The Great Hall in the Royal Palace of Tamaran was used for many purposes. It was a massive room, by far the largest one in the huge palace. Starfire's providentially botched wedding to Glrrrdlsklech was held in the Great Hall as was the welcome home banquet that Galfore had organized there earlier. The Great Hall was used often in times of peace, but it was also used during times of war. It was located deep in the heart of the palace and was also a bunker, impervious to any bombardment.
Military personnel were milling around the room, data pads tucked under their arms as they came and went, men and women of varied ranks. Their green eyes glowed in anticipation of the battle that would soon come. Tamaranians were not a race known for invading other worlds. Despite the fact that they were a fierce race of warriors they were not known for rattling sabers unless there were attacked first. They were content to isolate themselves from the problems of the universe and they especially despised the Green Lantern Corps, who were known to butt in where they weren't wanted.
Two giant holographic spheres floated in the middle of the room, like giant soap bubbles. One was a translucent model of the Earth. It rotated slowly while a bright red star glowed where Steele City was located, on the eastern US seaboard. Floating above the Earth were over one hundred emerald dots, each one representing one of the Green Lanterns who collectively were enforcing the blockade on the diseased planet.
The other globe represented Tamaran, which was surrounded by what appeared to be thousands of red dots, all of which were in geosynchronous orbit around the planet's equator, forming an artificial ring around the planet. The model showed a steady flow of red dots rising from the planet's surface, each one representing a Sunfire corvette, a small vessel with a crew of five and armed with laser cannons and torpedoes. On an individual basis they would be no match for a single Green Lantern, but there about three hundred corvettes for each of the Guardians' emerald knights.
Galfore sat on his throne with a scowl on his face. While the numbers were clearly in his favor he knew that the Green Lantern Corps were not to be trifled with, which is why he had assembled his best generals and other officers, each of which was, in turn, giving the Grand Ruler his or her best sales pitch on a strategy with which to defeat the Green Lanterns and forcefully extract Starfire and her daughter from the quarantined planet, using the floating holograms to demonstrate their plans. None of the presenters included Nightwing in the rescue plans and that suited Galfore just fine as he watched simulation after simulation. All of the proposed plans had weaknesses and drawbacks, which did not go unnoticed by the former knorfka. The Justice League would be of no help, as they agreed that the planet should be quarantined but who would only tolerate Earth's destruction once all its inhabitants had perished.
What also didn't escape his sharp eye was a violet colored dot that suddenly appeared, which was an indication that it had just dropped out of hyperspace and entered into orbit over the marble patterned planet. Galfore raised his hand, shushing the current presenter, a young woman with a hook where her left hand used to be. She fell silent as he rose from his throne and pointed at the purple dot, which had already been intercepted by a few dozen Sunfires.
"What is SHE doing here?" He grumbled.
"Shall we repel her?" The woman with the hook asked in voice that betrayed her eagerness. "I would be honored to do so myself."
"No, General … allow her to land … I will deal with her myself. Have her brought to me as soon as she touches down, I wish to have words with her."
The female general bowed politely, after which she shut down her simulation and rushed out of the Great Hall. Galfore sat down on his throne and frowned once again. She had a knack for appearing at the most inopportune moments.
He didn't have to wait long, as within minutes the ear shattering fanfare of Tamaranian trumpets echoed in the Great Hall as the uninvited guest arrived, greeting her with an honor she relished though she did not deserve it. She charged into the hall as though she owned the place and marched straight to Galfore, stopping before him. Her face was adorned with a scar on her left cheek that was almost eclipsed by the smirk that was plastered on it.
"Kommand'r, your banishment has not been revoked. Why are you here?"
Blackfire's eyes were as cold as ice. "I have returned to serve Tamaran."
"You serve no one but yourself."
"That is usually the truth, but today I am here to serve our kingdom in its time of need."
"You make it sound like we are beggars. We have no need of your assistance."
"I disagree."
"How so? Will you commit some form of fraud against the Green Lanterns? What will you steal from them? Or have you come to betray Tamaran to Oa in exchange for being appointed the Grand Ruler?"
"No, Galfore, I have come to share my wisdom with you."
"And what would that be? What knowledge do you wish to share with me?"
"It's quite simple: Do not rescue her."
Galfore's eyes flared with indignation.
"Are you saying that we abandon her to her fate with the wretched humans?"
"Abandon her? In case you have forgotten, she was offered safe passage off of that blue marble called Earth and she refused it." She whispered as she leaned over and whispered into his ear.
"That is supposed to be a secret. How did you know?" He seethed.
"I have my ways." She sneered.
Galfore glared at the dark haired princess. "You are a source of never ending trouble."
"Me? It was Koriand'r who refused the Green Lanterns' offer of safe passage. And why? Because she took that puny human as her mate, instead of choosing one of our own people."
The old knorfka growled in a nearly sub audible tone. "I will never understand why she chose him … but we cannot leave her there. If the humans do not find a cure for their plague their world will be destroyed, and Koriand'r will perish with it."
Blackfire sat down on the Grand Ruler's lap. She smiled sweetly at him while she stroked his hirsute ear. "This is a battle we cannot win." She cooed.
"I disagree, the Lanterns are not invincible."
"Even if we win, the casualties will be staggering. It is too high a price to pay." She blew into his ear.
Galfore pushed her away. "Your sister's death will not get you back on the throne."
"You think I don't know that? But tell me, who will lead this rescue? General Kessa'd? She was promised to him since birth, now that she has married Nightwing, he has no incentive or desire to rescue her. And he is our best general."
"He is not our best general … I am."
"You aren't serious, Galfore? Sure, in your prime you were a great warrior, but you are far too old to …"
"BE SILENT, KOMMAND'R!" He bellowed. "This does not concern you, for you are a traitor! Guards! Escort the princess to her ship and make sure she departs immediately!"
She smirked as the guards grabbed her arms.
"That's going to be a problem, Galfore dear. You see, my ship isn't space worthy, and right now there is no one available to repair it, since we are preparing for war. I could fly out under my own power, but with all those nasty Green Lanterns coming and going."
A frustrated sigh escaped Galfore's lips. "Fine, you may stay … but I do not interfere! If you do, I will have you thrown into the dungeon!"
A young officer approached Galfore. "Grand Ruler, I can keep an eye on her."
Galfore looked at the young man, a mere lieutenant. "You are Frassa'd, correct?"
"Yes sir."
"Fine, whatever you do, don't let her out of your sight."
"As you command, Grand Ruler."
Blackfire frowned before heading for the exit. Frassa'd ran after her. Galfore shook his head, then gestured to the general to continue with her presentation. A pair of guards opened a giant double door through which they passed. As soon as the princess and her escort were alone she turned around and kissed Frassa'd. A wicked grin appeared on her face.
"I knew his vanity would get the best of him. He's going to lead the attack against the lanterns. The fool will die! And if we are lucky so will my sister and then …"
"You will once again be the Grand Ruler, milady."
"Yes, I will … don't you love happy endings, Frassa'd?"
"I live to serve you, princess."
"And a good thing, too. It's been over a month since I last got laid. Come, Frassa'd, your duty to your princess calls."
-( scene break )-
A pair of gray hands carefully folded the tiny baby clothes, which they packed into a suitcase. Her face did not betray the turmoil she was feeling. While she would take off her mask for her spouse, she wouldn't do it for anyone else … not even for herself. She closed the suitcase just as her husband entered the room.
"Our ride is here … are you ready?"
"I suppose I'm as ready as I'll ever be."
The changeling picked up the suitcase and wrapping an arm around her, he led her out of the room. Once in the hallway she stopped dead in her tracks and stared back at the room they shared.
"Something wrong?" He asked.
"I don't know … I guess I'm wondering if I'll ever see our room again."
"Hey … we're gonna find that vaccine and everything's gonna be fine, you'll see … come on, let's go."
They exited the building and locked it behind them. Another limo waited for them at the curb, this time it was an ordinary car for hire and the driver, a young Hispanic man, was already loading their luggage into the trunk. The door to the passenger compartment was already open and as they drew near they could distinguish a silhouette through the heavily tinted windows. Gar held Raven's hand as she boarded first and was followed by her husband.
"Good Morning, Logans!" Alexa greeted them. "Ready to go save the world?"
"Been there, done that." Raven replied in the driest of monotones.
Alexa ignored her remark and instead focused on the green toddler who was sitting on her lap. Mark had suddenly become very bashful with the Logans' arrival and buried his face into her bosom as the limo pulled away. She pulled him away and turned him around so that he was facing Gar.
"Marky, you don't need to be shy. Do you remember who this is?"
The child smiled, but didn't speak.
"You know who I am, little guy, don't you?"
"You're my daddy!" He blurted out. Garfield lifted him under his arms and transferred him to his own lap, kissing him on the crown of his head.
"You got that right, little buddy. What kind of animals can you be?"
"I can be a bunny."
"What else?"
Alexa leaned forward, placing a hand on Gar's forearm while Raven watched with vigilant eyes.
"He only began to morph a few months ago. He did do a cat and a dog once, but he really seems to like rabbits."
Gar picked him up and raised him until they were face to face. The nuzzled noses and the boy giggled.
"I'm gonna teach you how to morph into all kinds of animals, champ. You'll see."
Raven closed her eyes. It was going to be a long trip.
-( scene break )-
The video feed was cut and Jordon's scowling face disappeared. Nightwing stared at the now blank screen.
"Kori … why?"
"Do you even need to ask?"
"I don't believe this, are you really too proud to accept help from the Green Lantern Corps?"
"It is not a question of pride."
"Then what?"
Nightwing nearly gasped when he saw the look on her face. That Starfire was an alien was not a secret, everyone knew that. But it was easy to forget; even though her complexion looked like an artificial tan gone bad and her eyes had a faint green glow to them. She was so lovely, so beautiful and above all, so sweet and kind that one could be forgiven for thinking of her as human. But she was not human. Her race, unlike humans from Earth, descended from fierce feline like creatures. And deep inside of the princess lurked a predator, a creature that much like Beast Boy's 'Beast' and Raven's four eyed alter ego, she kept hidden and under wraps. But now her true essence was on the surface, and for a brief moment Grayson did not recognize his wife.
"The Lanterns … they did not come to our aide when the Citadel attacked. They claim that it was because of a treaty signed eons before with the Psions, one that forbade them entry to the Vega system. When we called for help they did not come, and now, they are threatening to destroy the Earth."
"Kori … they have no other choice. If the plague gets off of Earth, if other worlds are infected, trillions … quadrillions could die. And they promised to only destroy the Earth only after all life has perished."
"I cannot be infected. Tamaranians are immune to all forms of the HIV virus."
"Then why are you staying? You should take our daughter and leave while you still can."
She frowned at him.
"When I was betrothed to Glrrrdlsklech, you did not forsake me, though that is what you should have done. Had I lost the challenge against my sister she would have executed all of you along with me. And yet you stayed with me. Now that I am your spouse do you really expect me to abandon you here on Earth? I know that you would not leave, even though there is nothing that you can do to help. You are a man of deep honor, Richard Grayson. You would never flee to save yourself. And even though I am your wife, I would not ask you to leave."
"But Kori, once we humans die, the Lanterns will destroy the Earth, and you and Nightstar with it."
"We will die with you."
"No! Listen Star, you and Mar'i are going to leave now."
"We will do no such thing."
"Galfore is coming for you, and he won't take no for an answer, that is if he can get past the Lanterns, which I doubt. Do you have any idea of how many deaths there will be?"
"As I already told you, we are a warrior race. And if we are defeated, we will lose with our honor intact."
"There is no 'if', Kori. The Lanterns will win, and Galfore will probably die. If you are trapped on Earth, who do you think will take over on Tamaran?"
He princess's eyes widened with alarm. "I did not consider that."
"You know you have to leave, Kori. There is no other way."
She pursed her lips as the bitter truth sank in.
"I will go, but only if you come with me."
"I can't."
"But there is nothing you can do here."
"I'll go help enforce the quarantine. That should buy time for Garfield and the other scientists."
"Then I will stay too."
"No, you have to take Mar'i to safety. She is half human and she might be vulnerable to the virus … Star … if you won't do it for me, do it for her."
She frowned at him. "You fight dirty."
"I know … and I'm sorry."
Grayson went back to the console and his fingers danced across the console. Within seconds Jordan's masked face reappeared on the screen.
"Is there still time?"
Hal smiled. "I see that you made her come to her senses."
"She did that on her own." Grayson glared through his own mask. Jordan nodded.
"Three to teleport." The Lantern intoned.
"No, just two. I'm staying."
"Nightwing, we already discussed this, you need to come."
"I can't, now take them before it's too late."
"As you wish, Grayson."
Dick hugged his wife and daughter. "No matter what happens, I'll always love both of you with all my heart."
"I love you too, my …"
Starfire's reply was interrupted as they began to sparkle and were teleported away. Grayson stared at the spot where they were standing, which suddenly looked as empty as he was feeling. With a bitter expression on his face he turned away.
"Time to get to work." He mumbled to himself.
-( scene break )-
The limo stopped in front of a guarded gate at the airport's private plane section. The entrance was nondescript, with an ordinary looking booth and a simple arm like barrier. A small sign next to the booth read "Private Property, LuthCorp, No Trespassing". A stone faced guard emerged from the booth, looking unhappy at being disturbed from his perch. The driver rolled down his window and handed the guard an id card, which he swiped through a portable card reader. A green LED lit up on the handheld device and he handed the card back to the driver, giving him subtle nod, after which he raised the gate and the limo passed through the entrance.
The car's next stop was in front of a gleaming corporate jet. A stewardess was standing next to the entrance hatch, smiling. Her name tag read "L. Jones". After opening the passenger door the driver moved their luggage to the jet's cargo hold. Alexa led the way and they stopped at the jet's door.
"Good Evening, Dr. Pontone. Hello Marky. I see we have company today."
"That we do Lisa. Dr. Logan and Dr. Roth will be travelling with us to Metropolis. Please tend to their every need, especially for Mrs. Logan."
Lisa Jones smiled at Raven, doing her best to not look at her swollen belly. "We're anticipating a smooth flight, Dr. Roth. You just sit back and relax, and I will take care of everything."
The woman was smooth, Raven remarked in her mind. She made no mention of her condition.
"Thank you, Miss …" Raven glanced at her nametag. "Jones."
Lisa gestured for her passengers to board. Once inside she led them to their seats. She gave Mark a cookie and told them that they were cleared to depart. She closed the hatch and told the cockpit crew that they were ready to go. She buckled herself into her seat in the galley and within minutes the jet was roaring down the runway.
As soon as they were airborne and had reached cruising altitude she unbuckled herself and emerged from the galley, ready to check on her passengers. To her surprise she found Raven in her seat, cross legged in the lotus position. She gave Garfield an inquisitive look.
"Rave doesn't like flying in airplanes, the last time we were in a jet, it was shot down. I know it's kind of odd, because she can fly on her own. Anyway, she'll probably meditate until we get to Metropolis."
"I see … can I get you anything, Dr. Logan?"
The changeling grinned. "How about some more cookies? I think Mark and I need to have a cookie eating contest!"
Lisa laughed. "I have a whole box in the galley. I'll be right back."
-( scene break )-
Things were not looking so good in Nevermore. While the skies in the real world were clear and free of turbulence, it was a very different scene in Raven's mind. The sky overhead was dark and cloudy, with occasional flashes of lightning. Raven took in the scene around her and frowned.
"Great, it's even worse than I thought." She grumbled.
"What did you expect to find? A scene from 'My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic'?" A guttural voice boomed from behind her. Raven didn't need to turn around to see who it was, but she did anyway.
"I thought we agreed to not talk about that anymore." Raven hissed at the red caped, four eyed emoticlone.
"You know how pathetic you are, Raven? Even your secrets are lame. Real women have juicy and tawdry secrets. Like having an affair with Nightwing behind Starfire's back while you were engaged to the green bean. Now that would be hot. But no, your shameful secret is that you're a Brony. Lame-o!"
"That's all you think about, having sex with Nightwing."
"Why not? The man's got it where it counts, have you seen the size of his package when he wears his tights? Of course you have! I can only see what you see … and what I feel … you feel. Right?"
"This is a pointless topic of discussion … we have a real problem, in case you've forgotten."
"You mean the hussy? Sure, I agree. She shows up, jiggling her jello and shaking her booty and just makes herself at home with our man. And why? Just because he knocked her up? She's a whore and we know it."
"For once, we agree. So what do you propose we do?" Raven asked.
"I say we keep it simple. We gut her, then cut her head off and mount it on a pike. That'll keep any future interlopers away. Oh, and after that we have a roll in the hay with Grayson to celebrate!"
"As usual, your counsel is idiotic." Another voice interrupted.
"Oh great, it's the insufferable know it all." Rage grumbled.
"What good would it do to murder Alexa?" Wisdom asked as she materialized in front of Raven and Rage.
"Well, for starters, it would feel good to carve her up like a Thanksgiving turkey."
"And we would become murderers." Wisdom retorted.
"I don't see a problem with that."
"Garfield would hate us if we did that." Timid piped up.
"Shut your yap, you wussie. You're the reason we never got laid in college." Rage flared.
Raven cleared her throat. "Pointless fantasies aside, what should we do about Alexa? We're going to be living in close quarters with her for who knows how long, while she uses Mark to get close to Gar."
"You have nothing to fear, Raven. Garfield has sworn himself to us." Love interjected.
"Yeah, right, he totally prefers this:"
Rage morphed herself into a grotesquely exaggerated pregnant shape.
"To this:" Her figure turned into a perfect replica of Alexa's shape.
"Our pregnancy is a temporary condition. Once Coraline is born we will resume our old form and will more than easily hold our own against her." Wisdom remarked.
"Have you ever looked at yourself in a mirror? We're short, our boobs and hips are too big, and we're freaking gray with purple hair." Another emoticlone, this one was Insecurity, screeched. "If we weren't so weird we'd be the ultimate plain Jane."
"Hey, we got the goods. Gar wants to bang us every night, sometimes more than once!" The Pride emoticlone shouted. "And he howls like a wild animal when we do it. Plain Jane my ass! We just touch him and he gets a boner, a really big one."
"QUIET!" Raven shouted. The emoticlones fell silent, even Rage became subdued. "I need real advice, not this intramural bull shit." She turned to Wisdom. "So, what is your advice?"
"We should trust our husband. He vowed to be faithful to us and we have no reason to doubt him … however …"
"However what?" Rage snarled.
"The boy. He is Garfield's son. We have to accept him."
"In case you forgot … HE'S HER EFFING KID!" The Jealousy emoticlone shouted.
"Hear, hear!" Rage added.
"Yes, he is Alexa's son, but if we reject the boy we will open a door for Alexa to draw our husband away from us." Wisdom continued. "She is using the boy for that purpose. She wants to exploit our greatest weakness." She glanced at Rage, who stuck her tongue out at her.
"I don't know if I can accept the boy as my own." Raven sighed.
"You don't have to accept him as your son; just don't be hostile to him."
"I was hoping that we'd come up with something better than that." Raven moaned as she felt as if she was being shaken.
Raven, wake up
The gray sorceress opened her eyes. She looked out one of the windows and saw that they approaching the runway. They were in Metropolis.
Now the real challenge was about to begin.
-( scene break )-
I almost made a big goof in this chapter. I was going to use Lisa Ashmore again. I really like Lisa; I made her up in The Joker's Shadow. The thing is I almost forgot that I already killed her off earlier in the story (oops!).
So now it's time for the mailbag. 34 reviews. I'm touched!
chica13 – Thanks for reviewing. I'm glad you like the story.
checkit789 – Lex has a certain arrogance that makes him endearing.
TheDarkChangeling – I apologize, I was busy and had a bad case of writer's block.
Glacier – You're not the only one who thinks Mark isn't really his son.
EP – I hate it when my ISP goes down!
gabylokita41 – Poor Marky, he is a sweet kid, it's not his fault that Raven isn't his mother
TW – Nightwing put his foot down. But now the two sisters are back together, which is never a good thing.
Katie – I like BBRae stories too, but you never would have guessed that, right?
RobStar243 – Things appear to have calmed down on Tamaran, for now.
SuperNolon - Well, the war has been averted … at least for now.
DeeThom – It's like life, yo never know what you're gonna get.
Maddielove95 - She did, very reluctantly.
Adventuresstime - I hope you liked this chapter.
Katt In The Boxx – I think Raven might also be wondering about Mark being able to talk.
TJSC25 – Spoiler, there will be a showdown with Rage, but it won't turn out the way you might think it will. And Raven is a bit prudish, for her, sex is too intimate to engage in casually.
Hairul The Nightrage Beast – I know, it's hard to come up with a truly original idea, because there are so many other writers.
Death Stroke The Kid – I'm so glad you think that way. This confirms that the story is far better than the original.
Sweetums14 – I still haven't seen that movie.
Xxmatriarch – You were bored! I'm wounded!
JOHNXgambit – Maybe a steam shovel would be better
krostovikraven1 – Rage is biding her time. She is one horny little emoticlone, isn't she?
Anoymous136 – Alexa is a scientist and she works for Luthor to boot.
Bluedog197 – Alexa does come across as Terra's long lost sister. She's just a lot hotter than Terra!
Wolf of IndigoRiver – In the comics there is some "history" between the Green Lanterns and Tamaran
Dvasapolli - I'm not that good, but thanks!
ToraHimeSama – The butt kicking will come, oh it will.
Kidstandout - I can't imagine would trust her
WishToBeYouSomeday – The war has been averted, for now
elixxxrAngel - Living in an underground lab can't be fun.
St Rhon – I never really got into the Green Lantern stories. They do seem kind of stuck up. I like Kilowog though!
Dragonkyng – That would be interesting
Chayse-man – You are so forgiving!
titanfan45 – There is a level of tension building up. Alexa is playing her cards carefully though
js12601 - I like writing little chats between the Chromatically Challenged Couple™