Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman VS the Ring of Death
Hippolyta blinked as her plane broke through the clouds. She had seen her home, her paradise, many times. She never grew tired of it. The planes engine was a dull roar in the background as she steadied herself and mentally ordered the landing gear down.
She never saw the first volley. Arrows, hundreds of them, pierced the fuselage and tore through the wings. Suffering Sappho! The engine sputtered as the fuel lines were punctured. Hundreds of thoughts flashed through her mind. Had they been invaded?
Concentrating, the queen of the Amazons forced the plane down, narrowly avoiding the next volley. Thinking quickly, she undid her seat belt and frantically tore at her seat cushion. Thick smoke poured out of the engine as the propeller began to slow. Tearing the canopy away, Hippolyta wrapped herself in the cloth, rendering her invisible to any watchers.
She jumped. The water was cold and hard as she splashed against it, but it was still preferable than staying in the plane. The invisible craft crashed into the beach. Taking a deep breath, Hippolyta dived under the waves and swam towards a hidden grotto known only to her.
Surfacing minutes later, she climbed onto dry land and took stock of her options. Either Themyscria fell to a foreign attack, the mere thought almost made her laugh. Or else the enemy was already here.
The list of suspects was short. The Bana have always been ambitious, but I never thought them capable of treason. Or perhaps that outsider Prince? Both thoughts were troubling. I have to find the truth. If the culprits were who she thought they were, then the answer was still clear, though no less troubling.
~WW
Exiting the cave, Hippolyta looked around. The woods were empty. By itself, not an oddity (as she exited near the royal palace and thus the grounds were considered private) but the utter lack of life was startling. She heard no birds, saw no fresh tracks of any game, but off in the distance she heard a sound that once brought comfort. Now it only served to heighten her tension.
She heard the sound of metal clanking.
Warriors? She carefully moved through the dense brush. Moving a branch, she spied several members of her palace guard dueling with several members of the Bana. It did not seem to be a friendly match.
So, do you rebels yield? The lead Bana sneered. The way she held her spear suggested she was not in a mood to listen even if quarter was asked.
You traitors know our answer! Phillipus spat as she drew her knife.
Hippolyta could do many things, but she couldnt stand by and allow her sisters to die. Halt!
The weapons from both sides were dropped. Your majesty! The Bana dropped to their knees. The other Amazons stood their ground, with expressions of confusion and pain on their faces. We are pleased to see you healthy and whole The lead Bana began, but a harsh glare from the queen silenced her.
What is the meaning of this? Hippolyta toed a fallen sword. Why do you fight in this place?
Phillipus raised her eyebrow. These fools, she pointed to the Bana, are under the impression that you ordered Antiope to take your throne and hunt down the dissenters.
What? The color drained from her face. How did this come about?
You told them. Phillipus spat, staining Hippolytas breastplate.
Impossible! I only arrived here moments ago.
General, we did hear the arrows retort. A younger Amazon, her name escaping Hippolyta at the moment, meekly spoke. Its possible shes the true queen.
Phillipuss face darkened. I was there! I saw you, heard you with my own ears!
As did we all. The lead Bana stepped forward. Hippolyta was stunned at just how young the woman was. But now, Im not so sure.
Oh, really Artemis? Now you speak for her? Phillipus turned her fury towards the younger fighter. Moments ago you were trying to take our heads for that pretender!
Quiet! Hippolyta ordered. Both sides ceased their quarrel. Tell me, the both of you, what has transpired since I was last here?
Phillipus spoke fist. Nothing good. Your sister Antiope assumed the throne and has had all voice of protest silenced. Anyone who disagrees is sent to Reform Island. There are even rumors, she glared daggers at Artemis, that we Amazons are to leave this land and enter into Mans World.
What? Hippolyta was stunned. What reason?
Why, to conquer, why else? Artemis seemed genuinely confused. You gave a speech not an hour ago.
Hippolyta fumed. And tell me, was I still there?
Aye Phillipus interrupted. We had come to see her, you, speak when she denounced us and ordered the Bana to make an example of us.
Hippolyta looked over both groups. Perhaps I was too hasty in venturing to Mans World. Drawing her lasso to her, she discarded other weapons. Hear me my sisters. A grave injustice has been committed here, and I shall not stand for it.
Phillipus stepped forward and knelt. The golden thread in Hippolytas hands convinced her. Tears ran down her face. My Queen!
Arise my general. Looking over both groups, she nodded. I ask that you both stay here. There is a hidden cave beyond those trees. Go there and await my signal. If I fail to return, know that I am dead.
She turned and left without another word. Artemis gazed in utter wonder at the queens retreating figure. That was the real queen, wasnt it?
Aye, it was. Phillipuss gaze mournfully followed the younger Banas. May the gods watch over you my Queen.
~H
Hippolyta moved unmolested through the city. Streets were deserted and stalls stood empty. Off towards the palace, she could hear the feint murmur of a crowd. Picking up the pace, she raced through the empty streets. With her speed, she quickly found herself staring into a scene of pure horror.
She was standing on a platform addressing a crowd. Except that she knew she couldnt be, as she standing in the street. The double angrily denounced Mans World and praised Antiope. When she began to call forth volunteers to hunt down Amazons she deemed traitors, Hippolyta could stand no more. Enough!
Her voice was enough to silence the entire crowd. The silence only lasted a second as her presence sent a ripple throughout the crowd, ending at the dais. Antiope was quick to point fingers. See? They have already sent a spy to try and discredit your Queen! Guards! Armed Bana rushed forward, but even they halted when Hippolyta held the Golden Lasso up for all to see.
If I be the imposter, why do I have this and not her? Hippolyta demanded. The crowd easily parted before her as she stormed towards her sister. There is a simple way to prove my worth!
With a flick of her wrist, Hippolyta ensnared the backpedaling double with the magical length of rope. The faux queen went slack and spoke, in English, to the crowd. My name is Diana Prince. I crash-landed here. Antiope used magic to disguise me as your queen and turn power over to her.
The crowd gasped. Antiope stepped forward, smiling boldly. Aye, I admit it! She tore the phony crown from her head and crumpled it into a ball. But why shouldnt I rule? I at least stay here, while you sister! She stormed towards Hippolyta and jabbed her in the chest. You run around like a foolish mortal in Mans World! Have you forgotten the evils that have been committed upon us?
Hippolyta gripped Antiopes hand. A quick squeeze was enough to make her sibling wince and step away. Turning towards the crowd, Hippolyta bowed. My sister is wrong in her actions, yes, but she does have a point. I suppose you wonder why I have spent time there, when I should be here ruling.
Many in the crowd agreed with her, but many more stayed silent. I have been busy in Mans World, but my reasons are more complex than Antiope says. Hippolyta continued. She began to speak about her last adventure, drawing the crowd in closer as she spun her tale. Even Antiope found herself listening to the story.
~WW
Several hours ago
Wonder Woman leaned back as her plane took to the air. Fighting Dr. Poison had raised many questions. What am I going to do about Diana Prince? Her thoughts drifted back to Dr. Poison. How can such a fiend run rampant in this world? I bet with a few months of loving submission, she would easily devote her genius to helping the sick.
A burst of static over the radio interrupted her. The plane dropped a few feet as she forced herself to concentrate on the task at hand. Ever since she had rescued the man Darnell, she had given Steve Trevor a special radio code to use when contacting her.
She hadnt flown more than a few miles when she got his message. Flipping a switch on the console, she drew part of her mind towards Trevor. What do you require?
Several miles away, in a slightly rundown roadhouse, Steve focused his thoughts via the diodes on his forehead. The radio was an odd shaped tube with a pair of diodes and a receiver on the side. Angel, come in. Over.
I hear you and no one else can, now what is the problem?
Sorry, but you remember when Dr. Poison said they were after me?
Yes.
Well Angel, youd better get back here on the double, because I found myself a spy, right in my own backyard!
And you arent capable of handling it yourself? The idea amused her.
Its not that simple Angel. Trevors annoyance came through loud and clear. The mole is in the office, I know, but Im not sure who. I can explain more in person.
I understand. With a nod, she cut the communication. Landing the plane in a small field, she activated the invisibility and climbed out. A few minutes later, Steve drove up in a new sedan. Hippolyta ran a finger over the front fender. Impressive.
Thanks, but youre not driving this one. Steve opened her door. Once inside, he drove off into the night. Ok Angel, heres the scoop. I found some ashes in a cigar tray in the generals office. General Darnell has been acting oddly ever since he got promoted. I thought it was just nerves, what with the situation in Europe and all, but the note!
What did you discover? Hippolytas curiosity was aroused.
It had a list of our operatives here in the states; names, cover identities, the works. The spy set the paper on fire, but there was still enough left for me to read. The final name on there was mine.
So that was how Dr. Poison deduced who you were. Wonder Woman paused. Who would have access to such information?
Steve tapped the dashboard in annoyance. Thats the kicker! Only a handful of people; Me, General Darnell, and the generals secretary.
And you can vouch for all of them?
With my life, but Im too close to this one. I cant tell the brass about this. The mole would know and wed lose them. Plus the damage to public moral alone, He shook his head. Angel, please. Youre the only hope this country has!
Wonder Woman was silent for a good minute. Very well. I will need to monitor the situation, infiltrate the area. Can you cover for my presence without question?
I can. Steve relaxed.
Good. Do so, and Ill have your spy within the day.
~H
The present
So you agreed to work under a man? Antiope sneered.
Not exactly. Hippolyta coolly looked at her sister.
~WW
The past
Hippolyta stared at the mirror. Steve had directed her to Diana Princes apartment, a small affair nestled deep within a government owned housing complex. The rooms were small and sparse.
Hippolyta picked through Dianas closet. Despite their resemblance to each other, Hippolyta had much more muscle mass, a fact she quickly learned when she tried to button up one of Dianas blouses. Dropping the ruined garment onto the floor, she gathered a handful of items while Steve waited out in the main room.
So tell me, what exactly would my duties be?
Steve tapped a foot nervously. Well first off, youre Diana Princes cousin. I can cover for you for most of the big stuff, but everyone is asking questions about Wonder Woman.
Wonder Woman Hippolyta let the name roll off her tongue. I still have trouble with that title, but tell me, what should I say about myself?
Steve was stumped. Tell them anything but the truth, thats my motto. Just say enough to explain where Diana was without raising too many questions, but mostly just keep out of sight.
Hippolyta checked herself out in the small mirror over the dresser. An off-white blouse and simple gray skirt covered her physique well enough; a pair of horn-rimmed glasses with the lenses removed took detail away from her face. And my job? What exactly does a secretary do?
Steve chuckled. You could say they are the most important people in the office. Without them, the entire place would shut down.
Hippolyta smiled in approval. Good, a commander. I led my Amazons to countless victories, Im sure Ill do the same here regardless of the job.
The next day
I am going to kill you. Hippolyta glowered. Steve, despite the air conditioning, felt his back grow damp. The Queen of the Amazons dropped a stack of papers onto his desk. Steve saw her fingertips leaving deep impressions into the cheap wooden top.
Now-now Angel, remember you are just a secretary. Diana was a field agent, but there would be too much paper work involved.
Hippolyta was silent, but her eyes flashed danger. I suppose you are correct, but so far I have found two suspects.
Steve was relieved. Great, what do you have so far?
Not much, but I did find this after I gave the general his coffee. She unfolded a piece of white paper from her pocket. Steve took it and carefully studied it. Grabbing a pencil from the desk, he shaded the paper, revealing the faint impression of text.
Amazing, you could read this without help? Steve gave a low whistle. Even with shading, I just barely make it out.
Hippolyta took it from his hands. It mentions more names, each with a dollar amount next to them.
Hmm. Steve sat down at his desk. And how many people were in the office?
Beside myself, only the general and his personal secretary. Hippolyta remembered the past few hours at her desk had afforded her the opportunity to watch the entire office. Thanks in part to her Amazon memory she had recalled the entire time perfectly.
Ok, we have a lead then. Which one do you want to follow?
Hippolyta peered out through the blinds. Ill take the secretary. She doesnt seem like a traitor, but my lasso of truth will reveal all. Steve agreed and they made the necessary plans.
~WW
Later that night
After the workday had ended and the office drones left towards far more interesting places, Eve Brown quietly made her way towards a particular alley. Eve moved with purpose and poise. She always moved like she was on a mission, no matter the task.
This had won her very little recognition, but she rarely complained. She stepped into the darkened alley and quickened her pace. She clutched a small bundle in her coat pocket tight. Despite the weather, her palms felt hot. The sound of a well-scuffed shoe on pavement made her stop.
Are you ready? A raspy voice echoed from the dark.
Yes, lets get this over with. Eve didnt resist as a bag was draped over her head. She was lead away; she never knew which route they took. This time, it felt like she was being led to a car. Helped into the back seat, she tried to relax. The bag smelled foul and the heavy material weighed on her shoulders. She had learned not to speak during the trips. It wouldnt have done any good.
Some time later she felt the car stop. Assisted out, the bag was removed from her head. She took in the area around her. They were on a small dock somewhere on the coast. A yacht was moored off in the ocean.
Climbing into a waiting dingy, she sat still as one of the men from the car followed her and rowed towards the boat. Remember our deal!
The man laughed cruelly. Dont worry little mouse, I wont forget. But then again, Im not the one in charge!
~WW
Wonder Woman had followed Eve ever since she left the office. Going across rooftops, she moved silently and swiftly. When Brown was loaded into the back of a waiting car, she touched her earring and willed her plane to her location. Snagging the towline, she hauled herself inside and plotted her course.
Invisible and silent, Wonder Woman tailed the black sedan. She ran a quick check of her weapons. Lasso, shield, javelin, She checked them off her mental list. She wasnt sure what she would be facing, so she readied herself for the worse. But what will I find? She settled on the javelin due to the lightness of the weapon.
When the car stopped several miles outside of town, she landed the aircraft in a nearby field. She readied herself for battle as Eve and a man made their way towards a waiting yacht. With weapon in one hand and shield in the other, Wonder Woman darted through the tall grass and over the pavement towards the car. The other man was sitting in the drivers seat. He was unaware of her presence as he lit up a cigar.
With a practiced arm, she snared his hand with her lasso. What the? he dropped his match and went for a gun with his free hand. With a tug she dragged him partially from the car. She was by his side in an instant. She slammed the edge of her shield against his head, knocking him out.
She pulled him free of the car and spied upon the ship. No sentries. They are cautious but bold. Taking the mans belt off, she bound his hands and feet. She fashioned a crude gag from his tie and hat. That should keep you out of trouble.
Leaving her shield under the car, she readied herself for battle. I dont how many are on the ship, but I think a light approach may be called for. She removed the javelin from the back of her shield and tucked it into her belt. Removing her sandals, she quietly slipped into the water and swam out towards the boat.
Reaching it with no trouble, she easily pressed her fingers into the metal, fashioning a set of handholds. Climbing up the side of the ship, she scaled the railing. Hey!
Ducking into the shadows, she readied herself. A guard passed by and stopped. He was examining her wet footprints and mumbling to himself. I thought I heard something! The boss isnt going to-
Wonder Woman brought her javelin down. Cracking the wooden end over the mans head, she caught him before he fell and dragged him into the darkness. Stripping him of his weapons, she dumped his slumbering form into a nearby locker. Now, where is this so-called boss?
~E
The man sitting before Eve was known by many names. The one he instructed her to call him was Gross. It had no bearing on his physical appearance. If anything, the man was obsessed with his body. His teeth were pearly white, the result of brushing endlessly. His hair was neatly slicked back and well perfumed. His skin was flawless and evenly tanned.
Eve placed a tightly wound bundle of papers onto his desk. Gross withdrew a small penknife from his pocket and opened the papers. Spreading out the information, he smiled. Excellent Ms. Brown, excellent!
What about Lila? Eve scowled. Her sister had left home some years before. It had always been her dream to perform on the London stage. The London Theater, however, was indifferent to her. Moving to the Continent, she found much more success in the revues of Paris and Berlin.
Eve had been called in the middle of night six months ago. Gross was on the other end, and he made it clear he knew who she was and who her sister was. She told them where to go. When she received a lock of her sisters hair in the mail, she changed her mind.
She is safe.
Not good enough! Eve snapped. Despite the armed men, she marched forward. Either you let me see her or I quit.
This isnt a job you silly girl. Gross looked cross. Ill forgive this outburst but, he held up the penknife, I may have to remind you of your place.
Eve didnt back down. Oh? And what if I throw myself overboard and drown? Where are you going to get your information then?
Grosss complexion suggested he had just dinned on rotten eggs. True, we need you alive, but not in one piece. Hans, I want you to break something of Ms. Browns, but nothing too major. She cant miss work.
A goon stepped forward and clamped his meaty hands on Eves shoulders. As she struggled, the door flew open as a damp Amazon strolled inside. Alright boys, hands up! Wonder Woman thought back to the radio program she listened to earlier. That had seemed like an appropriate thing to say.
What is this? Grosss voice took on a German accent. Kill her!
Wonder Woman deftly sidestepped the first goon and slammed her weapon over his wrists. With lightning fast reflexes, she kicked him in the face with one leg before rapidly kneeing him in the gut with the other.
Hans roughly shoved Eve out of the way as Gross slipped out through a secret passage. Im going to rough up that pretty face of yours! He drew a long and wicked looking knife from his sleeve.
Not likely. With a mere flip of her wrist, she ensnared his free hand with her magic lasso. Now, what is all this about?
Hans dropped to his knees. I was hired by Mr. Gross. Hes a spy I think, but he never tells me anything. With a mental command, Wonder Woman sent Hans to sleep.
Eve? Wonder Woman carefully walked towards the crying secretary. Are you injured?
No. She tried to control her sobs. I tried to do the right thing, I did! But they have my sister hostage, making me steal secrets or else! Wonder Woman leaned down and put a hand on the girls shoulder.
You did what you felt was necessary. Take this and wait for me at the boats. Putting the javelin in Eves hands, she followed Gross.
~G
Blast! Gross took the steps three at a time. Racing up towards the radio room, he ordered the crew to stall the intruder. Once everyone had left, he sat down and ran his fingers through his hair, leaving it in total disarray. Flipping a series of switches, he forced himself to be calm as he tuned in to a special frequency.
What? The German accent on the other line felt chills down his stomach.
This is Agent Four. We have problems! Gross easily slipped into his natural German without problem.
Then deal with them on your own. The voice on the other end was dangerously calm.
You dont understand! There is some kind of super woman, Gross heard the retort of machine guns, followed by mens screams. God in Heaven, shes getting closer! Our weapons cant stop her, send help!
Whatever the voice on the other end said was lost when Wonder Woman tore the door to the radio room free and marched inside. On your feet! In her hands was nothing more than a simple lasso.
What are you? Gross shrieked. His head throbbed and he felt hot pinpricks along his shoulders. What are you?
For a response, she bound his arms to his side. Now tell me, where is this girls sister?
Gross was suddenly calm. He couldnt explain why or how, but the moment the golden thread touched him, he just felt his stress melt away. Miss Browns sister? Oh, thats simple. She is in a small inn about a mile down the coast. We had her brought over as insurance.
Wonder Woman smiled. Seeing those pearly white teeth melted something inside Gross. He had to tell her more! Are there any guards or traps? He had to answer her!
No, we left her bound and gagged on the bed. We told her we had her sister hostage so she would do anything we asked. All the guards left her to bring Miss Brown in.
You did a good job. Now sleep and think on the wickedness youve done. Gross felt his eyes drop as she spoke.
~H
The present
What? You simply let him live? Antiope sneered. See sisters? She has grown weak!
What honor would there be in killing a helpless foe? Lives had been saved and the man would trouble them no more. Hippolyta countered. The crowd was quickly turning against Antiope. When I turned Gross over to the authorities, I rescued Eves sister and made my way here.
She took Dianas hand in hers. Impressive work. Had I not been here to witness this, I might have believed what had been said about me. She reached out and with a slight bit of pressure on Princes forehead, rendered her unconscious. Handing the brainwashed woman off to the guards, she confronted her sister.
Now then, what am I to do with you? The Bana rushed forward and put themselves between Antiope and Hippolyta, but the Queen couldnt help but notice that their numbers were few.
Antiope drew her sword and stepped out from behind her bodyguards. I confess my crime! I placed the outsider under my command. Throwing the blade down, she dropped to her knees. Just make my death quick.
With a polished kick, Hippolyta brought her foot down and crunched the blade beneath her heel. Nay sister, I wont kill you. Bidding her to rise, the queen of the Amazons faced the crowd. Sisters, I understand your concerns. You think me unfit for leaving you. I say we can no longer hide. The World of Men will intrude again someday and we must be ready. By working with them, we can help show our way is better.
But theyre savages! A voice from the crowd cried out. A chorus joined in, repeating what had been said.
True, but isnt it now our responsibility to show them the errors of their ways? Wiping them out would only spill more blood, innocent and guilty alike. I say we use our steel, yes, but also our hearts.
So, you propose to send envoys? Antiope asked.
No. Mans world is still getting use to me as Wonder Woman. It is a title I shall keep for the immediate future. An army of Amazons would only frighten them.
So what are we going to do? Someone in the back shouted.
We stay here. I will leave when I am called. Through me, the world will hear our message and ways. If they want to talk we will be here.
~WW
Of course, it wasnt quite that easy. Hippolyta knew she had to deal with the rebellion swiftly. Diana Prince was returned to America, and with her she gave a special gift. Its called a Mental Radio. Simply place the diodes on your head, and your thoughts can be transferred to anyone on the planet.
Antiope was placed in charge of Reform Island. Officially, she and most of the Bana would act as guards and protectors. Unofficially, Hippolyta wanted her sister somewhere where she could watch her and have time to prepare defensives if need be. The Amazons that stayed loyal to her were all eager to go to Mans World, but she had to disappoint them. Perhaps a tournament? Something to help decide who should go in my place.
Hippolyta had retired to the palace. Her armor hung carefully by her throne, her lasso coiled at her waist. I cant expose our location yet. Mans World isnt ready. Someday, perhaps, but not now. Taking her crown off, she held the metal band in her hands. All this power, yet I am as powerless as a baby. She leaned back on the sculpted marble. I cant give away the title yet. There will be a war in Mans World. I must prepare for it, but can I do it alone? The thought of an enemy attacking the island was laughable, but Mans World had changed. Faith in the gods had waned and magic can weaken. I dare not risk it. Better to be a lone causality than lose my people. Plans began to form in her mind as focused her energies back on her people.
The end
Sensational Mail
This story was based Diana Prince-Framed for Espionage which first appeared in Sensation Comics#3 March 1942. Credits to Charles Moulton (script) and Harry G. Peter (pencils and inks).
All characters are owned by DC comics and all rights reserved.
Be here next time when we see the return of Wonder Womans first foe!
Fan mail
Great work. You really get the feeling of reading a classic comic.
Nice jobTiffani
And thanks ever again for reading these few scribblings of mine
And when youve finished with this, be sure to check out the upcoming tales:
Detective Comics#2-The Case of the Curious Cat
Action Comics#3-The Blakely Mine Disaster!