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Watchtower, Earth's orbit
Superman floated above the earth with his eyes closed and listening to the chatter and everything that was going on, filtering out most of it and trying to focus on any trouble. He liked to listen above the earth as it gave him a sense of calm, it also helped him keep tabs on anything the watchtower's systems may have missed. However, there was nothing particularly interesting going on. Superman of course had gotten the message that Kilowog was on the tower and had stopped by to see him once or twice while the Bolovaxian was recovering.
When J'onn had sent a message to Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman that he, Hawk Girl, Flash and Alucard were heading off into space with Kilowog Superman had not thought anything of it. The message hadn't been very clear other than A fellow Green Lantern was in trouble and John had flown off with Kilowog and the rest of the team to provide much-needed backup.
Given that Superman had been at a press conference when he'd received the message as Clark Kent, he couldn't act on it otherwise he would have gone with John. Wonder Woman was Planetside dealing with Cheetah and Batman was…well he was batman and Batman didn't like to leave Earth except under the direst of circumstances. Given the last few times, the League had left earth Superman did not blame the dark knight at all.
Superman was quite confident that the team would be able to handle whatever trouble John had flown off to deal with. After all, J'onn was the strongest member of the Justice League, Hawkgirland Alucard were powerhouses and forces to be reckoned with themselves and Flash was very versatile and invaluable on any battlefield. Combine that with 3 green Lanterns and Superman wondered if there would be anything left of whatever poor foe had hurt Kilowog in the first place.
After a few more moments of listening Superman opened his eyes and flew towards the watchtower. Once inside he headed to monitor womb only to find batman typing away at the main console. Superman smiled and floated up to him.
"It's really quiet up here," Superman commented.
"Good, let's keep it that way for as long as possible," Batman responded without looking up.
"Anything going on planet side?"
"Nothing that requires our attention,"
"Anything from J'onn or the team?"
"Nothing,"
Superman nodded "since the others are all off-world maybe we could do something. Just you, me, and Diana," he suggested.
"No,"
"But…"
"No," Batman said firmly.
Superman let out a sigh, same old Batman. Just then the doors opened and Wonder Woman flew in and over to Superman, hovering in the air next to him.
"Any news on J'onn and the others?" Wonder Woman asked.
Superman shook his head. "Not yet, but they only left an hour or so ago. We probably will not hear anything until they reach whatever planet they're going heading too,"
"They could have waited," Wonder Woman said and crossed her arms "I would have gone with them,"
"Me too but Kilowog had been here for 5 days already. I am not surprised he just took off the first chance he got," Superman reasoned "we should be somewhat glad that the others went with him, at least John won't be out there alone with no backup,"
"That's true," Wonder Woman agreed.
Suddenly the communication system went off and it drew Superman and Wonder Woman's attention, the line was in direct contact with the Watch tower encase of something bad happened. Batman was already answering it.
"Watchtower," Batman answered.
"Batman it's Arthur, what the hell is going on?!" Aquaman's voice came through.
The remaining League members were surprised, Atlantis didn't call the League for anything. Wonder Woman looked at Superman confused but the Man of Steel had no answer.
"I'm not sure what you mean, it's all quiet up here," Batman said diplomatically "we've had no SOSs or reports of ships breaching Atlantian territory either,"
Since the League had assisted and thwarted Orms's plot to flood the surface world, the United Nations had been on a very tentative truce with the underwater kingdom. It was a respect our borders and leave us alone and we won't sink your ships and submarines type deal. The Justice League was the preferred representative for the Atlantian people, through communication with the UN and Atlantis and it took great convincing on the League's part to reason with Aquaman about how transport vessels needed to sail across the ocean. After much discussion, threats and a few glares from Batman, the League had gotten Aquaman to agree to share most of the oceans, provided that no surface vessels, came within certain parts of the ocean that would interfere with Atlantis secretly.
Naturally there was a delay and increased shipping times due to new shipping routes needing to be established. But it was either put up with it or Aquaman would personally sink every vessel that defied these conditions which would undoubtedly lead to war between the humans and Atlantis. Thankfully the UN agreed to the terms and boundaries set by the Atlantian king.
The only exception to this was if there was an emergency or severe storm that forced vessels to divert. If this occurred the vessels in question would be escorted by Atlantian forces to a safer route outside of the established no-sail zone. This agreement had been in place for months now and so far, only 2 ships had to escorted. One was a freight ship that got overturned and sunk due to wild weather and the crew had evacuated and been picked up and to safety taken another ship that had not been caught in the storm by an Atlantian patrol. The Freight ship that had sunk had been returned to the closest shoreline as well, delivered personally to a populated beach by Aquaman.
The second time was when a cruise ship navigation system was faulty and led it and the holiday goers far off course. Upon learning this some Atlantians came on board and spoke of their culture and skills as well as showed off some Atlantian weapons. Queen Meara also appeared and entertained many of the younger passengers with displays of her ability to shape and control water. It was an interesting afternoon of activity that day and the ship's captain had ordered a feast for the visiting queen. Superman arrived late in the afternoon and carried the ship back to port for repairs.
But so far those had been the only two incidents, Batman did a quick check of the watchtower's systems once more just to be sure he hadn't missed any distress calls.
"Not that, what is going on with Alucard and his castle?" Aquaman demanded "I thought the League was supposed to be keeping an eye on him,"
That caught the league's attention. Alucard wasn't even on earth at the moment.
"Alucard isn't here, he's off-world on a mission," Batman claimed.
"You sure,"
"Yes, he left with J'onn, Hawk Girl, Flash and another Green Lantern who required immediate aid," Batman explained.
"Shit…well" Aquaman swore "who's left at the tower,"
"Myself, Superman and Wonder Woman,"
"Listen, all three of you need to come to Atlantis. I'll have transport waiting for you at the usual place," Aquaman said.
"Why, what did Alucard do?" Superman interrupted.
"That is exactly what I want to know. I'll see you soon," Aquaman said and ended the call.
The three remaining members glanced at each other. That was certainly unexpected and none of them could think of anything that Alucard had done to annoy the King of Atlantis, as far as they knew both Alucard and the Atlantians kept a healthy distance of each other. Still, they didn't want to test Arthur's patience as he was not known for having it. The three-headed for the Javelin Bay and used the ship to head down to earth, just because the Javelins' Hyper Drive was under repair did not mean the ship itself was not usable.
The javelin landed at on a small deserted Island that the League used whenever they needed to go to Atlantis. Usually, Green Lanterns would just create a pressure-free bubble to allow Batman and Flash to travel safely to the underwater kingdom, but since he wasn't here, they had to use the provided transport. True to Aquaman's word there was an Atlantian vessel waiting for them, they climbed in and enjoyed a swift ride to Atlantis.
Once in the underwater kingdom Superman, Wonder Woman and Batman walked through the halls of Atlantis, they were escorted by four Atlantean guards to the throne room hoping they would not have to deal with another international incident.
As they walked Batman noticed that there was some severe damage to the city, there were a few buildings that had been toppled and several Atlantians were working on cleaning it up. This was odd since Atlantis was vastly protected by highly advanced technology. Once in the throne room, they stood in front of Aquaman's throne, sitting beside him was Queen Mera. She gave the League a smile.
"Arther good to see you and Mera again," Superman greeted politely; they were still in the presence of royalty after all.
"It is good to see you all as well, though I wish it was under better circumstances," Mera responded "however my husband and I have…concerns regarding our neighbour,"
"Whatever Alucard has done, I hope we can resolve it without incident," Wonder Woman assured.
"Then perhaps you could tell me where he has gone and why he thought it would be a good idea to cause such damage to my city,"
The League looked at each other baffled; Alucard was not the type of person to go around causing needless distractions.
"I am afraid we don't understand, how did Alucard attack Atlantis?" Wonder Woman asked "He's not even on earth at the moment,"
Aquaman raised a hand and a nearby guard held out a remote control and a screen came up showing the collapsed buildings, several vessels destroyed and the paths and ocean beds cracked and collapsed into newly formed crevasses.
"A few hours ago, there was a large amount of seismic activity on the sea floor," Aquaman started "the city is well insulated and protected against underwater earthquakes however this one caused some significant damage to the southern area of the city. We've few injured and thankfully no deaths but as you can see the damage is quite sizable,"
"We had no warning of it coming and it could have been a lot worse," Mera stated.
"You can't blame Alucard for an earthquake," Batman pointed out "besides his castle is south of the city and at a much lower depth than Atlantis,"
"I agree, which is why I went to him to check on him to assess and see if his castle sustained any structural damage," Aquaman continued "Do you know what I found?"
"No, what?" Superman asked.
"Nothing,"
"Nothing…you mean there was no damage?" Wonder Woman asked.
"That's not surprising, Alucard's castle is a mix of science and Magic after all," Batman pointed out.
"No, I mean I didn't find the castle, it's gone,"
"Gone…what do you mean it's gone?" Batman asked.
"I mean it's gone; the castle is not there anymore and the cliffside lava pools have cooled and hardened. The cliffs are still there but the castle is not," Aquaman explained "Additionally I had my scientists trace the origin of the earthquake and according to our seismograph it was strongest at the exact point Alucard's Castle is supposed to be…so I ask you what is going on and where is Alucard,"
"Aquaman, these are serious allegations," Superman warned "You will have to forgive us if we wish to confirm what you say is true before we proceed,"
"Fine, go see for yourself," Aquaman shrugged. Superman nodded and rushed out of the room. The was only gone a minute before he rushed back in dripping wet. "Okay, so the castle is gone,"
Batman groaned.
"Well Alucard did say his castle could move," Wonder Woman remembered.
"He also said if he moved it out of the ocean it would wipe out all living things on the planet," Batman added.
"So, you don't know where he is?" Mera asked.
"Regretfully no, as Batman said over the Watchtowers com system, Alucard is off-world. He went with the rest of the League to help the Green Lanterns,"
"And when did he leave exactly?" Aquaman asked.
"Hard to say, but a few hours ago," Batman claimed.
"Funny, our earthquake happened just over 3hrs ago,"
"I don't like what you're implying," Wonder Woman warned "Besides Alucard left with Kilowog. Kilowog a Green Lantern, he would've created a bubble or construct for safe interstellar travel like John does,"
"We assume he did anyway," Batman spoke up.
"What do you mean?" Superman asked.
"We know that Alucard's castle can move, we also know that he is the only one who can make it move," Batman started "add to the fact that Kilowog shows up injured and John takes off without a word of where he's going and has been on his own for 5 days,"
"Come on Batman you can't be suggesting that Alucard took his castle into space to follow John," Superman said sceptically.
"We all have protective charms," Batman pointed out.
"But Kilowog doesn't,"
"But John does and he keeps his with his Power Battery and Kilowog's ring was out of power,"
"How do you know that…you what never mind. What your saying is that Kilowog borrowed Johns Power Battery to recharge and somehow convinced Alucard to use his castle to travel the cosmos," Superman summarised "that seems a little farfetched even for you,"
"How would Kilowog even know about Alucard or his castle to begin with. He only met Alucard recently and Alucard doesn't advertise his castle to everyone he meets," Wonder Woman agreed "not to mention he's always been admitted the castle stay under the ocean due to what effects its evil would have on the population,"
"We'd have to check the watchtower feeds to confirm," Batman stated.
"Alucard doesn't show up on film," Superman pointed out.
"But his voice can be recorded and the watchtower security records sound as well as video. We just need to find the conversation before the others left," Batman claimed.
"So, you're going to look into this?" Aquaman asked.
"Yes, we will and we will let you know the moment Alucard returns," Batman promised "He will be dealt with appropriately,"
"Good, but no matter what I want to speak to him about this and depending on his reasons I might have to take matters into my own hands,"
The League said their goodbyes and promised to keep Aquaman up to date.
"So how do we punish Alucard for accidentally causing an earthquake?" Superman asked.
"I'll think of something," Batman assured.
Randstad – 7, secondary resistance base
When the resistance arrived at their secondary base, the underground catacombs were under the more, while their previous location was under Despero's temple itself, this one was a much further into the main settlement and as it was under a slum area. The location was only viable because the older more ancient tunnels still connected to the sewers and led to different parts of the city.
The area the Resistance had set up in was the old temple that had long been buried and the settlement built on top. According to Shiftlet, Randstad – 7 had many cities and locations that had long been buried under sand and the ravages of time. Those that been carved into bedrock had been used as a foundation and support base to build the now-only reaming Kalanorian settlement.
The interior of the temple was dusty with the occasional pile of sand that had seeped through. All the furniture and were carved out of stone so there was plenty of room to place supplies and weaponry as well as maintaing equipment.
Pillars decorated the interior holding up the cleaning and adding to the support of the settlement above. Walls with old carved writing lined the side of the temple. There were also other open square doors that led to different rooms that had already been excavated by the resistance. These rooms were to be used as a recovery area for the injured a training area and storage. Despite the resistance efforts, there was a good portion of the temple that had yet to be explored.
As the resistance moved in, Kilowog and Alucard helped the resistance move what little supplies they had been able to flee with. It was mainly weapons and ammo. Flash kept rushing back to the previous base to see if he could net some more supplies but after the second run, he reported that Despero's men had destroyed the base.
J'onn noted the writing on the walls and flew over to it, he started reading, running his hand gently over the wall to get excess sand out of the carvings. Katma dragged John away into another room with the intention of re-training him from scratch to use his power ring. John wasn't thrilled at the idea but he went along anyway. Hawkgirl watched him go.
"Hey, give us a hand here?" Radocko called out. Hawkgirl turned away from where Katma was leading John and walked over to Radocko.
"What's wrong?" she asked.
"The Kalanorian are out of food," Alucard supplied.
"What do you mean you're out of food?" Hawkgirl said.
"he means we're out of food," Radocko snapped back irritably "we left all of our supplies back at our old base,"
"Then what's this?"
"What I could salvage," Flash supplied.
"Can you get more?" Alucard asked.
"Not with the other place completely destroyed,"
"What about going to the markets?" Hawkgirl asked.
"Out of the question. Despero's men are going to be crawling all over the city now. No chance of us restocking anytime soon. Besides Despero takes most of the market supplies for himself," Radocko explained.
"Well, how much do you have?" Hawkgirl asked "maybe we could ration it,"
"Even if we did what we have will last us barely a few days," Radocko claimed "We won't be able to hold out for long with no food or water,"
"Perhaps a solution will present itself," Alucard offered.
"Yeah, and Despero is going to be defeated and overthrown in under 24hrs," Radocko scoffed.
Alucard walked away without bother responding. Hawkgirl ran after him "wait," she said and grabbed his arm.
Alucard looked at her hand and then back to her "Yes," he asked shortly.
"Can't you bring them some food, you must have some in your castle," Hawkgirl tried.
"I do not," Alucard answered "I only have blood stores and…I have been eating at the watch tower since the League found me. Even if I had food, I would be hesitant to give it since the Kalanorian diet may vastly differ from ours…and human food could cause detrimental side effects,"
"Then go get some. Take one of the Kalanorian with you and go get some food they can eat from another planet,"
"And wipe out the other planet's population in the prosses…no…you forget Hawkgirl I only agreed to move the castle to this planet because it was already barren with little life to be found. I will not risk it on a more populated world," Alucard reminded "It may seem cold but I can do nothing for these people,"
Alucard looked back towards Radocko who was speaking with a few other Kalanorians about their food crises. "Excuse me," he said and pulled out of Hawkgirl's grip.
Alucard walked out of the room and headed in the direction of where the two green lanterns had gone, just because he could not use his castle to get food from another planet did not mean the green lanterns couldn't. Additionally, their rings would tell them what would be safe for the Kalanorians to eat.
When he arrived, he noticed that Jon and Katma were in the middle of a training session. Alucard leaned against a nearby Collom and watched silently as he did not wish to interrupt. John was struggling to float and maintain 3 simple shapes at the same time while Katma was instructing him on the importance of multitasking and concentration. Alucard noticed that her hands were gently moving down John's arm. After a second, John lost his concentration and fell.
He wasn't floating too high above the ground so he wasn't hurt, but Katma was not having it.
"If that was your life support, we would be picking up bits of you all over the cosmos," Katma scolded. Her voice had gone from gentle to harsh in a second.
"I know that," John shot back.
"Celery you don't because your concentration is worse than it was when I met you,"
"Stop treating me like I'm inexperienced and have never used a ring before,"
"Then stop acting like one and keep your focus,"
"I'm trying but whatever Despero broke the ring when he blasted it, it's interfering with the rings functions,"
"You damn well that the ring is not broken, it never breaks,"
"So, I'm the problem?"
"Yes, and until you recognise you are the equivalent of an untrained and undisciplined new recruit and I will treat you as such until you prove me otherwise," Katma said firmly "since it's clearly the only way to get through to you,"
"You know what, I don't need this," he said and walked towards the door.
"Where are you going, Stewart? We're not done,"
"Well, I am, I'll figure it out on my own," John shot back, as he approached the door, he spotted Alucard who was leaning against a column; he had a concerned look on his face. "And what are you looking at?" John yelled at Alucard as he stormed past. Alucard raised an eyebrow but didn't respond; once John was out of sight Alucard turned to face Katma and walked up to her.
The other Green Lantern let out a frustrated sigh.
"Is everything alright?" he asked.
"Fine, Stewart is just being difficult," Katma claimed.
"Oh, I was led to believe that John was…a very studious pupil," Alucard commented, with emphasis on the word Studious.
"He was, but he's forgotten the basics and ignoring them. At this rate we'll have to send him back to Oa and get either Rayner or Jorden to cover Stewart's sector," Katma huffed "what do you need?"
"Your people have no food," Alucard supplied "Hawkgirl suggested getting some from other nearby worlds…a Green Lantern should collect it to ensure what is found is safe for the Kalanorians to eat,"
Katma let out a sigh and rubbed her head. "Just what I needed, sorry but I'm busy with John at the moment, you'll have to ask Kilowog. Did you need anything else?"
"I was coming to see if I could offer him assistance…but after witnessing and listing to you I do not believe he would benefit from my presence," Alucard said.
"Not while he's riled up and angry anyway. Green Lanterns are at their best when we have clear heads,"
"I was under the impression Johns ring was not working correctly at the moment. given what I just witnessed perhaps giving him time to calm down will be beneficial…to you both,"
Katma snapped her head to look at Alucard "The ring doesn't break…ever," Katma said seriously "only the user does,"
"So, you said, does John know this?"
"He does, I suspect he is too proud to acknowledge that he is the problem,"
"And calling him a problem helps does it?"
"It will once he acknowledges he is. Once he admits he's at fault and not the ring or Despero then he can resolve the issue and his ring will function normally,"
"Have you considered…that perhaps Despero did do something to his mind?"
"I've been close to Despero for weeks and while he is charismatic and has some minor mind manipulation abilities, I am fine and can use my ring perfectly with ease. Also, if Despero was the cause then Kilowog who was blasted by Despero as well would also be struggling and he's not. So no, there is no reason to believe that Despero is the cause of whatever is happing to Stewart,"
"Dose John know this?"
"Doesn't matter, I don't have time to baby him. Lives are at stake here,"
Alucard let out a sigh and decided to change the subject.
"What was that you were saying…about the ring being conduit?" Alucard asked interested.
Katma eyed Alucard for a moment as if trying to decide whether to explain to him or not, after a moment she gave in.
"I suppose I could answer, but first what do you know of the Green Lanterns power rings?" Katma asked.
"The rings harness the green energy and use it to create weapons," Alucard supplied "as well as protect the wearer from harm and grant the power of flight and a safe pressurized atmosphere around them,"
"That is a misconception, the rings do not shape the weapons or our protective fields. That comes from a Green Lantern thoughts. It is our will that makes Green Energy take form. The rings act as a focus point. It is not the ring that is the greatest weapon in the universe but the one welding it," Katma stated "there are many green Lanterns who do not understand this,"
"I see…my apologies,"
"It's alright, most of the universe thinks the rings work as you do," Katma claimed.
"Dose emotion play into it?"
"It would if it was any other colour than green, but no. Emotion doesn't play a part in a Green Lantern is powered by Will alone,"
"Hmm…interesting. It appears I find myself curious if your guidance would assist me as well as John,"
"I don't know about that, you don't have a power ring," Katma said.
"No but like John I do have power, however, I have always had excellent control over them…except for one that has emerged recently," Alucard claimed "I cannot control nor call upon it no matter how hard I try,"
"Well since Stewart has stormed off like a child, why don't you tell me a bit more about it and maybe I can offer some advice," Katma agreed.
Alucard was about to decline the offer and briefly looked over his shoulder, he could hear John just outside talking to Hawk Girl. He listened for a moment and smiled. She'd take care of it.
Alucard nodded, he sat down with Katma and the two spoke about everything to do with the darkness and how it had lashed out when he was with the dome and how it had tried to drag him down into its depths and prevented him from leaving. Katma listened, she didn't interrupt other than to ask the odd clarifying question. While they were talking Radocko came in to talk to Katma but saw her with Alucard. He tried to get her attention but she waved him off, Radocko balled his fists and left.
"This power you have, it sounds dangerous," Katma commented once Alucard had finished.
"It is, thankfully there have been no deaths yet but…I fear it is a matter of time," Alucard said with deep concern "and I fear the result if it runs rampant,"
"Well, it sounds like it is reacting similar to how the power rings react. I can't make a proper judgment unless I see it. But I would strongly recommend you think about what triggered it this power and exactly what situation you were in at each time,"
"The first time…I was angry…very angry and it lashed out. But the second was different,"
"Different how?"
"I was not angry…worried yes perhaps even fearful…but not angry. It formed a protective dome of sorts instead of lashing out," Alucard explained.
"Hmm…other rings react to the wilder emotions, from what you describe it sounds like something similar happened. Try recreating the feelings you had on each occasion. It might trigger something,"
"I…do not know if that is wise," Alucard admitted "not in a populated area anyway,"
"I don't suppose there is someone on your planet with something similar to what you are describing that you could seek advice from?"
Alucard shook his head "No…I have found records that only two other individuals have had the same power as I now possess…but they both died a long time ago. Only brief mentions of it remains… nothing on its origin or how to control it,"
"I can see why you're concerned," Katma agreed.
John walked back in at that moment, he eyed Katma and Alucard.
"Hey, I'm ready to try again," he said.
"I will leave two be," Alucard said and stood up "thank you for the advice,"
"You're welcome, think about what I have said. You would be surprised that the answers people seek are easily found," Katma claimed.
Alucard walked out and spotted Hawkgirl off to the side, she looked down and was letting out a long and defeated sigh.
"Is something the matter?" Alucard asked as he approached.
Hawkgirl looked like she wanted to say something but she shook her head "No, it's nothing,"
Alucard was not convinced, he looked over his shoulder back to the room where John had gone.
"Does this have anything to do with what you and Green Lantern were discussing?"
Hawkgirl froze and looked at him.
"Vampire hearing," Alucard explained "you two were in the hall and speaking rather loudly,"
"And here I thought you had manners; didn't your parents ever teach you not to eavesdrop on other people's conversations?"
"Oh yes, frequently," Alucard admitted "however when it concerns the wellbeing of my friends I tend to…ignore that piece of advice. So, what were you two talking about?"
"John was venting to me about how Katma is treating him like a raw recruit. I think he was expecting the training to go like it did last time but it's not,"
"Indeed…they both still have their clothes on," Alucard responded slyly.
"That is not what I meant," Hawkgirl shot back.
"Are you sure? You have been…distracted ever since Kilowog told us about Green Lanturn's and Katma's history together,"
"I have not," Hawkgirl lashed out. Alucard gave her an unconvinced look "Just…what were you and Katma talking about?"
"My inability to control the new power I have discovered,"
"Is this the same power you were worried about after the Metropolis incident and the one you discovered back when we went back in time?" Hawkgirl asked. Alucard nodded "I thought you had that under control,"
"Then I am a better lair than I originally thought,"
"Did she help?"
"Perhaps…but I will need to test it," Alucard answered.
Shifflet walked in at that moment "Sorry to interrupt, but your friends think they have a way to stop Despero," he announced.
Alucard and Hawkgirl nodded and headed back to the main room, Shiftlet told John and Katma and they came over to join the others. Once everyone had gathered Kilowog explained his plan.
"Despero's power can be distributed over a large army, it got me thinking that he had a way to do so similar to how the central Lantern battery gives power to all the different Lantern Corps," Kilowog started "so we take that out that power source and Despero and that will solve our invasion problem,"
"We already know what the power source is two," Shifflet added.
"The Pytar," Katma stated.
"Yep, and get this, there are old tunnels from here leading directly to it," Kilowog stated. He used his ring to show a map of the tunnels under the city, and highlighted the one route that led directly up to the hall just outside the chamber where Despero held his sermons.
"So, what we just blow out the candle and that's it? Invasion over?" Flash asked.
"That is the theory anyway," J'onn stated.
"Except we can't just blow it out like a candle," Katma stated "the Pytar is pure Neutron energy,"
"You can with a big enough carbon bomb," Kilowog stated "I can have one built within a couple of hours,"
"That could work, if we can deliver it safely," John stated, "but how do we set it off without Despero interfering?"
"We'd need to draw him away…perhaps the resistance and the League could provide a distraction," Alucard offered.
"It'd have to be a pretty big distraction to draw Despero out of his temple," Katama sighed.
"Are there any big targets we can hit," Flash asked.
"Just the temple and the Armory," Shifflet offered.
"Then we should attack them both…which will be more heavily guarded?" Alucard asked.
"The Temple, that is where most of Desperos forces can be found," Katma stated.
"Send the resistance to the Armory, once they attack it should draw out some of Desperos men. Meanwhile, the rest of the League will attack the temple head-on while Kilowog delivers the bomb," Hawkgirl advised.
"Is that a good idea? I'm worried that many Kalanorians will die," Shifflet warned.
"You won't be there for long. Stay just long enough for backup to arrive and then flee back into to the tunnels. With any luck once they see an attack on the temple and turn around," Hawkgirl reasoned.
"How will Desperos men know to return to the temple?" Katma asked.
"I could set it on fire," Alucard offered "the smoke will serve as an alert and signal for you to flee,"
"I know I only met the guy once, but I'm assuming if someone set his temple on fire Despero would want to deal with them personally," John added.
"He would," Katma confirmed and looked at Alucard "You would be in very grave danger if he came after you,"
"Ture but he will also have to contend with the rest of the League," Alucard stated.
"Then we have a plan," Katma said.
"Agreed," Shifflet said with determination.
"Great, I'll get to work on the carbon bomb," Kilowog said and flew off to where all the supplies had been placed.
As those at the meeting were dispersing, Radocko ran over.
"Sorry I'm late I was dealing with…wait where is everyone going?" Radocko asked.
"The meeting is over Radocko," Shiftlit said "we've decided our next course of action,"
"What, but I'm a leader of the resistance decisions can't be made without me," Radocko claimed.
"Apologies, but we are short on time," J'onn said.
"No, where's Katma, I have some ideas..."
"She's going to train with John some more," Hawkgirl huffed "and the decision's been made,"
"What decision?"
"The resistance is going to attack the Armory and I am going to set fire to the temple," Alucard said flatly.
"Set the…by yourself?!"
"If I have to,"
"But that's suicide and so is attacking the Armory. If we did that we'd draw the Desperos forces right to us,"
"And that is the point," Shifflet said "our attack on the Armory will draw out the guards, and once the fire starts, they'll turn around and go back. They'll be confused and it will give us a chance to get away,"
"Why would Katma approve of such a ridiculous idea,"
"Radocko it was Katma's idea," Shifflet said seriously.
Radocko stared at Shifflet in surprise, he then turned and walked out, Radocko headed for the training area. When he arrived Katma and John had picked up where they had left off. Radocko growled at the way Katma whispered advice and gentle encouragement in his ear. Radocko scowled and marched up to them.
"Katma, I heard about the plan, please tell me that Shifflet and those…those aliens are joking about the attack," Radocko commanded.
"They're not, we start as soon as Kilowog is prepared," Katma claimed.
"But…"
"Enough, I'm rather busy at the moment," Katma finished with a no-nonsense tone.
Radocko clenched his teeth and turned and stormed out. He made his way to an unused part of the temple "RRRGAHHHHH!" he screamed enraged and slammed his fist against a pillar, it hurt but the old pillar also cracked. He couldn't stand it. Before these other aliens had shown up, he was Katmas friend, advisor, and Confidant. No decision was made without him, he and Shifflet were the founders and leaders of the resistance against Despero. What right did these outsiders have to decide their fate and how could Katma just disregard him as she had been.
Radocko understood that was clearly history but from what Kat had told him she had no one in her life right now. Yet the moment this other Green Lantern shows up, she focuses on him. Yes, Radocko was grateful to the off-worlders for rescuing them from a death trap earlier. But he'd heard Alucard and Hawkgirl talk about their supplies, supposedly Alucard had a way to bring in supplies without Despero knowing, yet he refused.
This is why he didn't like off-worlders, they didn't care for the struggle he and his people were going through and despite what he thought. Katma didn't care for him or his feelings either. The proof of that was now very clear, if they did then Kat would never have agreed to this suicide mission of distracting Desperos forces to set fire to the temple. After all there would be many Kalanorians inside, either worshipping Despero or making offerings. If the temple was set alight, they would die.
Radocko let out a breath and looked back over his shoulder. "Fine if they don't care about us, then I don't need to care about them," he hissed.
Radocko headed out of the temple and passed by other members of the resistance, Shifflet and J'onn who were discussing the carvings on the temple wall. No one noticed him, no one acknowledged him as he passed and above all. No one stopped him.
Despero's Temple
Despero was floating Cross-legged in front of the Pytar with his eyes closed. He took deep breaths as he breathed in the flame's energy, taking its power into himself so he could distribute it to his forces.
"Oh Pytar, I pray you to give your voice, your chosen one a sign. Give me a sign that will put an end to this tedious rebellion who shuns your gift so I may spread my word and your power across the cosmos," Despero said.
No sooner had Despero finished talking did the grand doors behind him open and in walked two guards with a Kalanorian between them.
"I said I was not to be disturbed," Despero said irritably.
"I know, but lord Despero. This Kalanorian has come to speak with you, he claims to have information on the rebels' next move," the guard said.
Despero didn't respond for a moment "That'll work," he said and moved to a standing position. He turned and walked towards the guards and the Kalanorian got on his knees.
"You have information, speak quickly," Despero demanded.
"I do. My name is Radocko," Radocko introduced "I am one of the three leaders of the resistance. They're planning an attack that will begin within the next hour or so,"
"Oh, and why would you tell me
"I only want to be on the winning side. I thought it was with the resistance but they don't care about me or listen to what I have to say anymore,"
"I see, well my son I care very much what you have to say. Tell me everything, I am listening," Despero assured with an evil smile. As Radocko spoke and revealed the plan, Despero silently thanked the Pytar for answering his prayers yet again. Once Rydoko had finished, Despero summoned his guards and gave them new orders.
