Chapter 12: Rogue
Superman was the first founding member to arrive at the battle scene. Star Sapphire's headquarters, or rather what was left of it, was located near the docks in the warehouse district. The battlefield was littered with large slabs of concrete that had been used as battering rams. Several buildings had been flattened and glass from their respective implosions covered the ground. The burned out remains of destroyed vehicles sent black and grey billowing clouds of smoke high into the air. John had gone through Star Sapphire's hired muscle like a bull in a china shop, Superman surmised.
It was a surreal scene as a number of henchmen lay strewn upon the ground like so many toy soldiers. Even without x-ray vision he could see that many suffered from broken bones and other fractures. Some had already gone into shock from the pain caused by the severity of their injuries.
"They must have been the first line of defense" Superman thought. His hearing picked up groans that appeared to be coming from his left. He could hear them, but not readily see them. Using his x-ray vision he located two familiar costumed figures partially pinned underneath some of the heavier rubble. As he continued to scan, what he saw horrified him.
"We need to get an ambulance to my coordinates! Now!" Superman yelled into his Com-link.
"Already on it Superman. The local authorities have already been contacted" J'onn replied. "Batman, Flash, and Shayera will be transporting down soon".
"Negative! We are going to need the transporters to rescue…to rescue the maimed" Superman said sorrowfully. "It's bad J'onn. Real bad. These injured can't wait on an ambulance, they need to be transported directly to the Watchtower's infirmary if we are going to save…save their limbs" Superman stated. "Tell the others to take a Javelin down and tell them make it quick!"
"Acknowledged Superman, but we can't transport anyone up without a clear lock on their position" J'onn responded.
"Okay, I'm on it". Superman began to lift the debris off of the two men, taking care not to injure them further. Under the rubble lay Shade and Copperhead, but they weren't whole. Shade's left arm had been cut off, with his left hand still holding his trademark wand. Copperhead's right leg had been severed from the knee down and his tail broken in two.
"He's…he's crazy!" Shade screamed, holding onto his shoulder. His top hat had been crushed and his pale bald head was heavy with sweat. Copperhead remained unconscious, but was breathing.
Superman was surprised at the lack of blood considering the extent of their injuries, but upon closer inspection realized that the wounds had been cauterized. Unlike a physical instrument, the Green Lantern's energy beam had sliced through the men like a laser. Superman could visualize the wounds being closed simultaneously as the beam cut deeper into the men's flesh.
"Stay still and remain calm. I'm going to get you help" Superman assured him. John, how could you do this?
Removing the last of the debris, Superman gave J'onn the go ahead to transport Shade, Copperhead, and their respective appendages. Once the transport was completed, Superman heard the approaching ambulances and began to scan the entire area. Even from several miles away it wasn't hard to locate the Green Lantern; his visage was as bright as the sun.
How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning.