Chapter 42

A/N: alright, I just own this story! Nothing else. Emerald is my friend's OC.

/comm/

Telepathy

'Bee/Soundwave speech

Autobot Base, December 29

"Have you found out what exactly happened to Prime?" Black Canary asked as she and several other Leaguers gathered around the room, wanted to know what exactly happened to their friend.

"Yes," Ratchet answered. "It seems that when Optimus released the collective wisdom of the Primes, he lost his memories from the day so on from when he received the Matrix and has reverted to his pre-Prime state, Orion Pax."

"So, you're telling us Prime think's he's a librarian and a Con?" Roy said.

"Only because of his apparent amneasa, but being a Decepticon is a choice, one that I have a hard time believing that Optimus would make at any point in his life."

"So we just have to get his memories back and he'll be fine," Hal said. "Where do we start? Not like Prime gave us a contincency plan or anything."

Bumblebee sat quietly in his medical berth listening as they tried to devise theories on how to save his father. He couldn't remember how he'd ended up in Ratchet's medbay, but after he woke up on Christmas morning, Erica told him he just collapsed after saying his spark was hurting. It wasn't long after that the rest of the Team showed up to hang out with him.

Sighing he reached into his subspace and pulled out the Key to Vector Sigma. Why did Optimus give him this? Did he know or have an idea that…that this could happen?

"Bumblebee," Ratchet gasped and everyone turned to look at the teen, "where did you get that?"

"Dad gave it to me just before the mission...he said he wanted me to hold onto it for the timebeing."

"Ok, what is that and why is it so important?" Artemis asked.

"That Artemis, is one of Cybertron's most sacred relics, the Key to Vector Sigma," Ratchet explained.

"Vector What?"

"Vector Sigma, it's an ancient place sacred to the Primes. Only a Prime or one chosen by a Prime may enter…But why would Dad give it to me?"

"Because he didn't plan coming back, he gave it to you as his contincency plan," Batman realized. "Ratchet, can this place restore Prime's memories?"

"It's a place of ancient mystic power, the repository of the Wisdom of the Primes."

"I'll take that as a yes!" Wally grinned. "So where's the Big V? Here? Or maybe here?"

"KF, Vector Sigma is on Cybertron," Emerald said.

"Oh."

"Ok, until we find a way to get there, everyone needs to keep quiet about Prime's disappearance," Batman ordered. "For now we'll say he's off-world finding a possible source for the recent the sudden weather anomalies."

-.-

Nemesis

"Attention, our guest is currently in isolation, but when Orion Pax emerges, he is to be shown every courtesy. And the first to address him as Optimus Prime, will have their throat ripped out," Megatron warned over the ship intercoms.

"Lord Megatron, is it wise to have an Autobot, current or former full run of the premises?" Arachnid questioned.

"Nothing happens aboard this ship without my knowledge, you would do well to remember that Arachnid," Megatron snarled before chuckling lightly. "But there is no need for concern, Orion does not possess the same fight that Optimus is so renowned for."

"Then what use is he to us?"

"Rest assured, Orion Pax will earn his stripes," he replied. "Now, if you'll excuse me, there is another matter I must attend to." Walking into his throne room, Soundwave bowed as he sat down and activated the monitors with the other members of the Light flashing on.

"Lord Megatron, I take it you were successful in your mission?" Savage asked.

"If I had failed Savage, you all would be dead by now, even an immortal like yourself cannot survive the vacuum of space," he replied coldly. "Now, how are our plans proceeding?"

"Everything is on course, all we need to do is wait for our inside operative to make his move," Ras replied.

Megatron grinned darkly at at news. "And then the Justice League will be ours. It is time for the heroes to become the villains."

-.-

Washington DC, December 30

"The Justice League was formed for two reasons. First to acknowledge that no single individual, no matter how powerful, can solve all the world's problems alone. And second, to uphold the values of tructh, liberty, and justice," Superman said. "That last one's even in the name." The crowd laughed, before letting him continue. "These five heroes have sworn to uphold those values."

Inside the hall, the team sat watching the tv. "Outside the Hall, you are watching the Justice League's induction of it's five newest members. Looks like the entire League has shown up, everyone from Batman to Captian Marvel."

"I'm glad they didn't kick Billy out," Wally said munching on an apple. "And I love the fact there's a ten-year-old on the League!"

"There is?" Icon's protégé, Roquel aka Rocket asked.

Bumblebee punched his arm as Robin and Emerald smacked him upside the head. "Way to keep a secret dumb-dumb," Erica growled.

"What? She's on the team now right?" he asked only for his cousin to smack him again.

They all looked back up as Cat Grant began speaking again. "Superman is now handing out official League membership cards. Starting with Dr. Fate, the Atom, Plastic Man, and Icon."

"You know, I was the one who convinced Icon to become a hero in the first place. I should be outside celebrating with him! Not hidden in here!" Rocket growled.

"Welcome to our world," Kaldur shrugged not noticing the new girl look him over.

"Well, I suppose there is an upside too."

"Finally, Green Arrow welcomes his former protégé Speedy, now known as Red Arrow to this roster of heroes."

"Way to go Roy!" Wally and Erica cheered high-fiving.

"At last he got his wish," Kaldur smiled.

"The first of us to make it," Robin smiled. "No one will call him a sidekick anymore."

"What's so bad with being a sidekick?" Rocket asked.

"Nothing, these three just have a hard time because people connect them with their mentors rather than for themselves."

"Says the guy whos on the Autobot Team," Wally emphasized.

"Says they guy who got an invite to the Justice League."

"Whoa wait, when did this happen?" Emerald said.

'Bee shrugged. "When we were undercover at the circus, I got a comm asking me to join."

"So wait! Why aren't you out there?!" Wally snapped.

"Because I didn't want to, I'm happy where I'm at, so I turned down their offer."

"You turned down and offer to join the Justice League?!"

"Yep."

"Wow," Robin said summing up all their thoughts. His watch beeped and he pulled up a file.

"Is that what I think it is?" Erica grinned floating above the Boy Wonder.

"You bet."

-.-

Smoky Mountains

"Are you sure it's her?" Artemis asked as they all sat in uniform on the Bioship.

"See for yourself," Robin said pulling up a video. "This is the security footage from the Ashfeild Regional Airport. Facial recognition confirms that's Jade Nyuen. But you've seen her without her mask, what do you think?"

"It's Jade, Cheshire," Artemis confirmed.

"Argeed," Aqualad said, "but focus on what she carries. Is that the case you saw in New Orleans, the one that got away?"

"Yep."

"Ok, I get that this Cheshire's the bad guy, but what's so important about that case?" Rocket asked.

"Remember the Injuscice League?"

"Who could forget them and their giant, evil plants?"

"Well, the Team and League put them in prison, but their allies still scheme and whatever's in that case is important to their plans," Aqualad said.

"We had the chance to grab it in New Orleans, but someone screwed up," Wally growled glaring at Artemis.

"Cool it, we're almost there," Emerald snapped glaring at her cousin.

Looking back out they all gasped as they saw the wreckage. Landing the ship they climbed out and began searching. "How come Homeland Security and the NTSB aren't all over this?" Wally asked.

"Cheshire's ID was on the League alert database, normal authorities wouldn't get it," Emerald said. "And her jet didn't fallow the intended flight plan, flew under radar, literally."

"But the Watchtower auto-tracked the jet and recorded the crash," Robin added.

"Then how come the League isn't here?" Roquel questioned.

"Because the two best hackers in the hero biz are right here," Emerald grinned wrapping her arms around both Robin's and Bumblebee's shoulders. "They set it up so we'd get the alert and the League wouldn't even know it happened."

"And because Cheshire and that case are our unfinished business," Aqualad said.

Erica waved him off. "Sure, whatever."

"Where are the bodies?" Conner asked.

"Here's one," Cheshire said standing further up the mountain. "And it is stunning."

"That is a matter of perspective."

"I am flora, not fauna. I am foliage not trees. What am I?" the Riddle said standing with several League of Shadows soldiers, Vehicons, and Mammoth. He snapped his fingers and an electric dome formed around them. "C'mon this ain't so hard. I am shrubbery not grass. What am I? I…"

"Ambush," Erica and Robin growled.

"Did you really think we wouldn't know that y'all were on Cheshire's trail? We're tired of your interference kiddies. This is the endgame, ordered from above and executed by their master strategist, moi."

"Miss Martian is everyone linked?" Aqualad questioned.

"Yes."

"Go!"

The men lunged and Zatanna tossed her hands up into the air. "Etaerc a Mrotswons!" she called and a blizzard began inside the dome.

"Superboy! Bumblebee! The pylons!" Aqualad ordered as he knocked the spear out of one's hand before grabbing his arms, and sending him soaring into the man KF was fighting.

"I'm a little busy at the moment," 'Bee snapped as he ducked under a Vehicon's swing. His wrist gun came out and he slammed it under the chin, firing before using the the body as a shield as the rest shot at him. Tossing the body at them they ducked, allowing Emerald to swing in, using a beam to send them flying into the cliff.

"I'm working on it," Superboy replied as he ducked behind a rock, pulling out the last shield he slapped it on.

Artemis fired an arrow towards the Cheshire. The assassin jumped back as it exploded, rolling to her feet she dropped the case and pulled out her swords. Artemis fired an arrow that she swatted aside, leaping into the air she swung down on the archer, who used he blow to blaock her attacks.

"It's just like old time, Dad pitting us against each other," Jade snickered.

Kid Flash ran, knocking several men using Apocolyptian weapons to the ground, as one fell back he fored, forcing Rocket to dodge before she punched another man in the face, she then swung back and knocked his partner off the ledge he was standing on.

M'gann used he telekines to yank the spear out of one man's hand, sending him falling onto another below just as he fired a red disk that hit Rocket, electrocuting her.

Grabbing a Vehicon, Bumblebee tossed him into the disk sending it flying away from the girl, and allowing it to shock its new target. As she got up, Roquel fell back as one of the armored men aimed a blaster at her, when the scout landed in front kicking his gun aside, swiping his feet out from under him he then yanked the man up and made him a living shield as the rest fired, killing their comrade. Dropping another body, he left the shocked girl and and pulled out his sword.

Kaldur helped her up, when one of the men used his new weapon to make the ground start to swallow them. A green clamp wrapped around him, and Emerald began spinning, using the clamp and its handle to knock other assassins and Cons off their feet.

Superboy landed on the top, using heat vision to melt one of the pryons. Mammoth landed behind him, grabbing the front of his shirt and punching him, sending him flying into the cliff opposite them.

Looking up he saw Mammoth flying at him, so he flew up and grabbed him, tossing the beast above him into the electrical barrier.

"SB you're flying!" Robin gaped.

"Huh, so that's what that patch did," 'Bee commented.

"What patch?!"

"Well, when we were in—DIE ALREADY!"

The beast fell to the ground and began rolling down the mountain. Superboy flew after, using heat vison to force him down the mountain. Slamming him into the cliff wall he began punching him with super speed.

Hearing something, Erica whipped around to see an avalanche starting. Flying over she made a construct blocking it from crushing Artemis and Jade. As soon as the assassin tackled the archer out of the way she released it and flew off.

"Fine we're sisters, I don't actually want you dead," Jade said as Artemis looked at her in shock.

Up on the ride two smokebombs landed next to Shimmer and Riddler. The girl coughed as smoke surrounded them, and a bola wrapped around her before she saw the Lantern fly over and punch her in the face. The riddle turned when he was trapped in a green bubble and saw Emerald Lantern and Robin standing there.

"Parw mih pu!" Zatanna said and his torso and legs were instantly bound by wrapping similar to a mummy.

"No! No! I do not do staright jackets! I am strickly Belrev! Not Arkham!" he exclaimed as he fell over.

"Gag mih."

Dropping the bubble Emerald and Robin burst out laughing as the Riddler squirmed and flopped around like a fish. Roquel landed next to Zatanna looking at the fight. "Is it always like this?"

"Pretty much. Hguone htiw eht ebolgwons."

-.-

Mt. Justice

"Tell me if this sounds familiar: you hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed protocol, and endangered your lives. And your initative resulted in the capture of three escaped felons, proving that Warden Strange runs Belrev as a cover for criminal activity," Batman said before smiling slightly. "Well done."

The team froze and started looking at each other in shock. "Did that just happen?"

"I think it did."

"We all just heard and saw the same thing right?"

"Yea I think so."

"Am I dreaming?"

"If you are we're having the same one."

"And then there's this," Batman said snapping their attention back to him and the case he was examining, "biotechnology integrated with some sort of nano-circuitry."

Bumblebee walked forwards and examined one. "The tech is Cybertronian, very similar to the neural integration components of the Cortical Psychic Patch, however it's intergrated with Earth tech," he stated handing it to Emerald.

"Got that right, the organic part looks to be alien, however, there are some familiar Eathern aspects about it, and my ring is picking up non-physical components, mystic more likely," she added handing it back to Batman.

Nodding he put it back with the others in the case. "We'll take it to the Watchtower for further study."

"We should go too, don't wanna miss the League's induction party," Canary said.

"Black Canary—13, Batman—02."

"Does anyone else care that we were completely set up?" Robin asked.

"Yes, Cheshire and Riddler were tipped and ready for us," Aqualad said.

"And here I thought we had the whole mole-thing behind us," Emerald sighed putting her hands on her hips.

"Mole thing?" Rocket asked.

"We had intel that there was a traitor on the team," KF answered.

"Mainly Artemis, M'gann, or me," Superboy growled.

"It's way more complicated that that SB," Erica said. "However, I am concerned about your recent behavior. Your attack on Mammoth almost killed Artemis."

Superboy turned and started walking away, gritting his teeth as he heard the high pitch tone Lex Luthor used to contact him.

"Conner, care to explain?"

He turned back and saw the others looking at him. "There's something I need to do…"

-.-

Santa Prisca

Landing the Supercycle, Conner hopped off and looked at Lex Luthor, but he almost froze as he saw the two people beside him. "Welcome Superboy, I'd like to introduce you to my associate Queen Bee."

"My pleasure," she said cooly.

"I believe you know everyone else," Luthor said as several more people stepped out, "Sportsmaster, Mercy, Blockbuster, and our new friend Bane, who's allowed us use of his island in exchange for certain…considerations."

"So the Injuctice League was just a distraction," he said, "you two have been behind everything from the start."

Luthor chuckled. "Flattering notion, son, but we have many friends."

A helicopter flew over and began landing in the field. "This one of your friends now?"

"No, it's one of yours."

The door opened and Cheshire and Artemis hopped out, the blonde girl gasping at the sight of the clone.

"Artemis?"

She took a breath and walked next to Sportsmaster. "The hero thing wasn't workin' out, you know, no trust and all that. This is where I belong."

"It's a fast-growing club," Queen Bee said as the Bioship flew over and M'gann flew out and landed next to her.

"Why are they here?" she asked. "You promised."

"I've kept your secret and my promise. Now you keep yours," she scolded and the girl looked down. "Good."

A groundbridge appeared and the three stared at Megatron stepped out fallowed by Emerald who froze upon seeing her friends there. "You said you'd leave my friends out of this!"

"You act as if I forced them to come, they made their own choice," he sneered. "And as far as you're concerned, your dear friend is fine, but only as long as you do as I say. I'd hate for something bad to happen to him, I hear having a sparkbond suddenly shredded is excrushiatingly agonizing, even leathal."

Gritting her teeth, she glared defiantly at him for a few moments before looking down.

"Give me more shields and I'm in too," Superboy said.

Luthor smiled. "My boy, you're a terrible liar." Conner began to move towards him. "Red Sun." The boy stopped and stood in place.

"So, what do you want us to do?" Artemis asked.

"You three fallow me," Sportsmaster said to the girls.

"What about Superboy?" Miss M asked.

"He'll be fine, he just needs a few adjustments that's all," Queen Bee replied.

-.-

Flashback

"There's something I need to do," Superboy said, "something I need to tell you. Last month, on Thanksgiving, I went back to Cadmus, found a few things out. When I was cloned, only half my DNA was Superman's, the other half was human. That's why I don't have, will never have full Kryptonian powers."

"You sure seemed to have them today," Robin commented.

Conner rolled back his sleeve, revealing the shield. "I've been using these. They're called Shields, they repress my human DNA; I get the flight, the heat vision, but I think I also get angry—well, angrier. I'm sorry."

"So those were that patches you were talking about," Robin said looking at 'Bee who nodded.

"But the question stands: where did they come from?"

"From my human father, Lex Luthor," he said.

"So wait! The archenemy of Superman, gave his DNA to combine it with his archenemy's DNA, to create a clone that is supposed to be just like his archenemy, but that serves him!" Emerald said.

"Huh?"

"Basically what she's saying is: Lex Luthor, it your dad?!" Robin rephrased.

Conner nodded. "He's summoned me to Santa Prisca."

"And you knew about that he was using steroids?!" Erica snapped turning to 'Bee who just shrugged.

"It was a hunch, I didn't know about it that long."

Artemis sighed loudly and everyone turned to look at her. "Guys, listen, Superboy's not the only one suffering from bad DNA." She walked over and pulled up the images of Cheshire, Sportsmaster, and a third woman that looked a lot like Cheshire with the red word RETIRED put over her. "My mother is Huntress, an ex-con. The rest of my family aren't even ex. My dad's Sportsmaster. And he's sending my sister Cheshire to bring me to Santa Prisca."

"That's why…"

"Yea, I was so desperate to make sure none of you found out," she sighed.

"I knew," Robin, 'Bee, and Emerald said and they all looked at them in shock.

"Detective."

"Spy."

"I harassed it out of him," Erica said pointing at Robin.

"Look Artemis, your family doesn't define who you are. You're one of us, and that's all that mattered in our books," Bumblebee said and she smiled at them.

"So, uh, who's next?" Wally asked putting a hand on Artemis' shoulder.

"I am," M'gann said.

"I swear I was kidding," he said raising his hands.

"Queen Bee's been blackmailing me. She wants me to go to Santa Prisca too."

"How?" Aqualad asked.

"She knows my true Martian form."

"Bald M'gann?" Robin chuckled.

"Rob, that's not a Martian's true form," Emerald said.

Taking a breath, M'gann turned into her true form.

"Oh…"

"I realized you would never accept me if you saw what I really am," she said wrapping har arms around herself.

"M'gann did we truly seem so shallow?" Aqualad asked.

"I didn't want to take the chance," she said. "Being a White Martian among the Green on Mars, I faced constant rejection. I couldn't face that from—"

"From me?" Superboy asked taking her hand. "I've known since we mind melded in Bialya in September."

"But that was before we even became a couple…Why didn't you say anything?"

"I figured you'd tell me when you were ready."

"M'gann, I know Martian Green Lanterns, heck I've had to go to Mars on a few occasions, Green or White makes no difference to me, each is just as strong as the other," Emerald smiled.

"And remember Miss M, I saw you after Psimon forced it out, didn't phase me."

"Ok, is there anyone else?" Wally asked.

"Yea, me," Emerald sighed. "M'gann isn't the only one being blackmailed."

"WHAT?"

"Who's blackmailing you?!" Robin gasped.

"Megatron."

"Why?" 'Bee growled.

"A few things," she said. "First is my ring. It wasn't made by conventional means, Klarion Witch-boy made it through dark magic. Luckily a Lord of Order managed to get his hands on it and even it out with the same amount of light magic, making the ring able to switch between all the Lantern corps, good and bad. When I'm attacked with magic it absorbs it, making me stronger…and a little more volitale depending on the magic it absorbed."

"And the other thing?"

"It has to do from when 'Bee and Megatron were sharing a body, he found out something," she said and the all looked at 'Bee who just stared at her in confusion. "All I'm able to tell you is that what he knows, it's connected to the reason why you have those memory blackouts during Halloween and the Failsafe exercise."

'Bee blinked in shock, before narrowing his eyes and clenching his fists. "And you can't tell me why?! You don't think I should have a right to know what you—my best friend—is being blackmailed by my archenemy for?!"

"'Bee, I want to I really do, I do! But that's a conversation between you and Optimus…and with your father…I can't. There's not a doubt in my mind that if he somehow figured out I told you, he would kill him, despite his amnesia. I'm so sorry."

Bumblebee was silent for a moment, before he sighed in defeat. "I understand, we all do what we have to do. Besides, Dad said something right before the mission, said he wanted to tell me something, guess it's all the more reason to get him back right?"

Erica smiled, tears pricking the corners of her eyes, and here she thought he was going to be furious with her. "What did I do to get you as my friend!" she exclaimed hugging him.

'Bee sighed and returned the hug. "As I recall you wouldn't leave me alone till we became friends."

"You're ruining the moment here," she grumbled. "Oh yea! Bucket Lord has also summonded me to Santa Prisca!"

-.-

Present

"Bring him along," Luthor ordered motioning to Blockbuster.

Narrowing her eyes, Artemis charged forwards and fired an arrow at the beast, covering him in a green, high-density foam. Turning she aimed an arrow at her family. "Sorry Dad, wanted to play you like you played me! But I can't let them mess with Superboy's head!"

"M'gann be a dear and take Artemis down," Queen Bee ordered.

The Martian girl's eyes glew and she lifted Artemis into the air right as Sportsmaster swung his staff at her. Turning her head, she slammed Queen Bee into a tree. Up in the air Artemis spun and fired an explosive arrow down on her father and sister, making them dodge the explosion before M'gann dropped her.

"Queen Bee is down, Superboy, you're safe from her control."

He smirked and started walking towards Luthor. "I may not be much of a liar, but I fooled you."

"And I'm so proud, I take it Miss Martian cleared Red Sun from your mind?" Luthor asked as Mercy stood between him and the clone.

"And confirmed that Aqualad, Emerald, Robin, Bumblebee, and Kid Flash managed to rescue me before you could install any more programming," he growled.

"Also true, personally I blame Dr. Desmond," Luthor sighed.

"Emerald, get them under control!" Megatron snarled.

With a mock bow, she flew in the air and created a construct of a dragon, before making it spin and around using the tail to slam Megatron aside. Slamming into the foam, Blockbuster and Megatron rolled to their feet.

Blockbuster charged Superboy, landing on him, they skid towards the cliff. "Kill them!" Megatron snarled glaring at Bane as he dusted his armor off.

Emerald flew over and made a shield, blocking the incoming fire as the Supercycle flew over, returning fire at the island men.

"You have been a very bad girl, Artemis," Sportsmaster snarled as he pulled out a mace and Cheshire grabbed her sword.

"Reinforcement time."

Rocket flew down and snatched two of Bane's men before dropping them somewhere in the woods.

KF rushed forwards knocking the rest out of the way and putting on a mask as canister landed in the middle of them, releasing a gas that knocked them men he took down out cold. One man began firing when a green column shot out of the barrier, knocking him into a tree.

"Time to go," Lex said as he picked up Queen Bee.

"Soundwave, send a groundbridge," Megatron ordered.

As the portal opened, Aqualad jumped down from the trees standing between them and the bridge. "None of you are going anywhere!" he snapped.

"Please, if you wish to detain me, contact my attorney," Luthor replied when Mercy's arm transformed into a gun and she fired at him.

Jumping down, Bumblebee deflected the shot, and pulled out a knife, throwing it right at Mercy, slicing through her blaster arm. Clutching it she looked up to see the scout jumping at her, when Megatron got between and blocked his attack with his blade.

Robin jumped down, knocking out several guys about to fire at Emerald from behind. Looking at the other guy he pulled out a weapon when Zatanna flew over. "Nrut sih nug otni a ekans!" The man screamed as the gun transformed, tying him up. Falling to the ground he began trying to escape. "Egnahc eht ekans otni epor."

Emerald dropped the shield and before shoving them out of the way as Bane charged.

Several vehicons ran out of the bridge and started firing at Aqualad and Rocket as they attempted to detain Luthor, Mercy and the Queen. Leaping out of they way, both grit their teeth as the men got between them and their targets.

They began firing, and the group ran through, making the portal close afterwards. Rocket made a shield, looking at Aqualad he nodded and she dropped it, flying out of the way as he summoned a large amount of water, spinning it around them, they were forced to get back-to-back where she trapped them in a bubble.

Sportsmaster used his weapon to knock another arrow aside, swinging it, he knocked her feet out from under her as Cheshire landed and aimed her sword at her. "You know I don't tolerate disobiedence Artemis," he scolded as he walked towards her.

"Sure Dad, Jade and I learned that the hard way," she snarled getting to her feet.

KF raced over and slammed Jade aside. Turning around he ran at Sportsmaster, who grabbed him and hurled him into a tree.

Bumblebee and Emerald bumped into each other, standing back-to-back, they nodded and traded dance partners. Summoning a race car, she drove it straight into the Leader of the Decepticons, slamming him to numerous trees and rocks as she drove it along, before the construct turned into a catapult and fired him at a cliff.

She flew after, only to quickly stop as a bridge opened and he went through as it closed behind him. Growling she whipped around and flew back towards the fight.

Bumblebee socked Bane in the jaw, sending him flying back. As he got to his feet, he saw a yellow blurr flip over and felt the tube dispensing Venom into his body, get yanked from its spot.

Seeing an opening, Robin pulled out his taser and firing into the gap, making him cry out and collapse.

Superboy climbed up the cliff and ran at Blockbuster. Picking up a hunk of rock from the ground, he hurled it at the clone when it stopped mid-air and flew back towards him. Miss Martina landed next to her boyfriend and they prepared for another attack as Blockbuster got up.

"Superboy, Miss Martian, move!" Kaldur ordered and several disks flew past them and orbited around him, before he was electrocuted.

Aqualad and Rocket walked over wearing Apocolyptian weaponry, and Aqualand slammed his fist into the ground, trapping Blockbuster in the ground as it became like quicksand.

"You should learn to channel that anger," Conner stated before punch Blockbuster's lights out.

Artemis ran away as Sportsmaster chased her. Jumping onto a branch she looked down as he glared at her and started swinging his mace faster.

"Need a hand?" Erica asked slamming him aside.

"It's about time you got here," she huffed hopping down as Aqualad used the weapon to trap Sportsmaster as well.

"Jade!" Sportsmaster called seeing his oldest.

Removing her mask, she winked at the other two girls. "Sorry Dad, but in this family it's every girl for herself," she smiled before walking back into the shadows.

He turned and found himself looking at Artemis and Emerald Lantern looking over him. "Honor's all yours," Erica grinned.

With a matching smile, Artemis gladly kicked Sportsmaster in the face knocking his mask clean off.

Kid Flash stumbled out and picked it up. "Souviner," Artemis smiled.

"It is always like this," Rocket huffed.

"Told ya," Zatanna said.

"Hey disaster averted," Robin smiled.

"Yep, I'm totally feeling the aster," Emerald remarked high-fiving him.

"This has been a good day," Aqualad said.

-.-

Watchtower

Batman put the small chip the Team retrieved into a scanner. "Scanning…."

"So are you ever joining the party?" Red Arrow asked walking in.

"No, the Earthern aspect of this biocircuitry is disturbingly sophisticated, enouch to cleanly intergrate with Cybertronian technology."

"Come on out, you need to loosen up," Roy said slapping one on the back of his neck.

Walking out, they made their way past the rest of the Leaguers who were standing in straight lines on either side of them.

"Override, Batman—02," he said typing on the Zetatube controls.

"Recognized, access granted. Vandal Savage—A04," the computer read as he waltzed in. As he entered the League bowed and Red Arrow staggered and held his head in shock.

"I…I was the mole?" he gasped.

"Yes, you were," Savage replied as he walked past the bowing League and looked out towards the Earth below them, and the Nemesis stationed nearby.

-.-

Nemesis

Megatron grinned as he looked towards the Watchtower, the scanners have already shown that Savage was inside. Hearing a door open, he turned to see Orion Pax enter. "Orion, how are you feeling?"

"Better if I knew what exactly what was going on," he replied rubbing the area over his spark, as if it were bothering him.

"Of course, you have been a captive of the Autobots and locked in stasis for quite some time my friend. Long enough for us to be in exodus on another world," Megatron stated.

"Exodus? Why?"

"Because the warlord, Ratchet's careless actions lead to this," he replied pulling up an image to their ravaged world.

As expected, Orion gasped and took a step back in shock. "Cybertron! How did…I-I cannot believe Ratchet capable of such horrors…"

"Yes, and to think the Doctor of Doom's mad quest for power continues. His marauders pesued us to this planet's orbit, where they allied themselves with a group just as power hungry as he, posing as heroes to gain the trust of their people before overthrowing their world's governments and ruling it for themselves. We have aligned with a group who knows this, and intends to stop them, we feel the people are not yet ready to behold us, so we guard them in secret to prevent the same tragedy that befell our own world."

"One question Megatron: why are we called Decepticons?" Orion questioned.

"A craven Autobot scare tactic, they used it to demonize us, but instead we choose to wear it as a badge of honor; for if speaking the truth is deception, then we are gladly guilty," he smiled.

Orion turned away and looked at the photos of their destroyed home. "Megatron, I will do my part to stop Ratchet's unspeakable crimes," he said looking abck at his old friend with a determined look. "This I vow, with all my spark."

"I'm glad to hear that my friend," Megatron smiled putting a hand on Orion's shoulder, "but for now you must rest, you still have a bit of recovering to do from your long stasis before you can help. However, rest assured, a plan is already in motion to defeat Ratchet and the Justice League. And make the universe see them for what they truly are."