Chapter 9. Takin' Care Of Business
Day 5
Planet Almerac - City of Potentoris - Hour of Deximus
Peace Negotiations were programmed to start on this day. In two hours the opening ceremony would take place.
The five members of the Justice League present on Almerac knew nothing more than they did four days ago about the whereabouts of their Trinity team.
All they had were suspicions about Maxima's involvement, though they couldn't figure how. They certainly could come up with a lot of reasons why, the main of which was that Almerac's ruler was crazy and obsessed with Superman. Still, this was too far fetched even for her.
"Guys, should we consider their deaths as an option," asked Shayera with a timid voice.
"No," Adam replied.
"No way," Green Lantern said, agreeing with Adam.
"Don't even say that," Zee said.
"Not them. Not yet. It's still too early and we haven't found any debris or indications that the Javelin was destroyed," said the Martian, trying to apply logic and a cool head.
"Amongst palace personnel rumor spread that they might have been attacked by pirates. They say that route is well known for that," Strange pointed.
"This is Superman and Wonder Woman we're talking about, and our best strategist, the always cheerful Batman. One dose of the infamous Bat-glare is enough to send them home calling their mommies with their pants wet and nightmares for a month." There was a hint of sarcasm in Zee's voice.
"Don't joke in times like these, Zee," Hawkgirl stopped her.
"Sorry, Shay. I always do that when I'm nervous."The sorceress lowered her eyes.
"I've said that the whole 'let's help Maxima' thing was a bad idea from the very beginning, haven't I," pointed John Stewart.
"You have" answered Zatanna. "As you have repeatedly pointed out. How about a useful contribution, for a change?"
"Please, stop your diatribes against each other! I've had enough of both of you during our journey here," the Martian chided them, pinching his nose between his eyes.
"I can't find my guitar anywhere. Had to do something to pass the time it took us to get here." Stewart shrugged, defending himself.
"We've run out of time and excuses to stay here investigating the disappearance of our team mates." '
J'onn ignored him. "Still, we have only one clue, and it is here, on Almerac, we need more time so we can follow it."
"Any luck trying to scan their minds," asked Shayera.
"Maxima's mind is very strong, and her psionic abilities shielded her from my attempts to read her mind. The rest of the court members know nothing. The only thing I could find out is that one of their scout ships was also lost around the same time our Javelin disappeared." J'onn had a frown obscuring his usually serene features.
"That's not very reassuring," said Green Lantern "Do you think both disappearances are connected?"
"If J'onn doesn't, I do," Adam Strange added with a sardonic tone "It seems some of Maxima's key personnel have been relocated in the past three days. Hastily."
"To prevent them from being scanned by J'onn, no doubt," added Zee. "We must confront that bitch!"
"So she can deny it and risk a diplomatic incident with the Peace Negotiations this close," said J'onn, shaking his head.
"The moods are pretty volatile between the two delegations as it is, it would be like adding a flame to a gas leak," informed Shayera with a worried tone. "Our best bet is to play it smoothly"
"How about this," Lantern suddenly said. "We are the replacements of our missing comrades, right? So, we take over their duties regarding the peace talks: J'onn fills in Diana's diplomatic position, Zee as security advisor, instead of Batman, and I, as representative of the Guardians of the Universe, assure the good will and fairness of the negotiations." Looking down at Zatanna, he added, "Is that useful enough for you?"
"That could work. We can continue our digging while keeping a close eye on the whole process and, especially, our venerable Queen." J'onn's face started to relax.
"Me? Security? Hmm...Alright." Zatanna shrugged. "I can cast a spell over their weapons to prevent both sides from using them against each other. I saw it in an episode of Star Trek." She held up her right hand, making a 'V' between her middle and fourth fingers. In spite of her doubts, she was determined to keep the Peace Conference peaceful. "Hey!, why can't I be in charge of diplomacy?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?" John looked to all the present members "Anybody?"
"Enough you two," Shayera scolded both of them. "Give poor J'onn a break. I have to go back to the Thanagarian delegation. John, behave like an adult. Zee...just don't pay attention to what John has to say."
"I have to meet Rann's representatives before the talks begin," said Strange, heading to the door.
"We three must go to see the Queen to inform her about our new roles," and looking to the ceiling J'onn added. "May H'ronmeer have mercy upon us all"
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Potentoris - Royal Palace - The Queen's Chambers
"A telepath," Maxima spat with disgust. "Of all the League members they had to send that damn green telepath! Fortunately, they couldn't find anything and will be going back to that excuse of a planet they inhabit! Still, I had to get rid of Suupra and all the rest. Their weak minds were an open book for the Martian vermin to read. I need my most important advisor to deal with the upcoming conferences!" The Queen was talking to herself, completely oblivious of Lord Brega, who was trying to soothe her.
"Please, Exalted One, the negotiations are about to start, and you need to meet the main delegates of both governments before the opening ceremony."
"We are not pleased, Brega! Not at all!" Maxima gave him a menacing look. "And when we are not pleased, bad things start to happen to the people around us! Mead Page!"
"Exalted One, I beg thee! No more mead until after the ceremony! We are sitting on a time bomb as it is," Brega wiped his forehead.
"Are you questioning the Queen's ability to hold her liquor? Be very careful with your choice of words!" After releasing a heavy sigh, she said, "Perhaps you are right." Refusing the glass of mead, she continued, "The present negotiations need a fresh and calm head." The stateswoman was taking over the spoiled brat. Brega, as most of the court personnel, never ceased to amaze watching this transformation. "I'm sorry, my friend. I'm having a difficult time, I have to deal with a few bad decisions I've made, none of which concerns you or the Peace conference." Straightening her back and head held high she said, "Please, tell the delegates we will be meeting them at once"
"Of course, Exalted One." 'Did she just called me FRIEND? Sorry? Please? Did she say 'please'!?' Brega asked himself in disbelief. As he was on his way out, the Schedule Keeper was coming into the Royal chambers making a reverence.
"Excuse me, Exalted One. There are people from the Justice League here to see you. I told them you have no time for them, but they insisted..."
"It's alright. They want to say good bye, it's protocol. Let them in," Maxima was almost smiling at the thought that she wouldn't have to see them again.
Entering the chambers Zatanna, taking a bow like the rest of her team mates, said
"Greetings, Exalted One."
"Greetings Leaguers. It is Our understanding that you are here to bid Us farewell," Maxima confidently pointed.
"Eeeer...not exactly, Exalted One," intervened J'onn. "We're here to inform you that we are taking charge of our missing colleagues' duties, and we will assist you with the Peace Negotiations in the same capacity they were."
"What the...what do you mean by that!?" The Queen's confident smile turned into a shocked mug. "I thought you were here to investigate the disappearance of the members of the Trinity team, nothing more."
"It's the policy of the Justice League never to leave a mission unfinished." This time Green Lantern spoke "And, as mind boggling and painful as our comrades loss is to all of us, there's a job here to finish. We know it's not the same personnel you've requested, the Trinity team is as special to us as it is to you, but we, the Triad team, are as prepared to face our responsibilities as they were. On the plus side, you'll have the support and advice of the League AND the Guardians of the Universe, of which I am a representative, Exalted One."
The mention of the Guardians left Maxima no choice but to abide with the decision and agree with the replacement, in order to put any suspicions to rest.
"We see. We hope you are aware of your duties. With the Talks already upon us, Our personnel has no time to put you up to speed. These negotiations are essential to achieve a long lasting peace in our sector and We won't tolerate any interference from your part," the Queen warned them.
"Rest assured, Exalted One, our presence will only be noticed when needed or when you require our assistance. In the past four days we've became familiar with the situation," J'onn explained.
"And we still have our people in both sides of the delegations to stay ahead of any inconvenience, should it arise," Zatanna added.
"Good. We are very lucky to have the League's assistance even in such dire circumstances. You better be leaving to attend to your tasks. We have to meet with the delegations," The monarch dismissed them.
"Of course, Exalted One. With your permission." With another bow they retired.
It was time for Maxima to explode...
Strangely, she was very calm about the news. She gestured her chamber aids to bring her cape. One last look at her gorgeous reflection in the mirror, and, satisfied with what she saw, she headed out to her meeting. "It's not important. A minor set back. Actually, the help of the League will prove useful during the Peace process. Almerac needs peace between these two powerful allies, or sooner than later they will drag the entire sector into their conflict. My planet won't be involved in a war we didn't start. That's unthinkable. I must focus on the negotiations. Suupra is still looking for our missing vessel, which, in time, will lead us to find where the explosion of Kal-El's ship took place. If we can't find them, the Justice League has no chance to do it. They do not possess all the intel we have."
As she was approaching the delegates and their entourage, Brega whispered to her ear, "Rann's ambassador's name is Voraten and his Thanagarian counterpart is Setel-Kur."
Maxima was a vision in white with a flaming cascade of red hair on top. A broad smile appeared on her full lips as she greeted both dignitaries
"My Lord Kur, my Lord Voraten. Is so good have you both here..." The protocolar pleasantries continued for a while.
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
Outside the Royal Palace
The three Justice League members couldn't believe how easy that was. They were expecting endless arguments over the replacement and, most of all, their permanence on Almerac.
"That was suspiciously uneventful." Zatanna voiced her two companions thoughts, as well as hers.
"Not to look a gift horse in the mouth, but yes. I'm more worried about this than any display of temper from her part," said Lantern.
"One step at the time," J'onn told them. "We've gained more time to snoop around. For now, let's carry on with the opening ceremony. I'll inform Shayera and Adam of the news and we'll reunite in the Javelin, which seems to be the safest place, after the reception." Turning to Zee, he asked, "Zatanna, how are you doing with the security arrangements?"
"Uuuh...the spell over their weapons is in place, so no harm will come from there. Another is at work on every insect and small creature so they alert me of any 'disturbance in the Force', so to speak," Zee explained.
"The For...? You've got to be kidding me, Jedi Mistress," snorted John.
"I'm amazed the Guardians didn't tell you about the intimate bond every living creature has with each other. Call it what you may, but we, homo magi, are very aware of it. Any violent feeling, including love, hate, fear, desire, etcetera, can trigger a manifestation and, if you know where to look, you can pinpoint it and prevent the possible consequences if they are potentially prejudicial, as in this case," informed Zee.
"And why didn't it work on Maxima, may I ask," replied John.
"Maxima is a constant turmoil of violent emotions, which changes endlessly, like a crazy compass turning around all the time, franticly, never pointing north but only for an instant. Very hard to read, you know, wise guy?" She turned her back to him.
"Hmmm," Lantern grunted.
They were approaching the 'Ancestral Hall', an enormous, magnificent building, shaped as an onion's half, ivory and gold in color, in which the Opening Ceremony and the Peace Negotiations would take place.
A navy blue carpet leaded to the entrance, flanked by a dozen guards, in their dress uniforms of black and silver, with particle guns pointing up as a warning.
In the distance, they could see a floating platform, carrying the Queen and the head delegates of both sides. Protocol demanded that they enter last, after everyone was already in place, so they were approaching really slowly.
"Giving a perfect target for an enemy to aim at." The idea came to Green Lanterns head just before they saw a projectile coming towards the platform at great speed. "Heads up," he shouted as he and J'onn took to the air in its direction.
"Oh, my God! Oh my God," mused the young sorceress. Pointing her forefinger to the missile she said, "OG PU!" and the device raised its nose upwards, detouring from the collision course with the dignitaries.
Lantern encased it in a bubble of green energy right when the artifact detonated, but J'onn and Maxima had already pushed the platform to safety.
As they were landing the platform carefully on the blue carpet, John shouted to Zatanna, "What the fruck happened with the 'disturbances in the force', Princess Leia?!"
"I don't know, dammit! I-don't-know!" The confusion in her face was evident.