"SHE DID WHAT?!!" Superman bellows loudly enough to drown out the exact same phrase uttered by an equally exasperated Batman. Queen Hippolyta vaguely recalls the names Lex Luthor and Joker. Her daughter has mentioned them in casual conversation about her activities as Wonder Woman. It is the horrified reaction of the visiting Justice Leaguers, however, that illustrates the true gravity of the situation. Princess Diana has set these two nefarious villains free. "Merciful Aphrodite!" Hippolyta privately frets. "Diana, what have you done?"

"There's no sign of her now, Supes." Green Arrow notes upon having established radio contact with the whole group. The archer explains that Wonder Woman first removed Lex Luthor from Metropolis State Penitentiary. She then checked the Joker out of Arkham Asylum. "The wardens both resisted, but she used her Carte Blanche status to force their hands." Ollie grumbles in bewilderment. "I never would have believed Diana could go this far off the deep end!"

Hippolyta is unfamiliar with the term 'Carte Blanche'. Black Canary briefly summarizes for her benefit. The heroine explains that, as it relates to the Justice League, the Carte Blanche Imperative is a privilege granted by the United Nations after much negotiation. The world governing body recognizes the need for the JLA, but with it comes an associated concern that the organization is too powerful. To be most effective, League members must be able to operate unfettered throughout the planet. To ensure the super-powered group doesn't abuse its might, the UN mandates restrictions upon the JLA's charter and influence.

A compromise was reached to best serve both parties. All Leaguers are permitted within the borders of every UN country, but they must adhere to the provincial laws. In the cases of extreme emergency or security issues, the United Nations has bestowed Carte Blanche authority upon three mutually acceptable JLA members. As such, Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman can, at their individual discretion, take command in a crisis situation. In exercising their martial directive, the Justice Leaguer's order is the ultimate, superseding even the highest sovereignty of the land. Only the UN itself can countermand it.

"My daughter would never abuse such sacred privilege!" Hippolyta asserts adamantly. "Circe must be manipulating her, even though I saw no indication of such during our recent visit." The queen pauses briefly. English is a challenging language for her and she takes great care to properly express her concerns. "You must find Diana and return her home. If she has been possessed by that witch's sorcery, we may be able liberate her from Circe's control."

"We will do our very best to locate your daughter." Black Canary assures the Amazon ruler as she and her colleagues prepare to use the JLA transporter to return to the satellite. Although it is not voiced, everyone understands the dynamics in play. The Justice League would like to preserve Wonder Woman's reputation if at all possible, but they can not do so at the expense of the group or the public. Princess Diana is now considered a highly dangerous fugitive. She must be apprehended along with the two arch villains she has freed. Ideally, the League hopes to restrain their renegade colleague without a fight, but they are resigned to the foreboding likelihood that their next encounter with Wonder Woman will be violent and painful.

*****

"There's going to be hell to pay Amazon! Bank on it!" Lex Luthor barks angrily. "How dare you use that accursed lasso of yours to compel me into revealing the location of my fallback stronghold? Superman never suspected this place existed even though it's been right under his nose. Who would ever dream to look for me deep beneath the very foundation of the Daily Planet building?!"

"My you are the clever one, Lexie my boy!" the Joker sarcastically interrupts. "I once had myself a comfy little pad hidden underneath Arkham. I had the freedom to come and go as I please while remaining in a charming neighborhood filled with my kind of people. Of course I'd trade it in for the Batcave. Now that's a dream home if there ever was one!"

Lex Luthor groans with disgust. "Isn't it enough of an insult to bring me here, Wonder Woman?" he asks indignantly. "It's bad enough that I'll have to watch you and Superman dismantle my hideaway. What's the idea behind bringing this green-haired freak along?"

"I prefer 'psychopath', but 'freak' is a fair description." the Joker quips. "I'm not thrilled with the company either. You're dull Luthor. Sure you're out to rule the world, but what's the point if you don't have any fun along the way? And the Kojak look is gettin' a little old! As for Wondy here, you're too pristine. You need a little flair, some personality. The Batman is so dark and cold and grim. He's such a joy to deal with!"

Wonder Woman quickly loses patience with the petty bantering. "I didn't drag you both here to mediate your differences." she chastises. Diana focuses her attention upon Luthor, whose expertise she most needs. Restrained in hand and leg chains, the notorious harlequin inches up behind the super heroine. "Ha! Ha! Ha! She is kinda cute when she's angry!" Joker observes as he playfully pinches her rear end.

The Amazon whirls around and grabs firm hold of the villain's shackled left wrist. "Yeow!" he bellows in pain as Diana uses her other arm to heft him off the floor by his collar. Scowling face to face with only the width of a fist separating them, Wonder Woman scolds the irksome, white-skinned menace. "Try that again and I'll break it!" she snarls before finally releasing the vice grip upon his throbbing hand.

Following Lex's suggestion, the princess stashes the Joker into a closet. She laments the need for having to free both villains together. It would be easier, safer and more productive to handle them separately, but Diana knows too well that had she waited she never would have reached the Joker. By now, her JLA privileges have surely been suspended.

Wonder Woman explains to Luthor that she is on the lam attempting to elude the Justice League. The criminal mastermind is not convinced until she repeats herself with the golden lariat wrapped lightly around her upper arms and shoulders. "So what am I supposed to do, welcome you into the fold with open arms?" Luthor queries skeptically. "You're still Wonder Woman. Lady, you represent everything I despise. Why should I work with you?"

"This isn't a matter of choice Lex." the princess responds. "I need your cooperation and will compel it with my lasso." The villain nods in resignation, for he figured as much. "Know this Luthor." the Amazon adds. "What I see here today remains our secret. I give you my word as Amazon that I will not reveal the location of this base to anyone. I will also see to it that the Joker 'forgets' what he has seen."

Providing as little detail as necessary, Diana instructs Luthor to utilize his scientific genius to effect the telepathic enhancements to her tiara which Hawkgirl had been unable to complete. She commands the arch villain to focus solely on this task. He is not to scheme against her or sabotage his own handiwork. The heroine removes the handcuffs from Luthor's wrists, but leaves the leg restraints in place as a precaution.

With Lex having to carry out her orders despite himself, Wonder Woman turns her attention to the Joker. She leads Batman's ruthless nemesis into a separate room adjacent to the laboratory. Once safely out of the earshot of Luthor, the heroine tests a theory. She prays briefly to Athena and proceeds to quickly summarize her predicament to the vile clown. Diana states unambiguously that Circe's magic is draining her meta-human powers.

"That's all very interesting Wondy, but why spill the beans to me?" the Joker responds in amusement. "I'm no psychologist; rather I'm a psycho who practices in killing his shrinks! Ha! Ha! So your wonder muscles are gettin' puny? Sounds like a cause for celebration if you ask me! Ha! Ha!"

Diana smiles calmly at the grotesque killer as he gleefully cackles at her misfortune. She commands him to remain seated in place. The heroine offers no explanation for this exchange, but she is pleased at the result. "Just as I had hoped." Wonder Woman muses. "Circe's incantation drives mentally stable people into an animalistic hysteria. The Joker's already crazy, so her spell has no effect on him. Hera help me should it come to this, but the Joker may prove to be an invaluable ally over the next few days!"

With both arch rogues properly contained, Wonder Woman is finally free to concentrate on higher priorities. Time is very crucial, for the Guardians of the Universe have neutralized Hal Jordan's power battery. Only a few hours worth of charge are left in the ring itself. Safe in Lex Luthor's sanctuary, Diana must use the ring's remaining energy in conjunction with her magic lasso to replenish her waning physical might.

Mere minutes pass when the calm of the hidden refuge is unexpectedly compromised. A thunderous crash emanates from within Lex's laboratory. The Amazon springs to her feet. Instinctively she knows it's too loud and violent to have been initiated by Luthor himself. "Great Hera No!" the heroine frets. "The JLA has tracked me down!?"

Wonder Woman detects a scream of terror from Lex Luthor. As she moves towards the door to assess threat, the wall suddenly shatters inward. Steel and concrete fragments rain upon her. Diana's vision is partially obscured, but she still gets a glimpse of a large powerful figure. Moving swiftly, the masculine form clobbers the prone, defenseless Joker, rendering the villain unconscious.

As the debris begins to settle, the intruder clearly comes into view. "Merciful Minerva!! You!!?" she cries in astonishment.

*****

"That does it Superman." Black Canary affirms over the JLA communication frequency. "I've contacted everyone we discussed ... meta-human prison facilities, independent super heroes, STAR Labs, Cadmus, etc... Meanwhile, the Batman has briefed the United Nations. As far as the authorities and high security installations throughout the world are concerned, Wonder Woman is considered a fugitive. Any sightings will be immediately reported to us so that we can handle her."

The Justice League walks a fine line in this bizarre pursuit of one of their own. Much uncertainty exists regarding Wonder Woman's uncharacteristic behavior. The League's tactful explanation is that the princess has fallen under the control of a mortal enemy. She is therefore not responsible for her actions. The JLA seeks to rescue their comrade from her demons and in the process exonerate her. As such, they request that this situation be kept from the public for as long as possible, to best preserve Diana's image.

Having assumed satellite monitor duty in relief of Red Tornado, Dinah Lance tracks the progress of the membership throughout the globe. Alas, there is little news to report. Superman and Batman have been unable to pick up the Amazon's trail from her last known whereabouts, Arkham Asylum. Hawkman and Zatanna continue to struggle against the forcefield surrounding the Hawkship. Thanagarian science is quite formidable. The shielding resists a wide array of energies and firepower. Even Zee's native Terran magical abilities prove ineffective against it. Black Canary also receives word from Wonder Girl. Donna has checked her sister's civilian home and office, Steve Trevor's residence, and other familiar surroundings, all to no avail.

*****

"Heracles!? I ... I don't believe it!" a dumbfounded Wonder Woman gasps.

"Is that all you have to say, Princess Diana?' the son of Zeus goads. "From one as belligerent and headstrong as yourself, I hardly expected immediate and unconditional worship. That will come soon enough. I do warrant and demand your reverence however!"

From his actions, tone and past history, it is clear that the man-god Heracles is not here to assist the Amazon against Circe. As usual, the egotistical Olympian has his own agenda. He is aware of the heroine's plight and he is immune to Circe's nefarious spell. Diana seethes at the very thought that he plans to take advantage of her weakened condition to avenge himself. "Respect, Heracles?" the heroine retorts. "You specialize in sneak attacks against the rare foes with the fortitude to resist your power. Such tactics are, to say the least, unbecoming from one of your stature and accomplishment."

"Hrmphh! You self-righteous woman, how dare you pontificate to me on Amazon morality!" the son of Zeus sternly ridicules. "You've allied yourself with these two pathetic mortal villains, both of whom sold their souls to Hades years ago. You presume to judge me, Diana? I think not!"

There is precious little in the way of options for the princess. Diana must be realistic. Even at full strength, she is hard pressed to defeat mighty Heracles. In her current condition, she is no match for him. While she may still be more skillful than the Olympian, no foe is more familiar with her abilities. The half-god has opposed the Amazons for centuries and he knows all of their training techniques. She can not surprise him nor can she counter his physical strength.

"Heracles, do you not realize that my current mission is on behalf of Olympus?" Wonder Woman reasons. "I must combat Circe's sorcery and ensure that she remains imprisoned. Should you prevent me from completing my divine task, you will likely face the wrath of Lord Zeus himself!"

"Do you think me a fool, princess?" Heracles responds critically. "I shan't preclude you from carrying out my father's decree. You will defeat thy nemesis Circe, after which time we shall clash in one final, brutal battle. I confront you today, in this vulnerable state, to force your hand. You will have no real choice Diana, but to face me on my terms."

"Your hatred still runs so deep, doesn't it?" the super heroine observes. "What have we ever done to you? It was you, Heracles, who brought war against my Amazon sisters those many centuries ago. It was you who used chicanery to subdue my mother, only to be overcome shortly thereafter. You forever carry petty resentment against Hippolyta and now seek payback through me, her daughter."

Heracles laughs. "Hippolyta is not the issue." he brazenly proclaims. "Throughout my eternal lifetime, I have fought countless battles. I conquered your mother and her band of Amazons. The glorious triumphs are too numerous to mention. My infrequent defeats have all been avenged, save those sustained against you."

"I have experienced nothing but humiliation at your hands, Wonder Woman!" Heracles complains disgustedly. He can not even utter the moniker 'Wonder Woman' without his tone dripping with knifing sarcasm. "This can no longer be tolerated. I will crush you combat! Indeed, she who is both champion of the Amazons and the chosen one of Aphrodite will be relegated to servitude. You are to become my personal slave, as well as the grandest of trophies signifying my greatness!"

Before the Amazon can even reply to Heracles' outlandish threats, the son of Zeus takes action. With a superior quickness she now lacks, Heracles grabs hold of the magic lasso. A brief struggle ensues before the Olympian completely wrests it away from the princess. The half-god taunts the super heroine, for now he has the leverage to pressure her. "I could use Hestia's lariat to impel your compliance," he boasts. "but we both know that isn't necessary. If not as a matter of honor, you'll come crawling to me to reclaim your precious golden lasso!"

She is under heavy stress. As her strength ebbs, her body struggles to cope with the loss. Her fatigue mounts as do her worries. Even Wonder Woman has her limits. The audacity and unadulterated arrogance of Heracles proves too much to take. In an ever so brief moment, Diana loses her cool. She makes the mistake the son of Zeus is hoping for. The Amazon lashes out at her tormentor.

"Give me my lasso!" she demands as her right fist connects solidly against the Olympian's jaw. Still packing considerable might, Diana's punch drives him onto his heels, but he remains firmly on his feet. Heracles simply smiles. Having been attacked first, he is free to retaliate without fear of repercussions. Heracles assaults the beleaguered Amazon princess. She tries to fend him off with the power ring and her remaining might, but Heracles is simply too strong. He cruelly lands several blows which are specifically intended to inflict pain as opposed to serious injury.

Having toyed with his atypically overmatched adversary, Heracles adds a few parting words. "I look forward to the real thing Diana. 24 hours after your Circe business is concluded, we will meet again and I will finally gain my just revenge!" He effortlessly whips the heroine over his shoulder and hurls her across Luthor's laboratory. The last thing Wonder Woman hears is his mocking laughter as she is rendered unconscious upon striking the solid concrete wall.