My name is J'osse J'onns. (Pronounced Jo say). I'm a Martian. In both my natural and humanoid shape I resemble my father only without so many wrinkles. I wear the same uniform he does except on mine where the crosses meet I have a red band going through it. I've lived on the Watchtower all my life with just my mother and father. I am known on Earth as the Martian Boyhunter.
For the longest time my father believed that he was the only Martian to have survived the onslaught of the invaders. That once he died his race and everything of the once great Martian culture would be gone forever. That was all about to change. The future of our species would be saved.
It was about a year before the Justice League would disanband and my father was doing a routine check on space activity when he detected a faint distress signal. Those where common but what surprised him is that it was coming from the planet Venus and that the signal seem to be a Martian code. "Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, you better come see this."
My father showed them the signal then showed them an old Martian signal. They were identical. "But this doesn't make any sense J'onn. How could a Martian distress signal becoming from an inhabitable planet like Venus? Besides didn't you say that you're the last of your kind?"
"I believe I am but I could be wrong. The signal matches one that an escape pod would give off. During the middle of the war with the invaders we designed one or two person escape pods. They were short designed to send women, children, and the elderly to the planet Earth. I thought that the invaders armada had destroyed all the pods. But one might have been simply knocked off course. We have to check this out. If there's any chance that one person survived we must check it out." J'onn stated.
"J'onn it's been so long and the conditions on Venus are rough. Are you sure a Martian could survive for all that for centuries? What if this is a trap? We have to look at all the angles before we proceed." Batman told him.
"Every moment we sit here talking about this is one less moment that person out there has. Where killing their only chance of survival. We have to go to Venus. Surely there's a ship and some members of the League who could survive the harsh conditions. I know I must sound desperate, but I just have this feeling. I have to believe that I'm not the only one of my kind." J'onn told them quietly.
"Look my ring can protect you, me, and one other person on the planets surface. We have the environmental protection gear. The Javelin 7 has been specially fitted for this kind of mission. I know it's a long shot, but I say we go for it. It's the least we can do for all J'onn done for us in the past." Green Lantern said steadily.
The other two looked at one another then weighed their options. Finally they both agreed that it was worth checking out. Green Lantern, Batman, and father would go and check out the reading in a specially modified Javelin 7. They also put on enviermental suits and then headed off towards Venus.
When they arrived the sulfuric acid clouds distorted their sensors. They where unable to get a clear reading, but they finally managed to detect what appeared to be fragments of a space pod on the surface. "I say we go in for a closer look. Lantern how long can your ring protect us from the harsh weather conditions down there?" J'onn inquired.
"Only for an hour then the envirmental suits will only last for about thirty minutes before we succumb to the deadly toxins. Will place the ship on auto retrieve and if that fails Lantern can use his ring to get us off the surface. Let's go people." J'onn ordered. After putting on the space suits they transportered down to the surface near where they had picked up the metal fragments.
The instant they landed they were bombarded by sever weather storms. Lantern's ring offered some protection but it was barely holding up. "Let's get this done with and quick. Lets work in a designated search pattern. Spread out, but not to far. Stay in communicator range. If you find anything give a holler. We meet back here in exactly fifty minutes. Lets go." Lantern said.
They each split up and went there separate ways looking for clues. They used their equipment to see if they could find a trace of the pod or detect the signal. They were almost ready to give up when Batman said he found something. The two others flew towards him and looked down from the ridge they were on and gasped. There nestled up against a rock formation was an alien pod.
The three of them raced towards the pod and started to exam it. The pod was silver with a purple canopy that was frosted over. There was strange writing all over the right side and a green control panel. It looked big enough to hold one Martian only. There was an ugly burn mark all over the left side. "The pod has been damaged. I can't tell if it's still operational or not. We have to take it back to the ship and examine it. We better hurry the suits are starting to malefaction." J'onn said. Batman nodded and signaled for automatic beam out. They disappeared from the surface and rematerlized on the Javelin 7. Green Lantern took control of the ship and started heading for home.
Batman and J'onn began to examine the pod. "From what I can tell the engines were severely damaged along with the ship's computer. Navigation was compromised. No wonder the ship landed on Venus instead. It seems the pod's secondary systems came online to protect the occupant from harm. The person inside has been in a state of stasis for over six hundred of your years. But it seems like the system has failed at one point. The person has had periods of consciences and radiation poisoning." J'onn explained.
"According to my sensors the occupant is still alive but in sever need of a medical facility. Do you think we can revive the person safely on board the Javelin?" Batman asked. J'onn nodded his head and began to manipulate the controls. The pod's canopy door hissed open and vapor filled the cabin. When it cleared they looked inside and saw a petite female Martian sleeping peacefully. J'onn gasped out loud stunned. He knew the occupant. "Marsha? Marsha S'mith?"
"I take it you know her?" Batman said. "Well you can explain to everyone once we get her to the infirmary. We've arrived home." They had indeed. Once they had landed they immediately rushed the sick Martian to the infirmary where the best doctors treated her. Meanwhile J'onn had some explaining to do. He met with the rest of the founding members.
"Marsha was my wife's Myriah's best friend. They were inseparable at times. Even after Myriah married me the two of them were very close. I was close with Marsha's husband, A' dam S'mith. The four of were best of friends. We raised our children together. My sons loved playing with her daughters. We had even done an ancient Martian custom to show how deep our friendship was." J'onn explained. He showed them a small scar on his left arm. "We were newly weds when we did it. We were intoxicated at the time as I recall but we shared blood with one another stating that if either mate should die the best friend should take that person's mate as their own."
"Wow that sounds serious and so out of character for you. Still I can't believe all of this." Flash said amazed.
"Don't interrupt Flash. So what happen to Marsha? How did she end up on Venus?" Hawkgirl asked
"When the invaders first landed on Mars they attacked the homes of the elderly first. Marsha's mother and father were killed in the onslaught. Later on her older brother and his family were killed as well as her younger sister in the first waves of attack. Her husband begged her to take an escape pod along with her daughters and go some place safe on Earth. After much pleading and Myriah promising she be right there with her she agreed. Marsha's family was in the first wave of pods that went. Myriah never made it to the pods. A walker killed her and my sons on the way. The invaders armada destroyed all the escape pods. Somehow they must have only damaged the pod and it stranded her on Earth all these years. I never thought I see her again. I must go check on her. Excuse me." J'onn said getting up and leaving the room.
"I can't believe this. He's never talked much about his past before and now he's confronted by someone he knows very well after all this time is a miracle. Still I can't help but worry about him." Superman said thoughtfully.
"I'm sure that everything will work out for the best Superman. We just need to give him some time to deal with this. Marsha is the only link J'onn has with his past. I say we give him some space for awhile." Wonder Women said.
Down in the infirmary Marsha was just regaining consciousness. She stared at J'onn in amazement. "J'onn J'onns? What's going on? Where am I? What happened to the invaders? Did we win the war? Is Mars safe once more?" She asked him telepathically.
J'onn shook his head. He then projected in her head all of what happened and what was going on now. She was distraught to learn about the destruction of Mars and that they were the last survivors of their race. But after learning the invaders had been beaten and all about his life with the Justice League she thought things could work out. "Perhaps it would be best if I changed my form to something that's more humanoid." She said out loud. She then stood up and her body began to change. Her body took on a more feminine version of his. She wore a red halter, with a blue skirt, and heeled boots along with the long blue cape held in place by the two yellow disks. She even grew some short green hair to give her more of a girlish look. She twirled around in her new body. "Well how do I look?"
"Amazing simply amazing. Come I would like you to meet my friends." J'onn told her. She met the rest of the League and for the next year helped out with League as an assistant at the computer. When the League disbanded they agreed to stay on board the Watchtower and monitor space activity for the governments of the Earth. They still went to Earth from time to time to have fun.
One of my father's favorite plays is Hamlet. One night about a two and half after they married and the League was no more they both went to see the play. Mother's human form is that of a blond haired woman wearing a blue dress and coat. She loved Shakespeare. He was a great writer. After the play as they were having dinner at a local restaurant when my Mother brought up something with my father. "J'onn I've been thinking a lot lately. Were both not getting any younger and were so lonely up in the Watchtower by ourselves. We need company someone else to be there. I know how painful it is to think of our families but do you think they would want us to remain childless? I want a child J'onn and due to the radiation I received while stuck on Venus combined with my age I'll only be fertile for one more year. If were ever going to have a child we need to have one now."
"But Marsha it could cost you your life carrying a child. I know you don't want our race to become extinct, but the thought of losing you is too much. Besides you've said it yourself your reproductive system has been damaged because of radiation. The only way you could ever hope to become pregnant is if you took fertility drugs and I maybe a great doctor but no way could I come up with something like that." J'onn told her.
"You don't have to. I knew you objected and knowing certain restrictions that are applied to you I called our old friend Batman. He created a fertility drug that will combat the radiation and help me carry our child to term. I have it in my purse right now. So what do you say? Want to have a little one again?" Marsha asked looking at him hopefully. Sighing in defeat J'onn agreed knowing this was one descion he wasn't going to regret.
Months later I was born aboard the Watchtower. The last Martian child ever to be born. My mother cradled me close to her heart and my father looked at me proudly. "He's perfect in every way. He'll make us proud one day. I think I'll name him J'osse. J'osse J'onns." Mother told father.
"We will teach him all about his culture. The Martian way of life will not die with him. Someway he will find a way for our race to flourish again. I'm so proud of you Marsha. He's a handsome little guy."
I grew into an inquisitive, but shy person. Living all alone with only my parents for company aboard the Watchtower was not an easy thing. I would have loved to live on Earth but my parents had their reasons for staying here. My mother taught me everything about my Martian history and our once great society. She told me stories about her life growing up on Mars. From the stations computers I was able to learn about Earth and everything I would normally learn at school.
When I was six years old I started getting anxious a lot. I was desperate to leave the Watchtower, but my parents wouldn't let me. I was sitting on down gazing out the window at Mars when I heard my mother's footsteps behind me. "J'osse what are you doing here son? You were supposed to meet your father in the training room an hour ago to practice your powers. We won't to make sure that nothing is amiss." Mother told me kindly. She sat down next to me and looked longingly at Mars.
"My powers are fine Mother you know that. Mother what is the point of all this really? Why bother teaching me how to fly, or phase, or shapeshift? Why does it matter if my telepathic powers are working normally? No one cares." I told her depressingly.
"I care J'osse. It's important to master all your powers. If you ever go to Earth you want to blend in don't you?" Mother said patiently.
"Mother, please you know Father doesn't allow me on Earth. I don't understand why you two can go visit the planet and not me. Just like I don't get why I can't have any friends. I'm lonely up here all by myself. I want friends to play with. Real friends not those holograms that you and Father created for me." I explained to her angrily. I just didn't know how to get through to her how I felt.
"J'osse you know the only reason your not allowed to go to Earth is because of your powers. Your Father thinks that you don't have enough mastery over your shapeshifting to keep up a human appearance. Not to mention your telepathic control is lacking. Humans are very confusing people. There thoughts would overwhelm you. And I know that your lonely and those holograms aren't a substitute for real friends, but you just have to be patient. One day you'll have lots of friends and everything will be okay you'll see. Now come your Father's waiting for us." Mother said picking me up and phasing us to the training room.
Over the years I became a quiet, somewhat reclusive fellow. I was very shy hiding when people contacted the Watchtower. Yet I in a sense of irony I craved for interaction with another individual. Martians are very social and growing up alone wasn't good for me. I wanted so much to have a real friend. I had computer friends, but none of them knew the truth. It was horrible.
When I turned twelve I had an argument with my Father that I remember quite clearly. Once again I was being drilled in the history of my people along with a training exercise in telepathy. I was attempting to project images in my Father's mind while at the same time listening to him speak about the advances in science and art before the invaders had destroyed everything. My mother was carefully observing making sure that neither of us got hurt during the exercise. "That's right allow your thoughts to form images in your mind. Let them flow from you to me. Now one of our major advances in our society was ability to counteract poisons. We had developed a drug that could cure almost any poison known to Martian. It was round, orange, and smooth like a stone. We called it a bezoars can you picture it in your mind? Send the image to me now." Father instructed me.
I was standing two feet from him, my arms resting at my sides, and eyes closed. My brow furrowed in deep concentration as I tried to listen to my father's voice and at the same time pictures the image in my mind. " I think I got it. Hold on here it comes. No it's to much its falling apart no!" I thought angrily. My eyes snapped opened and I glared angrily at the floor. "This isn't working I just can't do it."
"Perhaps we should take a break and try again later. J'osse you have to be patient. This is advance telepathy it's not going to come to you in a day. One day when." Father began.
"When what Father? Why is it so important that I know all this stuff anyways? Its not like it's going to do me any good all alone up here in space. What's the point of knowing all this stuff about our people when I have no one to share it with? You say I'm going to continue on the legacy of our people, but I don't see how when I'm so shy and afraid of people because I never developed the necessary skills to interact with anyone. You say a lot of things, but none of it ever makes sense to me. I can't go to Earth because the human's thoughts might overwhelm me or my shapeshifting might fail. Well I disagree if anything there above normal. Not having any real friends because they won't accept the real me is bogus. Almost as bogus as this job staying aboard this outdated space station to watch out for space activity. It's all a bunch of lies. Why can't you tell me the truth for once?" I demanded looking at them both expectedly.
"J'osse that's quite enough. You're being very disrespectful. Go to your room and think about what you've just said." Father instructed me angrily.
"Fine! I'll go but sooner or later your going to tell me why you've made my life like this!" I shouted before flying away. I didn't even stop to listen in on my folks. If I had I would have been awfully curious about what they were talking about.
"He's right J'onn. This isn't the way a boy should grow up. I know where doing this all for his benefit but I can't help but feeling like dirt. He's suffering so much and I can't do anything about it." My mother cried into my father's shoulder. He wrapped his cloak around her and held her.
"I know that these last twelve years have been difficult on us all and that they will continue to be until the appointed time. We just have to be strong and keep our faith that everything will work out for the best. I promise Marsha it will all be fine one day." J'onn told her.
Four years later my anger had resided, but I didn't show it. I just kept it locked up inside of me. I still was withdrawn and mysterious but I think that's normal for Martians. I had grown into a strong, powerful, young man who was ready for anything. But I still hadn't visited Earth, but that was all about to change.
My parents had left for an important meeting with one of Earth's governments about the latest space activity. I was left to monitor everything. For a while I did just that then I realized I had a golden opportunity and I shouldn't waste it. "If I want to go to Earth now's the time. All I have to do is set the coordinates in the transporter, activate automatic retrieval, then change into a human." I said to myself. I did all that and stepped onto the transporter pad. I concentrated hard on changing my form. I changed into a teenage boy with tan skin, blue eyes, and short brownish blond that curled at the end. I was wearing a pair of black denim pants and a red jacket zipped up. On top of my head was a pair of Rayburn sunglasses. I smiled at my accomplishment. Then signaled the transporter to deposit me on Earth.
I landed in an alleyway behind a dumpster in Midway City. I dusted myself off and took a few deep breaths. Then I walked out of the alley and joined the crowed. I kept my head towards the ground and tried to not look people in the eye. I was a little overwhelm by everything that was happening.
I went inside a cyber café took a seat in the back and ordered hot chocolate. I then just sat there observing everything. I used my telepathy to listen to a few of their thoughts. I heard nothing but human's excitement, friendship, and love for everyone else there. There thoughts all though powerful, didn't overwhelm me like my father had said they would. I paid for my drink and left.
I stuck to the shadows avoiding contact with people. I wanted to see and explore Earth, but not become involved. At least not until I was sure I could handle being around people. I went to a museum, a library, and then to a park where I sat under a tree watching some kids my age playing Frisbee. I was getting ready to leave when one of the boys called out "Hey you by the tree! Do you want to play with us for awhile?" he asked.
I looked at them surprised. "Me? You want me to play? Well okay I guess." I said nervously. I strolled over to them and took the Frisbee and tossed it to the boy who had asked me to play. He caught it easily. We played for a few more minutes then he commented on my technique. "Nice toss. I haven't seen you around here before. What's your name and where you from anyways?"
"Thanks I've never played before but it's nice to know I'm good at something. My name is José Jones and I'm just passing through really. You probably never even heard of where I'm from. Well I have to go now see you." I said politely.
I was racing towards the alley knowing my time was almost up on Earth. I had set my automatic retrieval to pick me up in fifteen minutes after I had been on Earth for two hours. I had to get back before my parents returned. I was just turning the corner to the street that was next to the alley when I saw it.
Two semi trucks had crashed into one another. One was trucking was leaking a volatile fuel while the driver was trapped inside the other. If someone didn't do something soon the driver would die from the fumes or flames if the fuel ignited. A huge crowd had formed and I made my way to the back. I furiously glanced to my left then to my right. No one's eyes where on me as I reverted to my regular form. I then flew into action.
I flew over to the truck door and ripped it off the hinges. I then grabbed the driver and flew him to a waiting ambulance. I then returned to the site and using my shape shifting abilities used the two semis' to form a casing around the fuel till it could be cleaned up. But I had missed some and it blew up right next to me. I had to quickly phase to get out of the way but in the end it worked out. Everyone clapped and I heard a camera clicking. "Great just great. Now I'm really in for it." I thought privately. To the crowd I told them I was happy to help and I was the Martian Boyhunter. I then got out of there and returned home.
When I entered our main living quarters both my parent's were waiting there for they and me weren't smiling. On the monitor behind them was a broadcast of my heroics. "Well do you have anything to say in your defense? You deliberately disobey us and went to Earth. Do you know how worried we where when we couldn't find you? What if something had happened to you? You could have died or been discovered. Did you ever think of that?" Father asked me angrily.
"I was trying to have a normal life for once. Nothing bad happened and I didn't expect to have to show myself, but those people were in trouble and I just reacted. I went to Earth because I was sick of staying up here by myself. None of your warning held truth Father. I was able to maintain my human form and there thoughts didn't overwhelm me. I'm sorry that I worried you and I know I could have been hurt, but I just had to do this. I had fun on Earth. I may have been shy and mysterious but everything was wonderful. Now excuse me. I'm going to my room." I informed them.
"Well we knew this would happen sometime. It's almost time. I say that we allow him to go to Earth once and awhile to explore and learn more about its people. It might be good for him J'onn. Who knows he might even find a girlfriend wouldn't that be exciting?" Mother asked happily. My father only laughed and smiled at her.
Over the course of the year I visited places all over Earth with my parents and I hung out with more kids. I learn to get involve with people but I still had a hard time putting forth my ideas and being able to look people in the eyes. But I was hopeful that I would make real friends soon. I did what I could to help people with my powers and I was glad that I was able to. After the League was formed I was never alone again. I had lots of friends, went to regular school, and of course I had my girlfriend Shania, Hawklady, to keep me company.
I have had a very difficult life. My childhood was nothing but pain and loneliness. It helped shape me into the mysterious person I am today. But it also helped me become focus on my mission. I now have everything I could ever hope for. Friends, a life, and a wonderful girlfriend to share things with. Who could ever ask for more?