rest of the Earth Lanterns apparently."
"Well we should meet them don't you think?" She said to both of them.
"We should you know, if only to learn more about who else defends the Earth when we aren't available" Cortana spoke out loud.
John thought it over and agreed, and after much discussion so did Batman, they went to say goodbye to the robots however they were surprised when they asked if they could come.
The doctor would have denied them, but he wanted to come to.
John talked it over with the Commander and agreed, and soon they all boarded the Pelican and headed towards the Dawn.
"Look at that!" Iron spoke as he viewed the massive vessel, the others just as speechless.
Once inside the hanger they were greeted by the rest of the League and the Lanterns, the three taking his appearance in stride as they had seen a lot in their time, though the robots raised a lot of eyebrows.
They in turn saw all the machines but what really grabbed their attention, were the Huragok and the Sentinels, Magnus looked like a kid in a candy store.
The Huragok approached the sentient machines with open curiosity some asking to perform repairs on them.
John translated for them and the Doctor gave his permission so long as they did not tamper with the Responsometers.
In less than a minute they felt as good as the day they came online.
Everyone soon went to the cantina, to eat and explain their stories of what each team went through, there the robots and scientist met Redeeming Bias, and even more advanced A.I.
The Lanterns explained how each had joined the Corp.
The UNSC gave a brief overview of their reality, avoiding the brutal details of the war and the Spartan project.
Magnus repeated the story of his creations.
When he said he suffered a bipolar disorder Redeeming offered a cure, saying all it would take was a slight correction in the regions of the brain that caused the imbalance, he assured him it was quick and painless with no side effects.
William agreed and asked what he could do in return for such generosity.
"That is a good idea," Batman said, "Having someone with such an intellect and access to such technology shouldn't have such a disorder. One day without his medication and everything will come crashing down."
They declined any reward, but he would not be deterred so he offered something that astonished them all.
"I can make Metal Men bodies for Cortana and Redeeming is wish." He spoke.
Everyone's eyes widened in thought. With Cortana being a smart AI she could be downloaded into a body. With her smarts and if she learned a few things from watching the Spartan fight she would become an invaluable asset to the team. It also brought up the question of what abilities she would have, if Copper and Mercury were anything to go by.
"Will the offer is interesting as I have analyzed these beings and their unique abilities, I must decline, though it does give me an idea, still thank you for the offer Doctor Magnus."
"What about you Cortana?" Wonder Woman asked her friend.
"I… I don't know could it be possible?" She asks.
"I am sure with your help as well as that of Redeeming we can pull it off, we can design it to handle your unique program and personality." He assured them.
"What do you think?" She asked her friends.
"You should take the offer Cortana, think of the new paths it could open for you." Miranda says to her.
"Yeah, you could walk among people; help out around here with your own hands." Flash enthusiastically said.
"But I still wouldn't be human."
"So? We aren't human either and we accept that." Copper said.
"John?" She turned towards her partner.
"What do you want Cortana? Because whatever you decide I will support you, you know that." he said to his friend.
"…"
"I…I accept Doctor Magnus, I want to see where this goes." She replied.
"I assure we shall make you something that will be worthy of you and all the help you've given us." He spoke.
"And will think of something in regards to your situation Doctor Magnus." John spoke.
And with that plans began to be made for both parties involved.
In a secret location…
"So team failed to capture the robots or the good doctor?" woman asked
"That's a voice I hoped I wouldn't hear again," Batman said.
Everyone looked at Batman with a surprised expression.
Batman answered, "She's a government woman named Amanda Waller. I met her a few days ago when our new technology came out at Wayne Enterprises. She asked for a sample of the technology, but I declined her. Something about her didn't seem right. It looks like my hunch was correct."
Everyone made sure to keep this Amanda Waller in their 'keep an eye on' list.
"Yes, they did not anticipate the League's intervention both times or the battle prowess of the machines." A man's voice spoke.
Superman's eyes widened at the familiar sounding voice, but he understood it slightly. He had been shaken ever since he had been mind-controlled by Darkseid. He wondered just what he would do now that he worked for her of all people.
"Anything that can be traced back to us?" an older man talked.
"No, they were hired through a third party, we are clean." The same woman responds.
"Contact Doctor Morrow, he will have to make due without the machines or their creator."
The league immediately put that name under the, investigate file, and made sure to look up the name later. If with Morrow was working with Waller, then it was not going to be good.
"We won't make another try for them?" the older man asks.
"No, the League will be watching over them, we'll find another resource to explore." She replied.
"We could send "her" after them." The other offered.
Everyone looked on in curiosity? Her? Another potential enemy? Batman's eyes narrowed in determination as he thought of who they could consider strong enough to take on the metal men.
"No, she cannot be exposed to them, it is too risky." She said quickly.
"And what about the monitor teams in New York? Have they found the Spartan yet?" The older man asked.
"No, he is quite elusive, but we will find him eventually, and then maybe he will see things our way."
"And if he doesn't?"
"We will just have to be insistent." She finished.
"Yeah, I don't think that is going to happen," Flash said, as the episode ended.
"Who do you think this mysterious 'her' is?" J'onn asked.
Superman answered, "I don't know but if Waller and her group are involved in this, then it is not going to end well."
Batman stood up and said, "You can start the next portion without me. I have some things I need to do."
With that, Batman left.
"Where is he going?" Diana asked.
Flash said, "Knowing him, to broodingly do research and find out about Morrow and Waller, as well as this secret weapon. However, I've got my own question…do any of us want to recruit Magnus?"
Superman said, "Maybe we should consider treating his bipolar issues first, if he has them in this timelien, and then we can see about the metal men."
Everyone nodded in agreement as they waited for the next episode to start.
Cut! Okay that was a little harder to write than normal. I think I might be losing my drive for this reaction thing. Oh god, I hope not. Anway, criticism welcome, flames ignored.
