50
The newest blood in Young Justice had been led there by Director Bones as the DEO collapsed. The United Nations had decided to shutter all enforcement agencies outside the increasingly ineffective International Security Agency. Ulysses Armstrong had been among those chosen. Nightwing had crafted Anarky's new identity as Red Robin, partly to spite Batman in two ways
Jinny Hex had been drafted at the request of her time lost ancestor, Jonah Hex. She was an excellent mechanic and an even better sharpshooter. But her inexperience could lead her to distracted or overwhelmed by superhuman situations.
Shira Torr's revelation that she shared her brother's speed powers had sealed her membership Barr Torr had wanted Wally West's former title. Shira had fallen in love with Cyril Sheldrake and wanted nothing more than to be the Knight's Squire. But Cyril had quit and left the country leaving her behind. Shira decided to forgo hiding her gift any longer. So she modeled her moniker after her hero Jesse Chambers aka Jesse Quick. And Miss Quick was born. And Barr Torr and Shira Torr further altered the future.
Icon and Rocket had inducted young Virgil Hawkins. Static was experienced on an Earth that no longer existed and metahuman activities were restricted to Dakota City. That was no longer the reality for Dakota City's citizens.
Raven Red had joined because of the shutdown experienced by Batman, Inc. Black Kitten was a similar case. Catgirl had to simply wonder why Holly had exiled her here. Kitrina knew it had even been at Selina's request but it still hurt. But she was a survivor and she'd prove herself.
No one could explain Stephanie Brown's seemingly inexplicable change from Spoiler to the Robin. Especially a Robin devoid of a Batman. But Duquesne Security had been training Stephanie, Harper Row, and Carrie Kelley for nearly a year now. Withy Kathy Duquesne a former Batwoman, working with Rocki Ballantine, another former Batwoman, they'd honed the fighting skills of the three and given them access the Ballantine tech and smart metals that made Harper drool.
Steph had always wanted to be the next Robin so she simply assumed the vacant role. Harper stuck in as Bluebird. But Carrie demanded to be the new Batgirl. It was Black Bat that quietly insisted that Carrie's diligence be rewarded. So there was a new Batgirl in Gotham and Young Justice. Cassandra Cain was joining up to learn how not to be an assassin.
Batgirl and Black Bat had not been assigned to the mission.
The single most controversial addition was Joshua Wilson. Jericho was not only Rose Wilson's brother but Slade Wilson's son. Most considered Deathstroke and Ravager to be negative referrals. But Rose herself had pleaded for Jericho's entry. Slade had endorsed the recruitment as well. Jericho had the ability to possess several people at once. And he barely controlled that ability.
The Justice Society took Jericho in because of Ravager's ardent concerns and Deathstroke's pledge not to engage the JSA or Young Justice. A fight the JSA wasn't entirely certain they could win. And Slade and Rose were immune to Josh's power. The only difficult part was everyone had to brush on, or learn, sign language because the event that caused Adeline Kane to reject her husband was when an assassin came for Slade and slit Josh's throat to prove a point.
Jericho survived because he had a slight vestige of his father and sister's healing capacity. And only the family knew Jackal had it as well since he was Slade's eldest son, Grant. When the military injected Slade with a long lost Japanese super soldier serum, mirakuru, they had no idea of how it would react with his latent gen factor. And John Lynch and Ivana Baiul didn't care either. Slade received the sole injection and he destroyed the other samples in a fit of paranoid rage that destroyed an Army research facility. The serum replicated throughout Slade's DNA but it wasn't expected to be passed on.
But both of Addy's boys and Rose's mother had children with mirakuru alterations to their genetic codes. Slade was assigned to Team 7 and after the Black Diamond fiasco he resigned his military commission. Restless and finding civilian life far too tame, he sidelined as a mercenary. Which made him enemies and resentful competitors. And a competitor harmed Josh. Afterwards Slade found the man and harmed him for two weeks during which he wouldn't let the man die.
It was Addy, and a small caliber handgun, that cost Slade an eye. She demanded he leave and had him served with a restraining order. And so Deathstroke was born. And Slade flaunted the fact he was missing an eye. He demanded that people know it. And in doing so, prove Abby's act of defiance was meaningless.
The rest of Young Justice nervously awaited deployment with the rest of their teammates. Superboy was the calmest having been bred as a weapon. It was being human that was hard. Miss Martian also took matters in better stride. M'gann M'orzz wasn't the Green Martian she pretended to be. Rather she was a hidden White Martian raised from birth to be a killing machine. Wondergirl knew she was a daughter of Zeus and while she was completely nerve wracked she had complete faith in her lineage.
Green Lantern, the Flash, and Wildcat met with Crimson Queen in her throne room/audience hall. Her retainers, the Crimson Jihad, flanked to either side. Oddly her own sister, Scarlet Rose, wasn't in attendance despite leading the Jihadists. They could see the changes made to her. Gone was her olive complexion replaced instead by porcelain white. And her eyes had from an ambitious brown to a hungry red.
The Crimson Queen had always exuded seduction but now she projected ecstatic carnal delights. None of the men had met a woman bonded with a succubus before but she lived up to advertised expectations. Even her voice had magnified in sultry allure.
"We're here to report in," Green Lantern told her, "Our UN mandate is to defend your borders not to expand them in any way."
"At least I merit some poor consideration despite all the wretched sanctions," Crimson Queen's smile was as dazzling as it was bedeviling.
"Yer lucky ta git that, lady," Wildcat grated, "Ya tried ta nuke the world. An' ya actually succeeded in a coupla spots."
"Six," Crimson Queen corrected him, "There were six detonation sites. And I was delivering an object lesson."
Which was?" Flash wondered.
"That I shouldn't be ignored," she laughed.
Green Lantern couldn't help but be a little stunned. The hubris seemed unimaginable. Flash obviously felt the same way. Wildcat looked ready to wade through the Crimson Jihad to land a blow at the Crimson Queen. Added to the anger was the fact she'd brainwashed and used the Global Guardians. And the survivors were friends.
"Oh boys, you should see your faces," she was delighted, "Mostly I see pain and hear a lot of groaning from men before release."
"You wanted our help. We're here to give it. Just stay out of our way," Green Lantern said tersely.
"Remember, I still have a nuclear deterrent. It would be a shame for Islamists to keep it or be forced to use it myself," Crimson Queen made an expanding ball with her hands, "Pooh! There goes Tehran."
The JSAers left in disgust. Crimson Queen turned to her specialists, "Find my sister."
"She left the country and never said where to," Scimitar was especially hit hard by this information.
"Find her or be replaced," she saw their hurt and confusion, "Please, you've always been expendable."
She at least had the grace not to laugh at them within earshot. She was immortal. There wasn't anything the Iranians could bring to bear that could kill her.
Miss Quick, Jinny Hex, and Raven Red were assigned as additional palace security. Arrowette was selected for field duty to bolster her confidence. Those selected for the task had the least experience. Raven Red being the younger brother of Charlie Red Eagle, his older brother and the original Raven Red. Hourman covertly stood vigil with them. Rex Tyler returning to the role after his son, Rick, retired.
The other Young Justicers were each assigned a JSA sponsor. In one case, three adults were assigned to junior partner. Jade, Jonni Thunder, and Obsidian didn't know Red Robin was the former Anarky. Director Bones and Dick Grayson had only shared the info with the three veteran JSAers. Green Lantern, the Flash, and Wildcat all agreed the "supervisors" could benefit from Ulysses Armstrong's tactical genius.
"So, I'm a little hazy on helping a dictator thing," Wonder Girl admitted as she and Green Lantern flew over their assigned sector of the border with Iran.
"The Crimson Queen carved this nation out of a slice of Iranian territory. Hence their wanting it back," Green Lantern began to explain, "And the people that migrated to her territory practically worship her. Word has it she's descended from Persian royalty dating back to Darius. The UN is concerned that the region could destabilize if she's ousted."
"But didn't that already happen once?" she wondered.
"The Queen came under the Justice League's radar when she kidnapped and brainwashed the Global Guardians using a sonic technique she'd personally developed. Apparently she was an infamous, and rather mercenary interrogator before leading a revolt," he said further, "Black Adam replaced her but she returned to triumphant fanfare. She'd loaned the Guardians out to Lex Luthor to engage in criminal enterprises. Their status as UN peacekeepers gave them credibility and access."
"All of this interesting but we're skipping over the 'why we're even here and bothering' bit," Wonder Girl complained.
"She's terrifies people and nations," Green Lantern finally shared, "She keeps the `Stan warlords from coming apart on each other. She keeps Iran's territorial ambitions in check. And she can bomb half of Eurasia to hell and survive the counterattack because she's no longer human."
"And what is she?" Cassia had to ask.
"Luthor impregnated her and when she gave birth, he killed her. But a sex demon inhabited her and now she's a succubus," Green Lantern told her the story.
"A sucky what?" that only confused her further.
"A sex vampire. The demon keeps her alive and virtually unkillable and it feeds of sexual energy. So she has lots and lots of sex to feed it," He revealed.
"That is all kinds of gross," Cassie decided.
"Some of your lofty relatives weren't much different," Green Lantern put it in perspective.
"Low blow," she grumbled, "What happened to the baby?"
"Luthor El-Fadil has changed hands frequently over the years. But his mother sent him away permanently to keep him safe from her demon," Green Lantern answered.
"So where'd he go?" Wonder Girl was alarmed.
"Word is, Talia al Ghul found him and gave him back to Luthor," Green Lantern told her.
"Harsh," she complained.
"I'm certain we don't know the half of it," he concurred, "There's activity coming up. Ready?"
"For anything," Wonder Girl lied.
Flash and Kid Flash scoured their sector at high speed. Fortunately for Barr Torr, Jay Garrick had slowed over the decades so it was that Kid Flash could keep up. Jay only wished Wally would come back and be the full-time Flash again. Jay was getting too old for this work.
A caravan of trucks came to halt near a border check. Troops dismounted and opened for to kill everyone at the station. Flash felt weary all over,
"Let's get them, Kid," he said with bravado he didn't feel anymore.
"Awl right!" Kid Flash was all enthusiasm.
"Yee Haw! Now this is livin'!" Wildcat declared as he fought a dozen soldiers.
Arrowette decided he was all kinds of crazy. She hadn't brought any razor tipped broadheads to insure she wouldn't use them. For all of her reluctance, Arrowette was an insanely competent archer. Because her mother's intensive training program, the second Arrowette's skills surpassed those of the first. Cissie had one major quirk to her fighting style.
As long as Arrowette stood still she couldn't hit anything with any kind of accuracy. But put her on the move and she was unerring. It unnerved everyone at the Olympic trials. Despite every shot being a consecutive bullseye fired as fast she could draw, nock, and fire an arrow, she was disqualified. She made Olympic history by earning a perfect score and being rejected for being unorthodox. So Arrowette returned to what she'd prepped for her entire life: being a superhero.
Mr. Terrific spun in the sand as an explosion ignited nearby. It was an incendiary detonated amidst a civilian village. Gunfire kept emergency responders pinned down. So he and Secret intervened.
Her gaseous state occluded the enemy's vision. Mr. Terrific scrambled T-Spheres and relied on his body as a weapon to prevent further violence. He reflected that Secret was exactly that. A fragmented data file suggested her name was Greta Hayes. Director Bones wasn't forthcoming with her entire DEO file. And attempts to hack it proved it was enormous.
But it seemed the entire military-industrial complex of NATO countries was nervous about her joining Young Justice. To the point that threats and ultimatums had flown like aircraft. All because of a fourteen-year old girl with no past and couldn't even remember her name. And probably wasn't even alive anymore. Mr. Terrific sarcastically agreed that she was a global threat.
"They'll be parachuting in now," Sand predicted.
"I thought you had to dream prophecies," Static was understandably curious.
"Who says I'm awake now?" Sand retorted.
"Dude, you're freaking me out," Static confessed.
"Welcome to a new Earth," Sand replied.
That situation freaked him out too. One day, Dakota City had been home to all of Earth's superheroes. Now it was simply a city. A city everyone knew had always been there but no one ever visited it until the Legion of Doom and Justice League arrived. Now tourists came from around the world. News reports from and about Dakota City were seen globally via satellites. And Icon and Rocket stuck him here as an ambassador. They could keep the job.
"They're offloading Russian-made flamethrowers and RPGs. The rockets for distance and the flamers for close in work. And there are requisite machine guns, "Dr. Mid-Nite reported to Miss Martian.
"Flamethrowers complicates things," M'gann admitted.
"Try not to get injured. With J'onn's death there any blood are tissue samples to deal with burns," Dr. Mid-Nite cautioned.
"That's not entirely true," she was tiring of the constant need to deceive.
"There are other Green Martian survivors?" he asked.
"Not if everything went according to plan," M'gann disillusioned his hopes, "I'm not a Green Martian."
"You're not a Martian?" he was confused.
"I'm a Martian. Just not the type you're expecting," she shifted back to her natural White Martian form, "Surprise?"
She shifted back to what everyone was used to as he considered the revelation and what it meant,
"It was probably wise to earn trust before condemning yourself. Humans have a White Martian phobia after the infiltration and invasion. But you've proven you're different. If you want support when, if, you reveal this to others, I'll be there for you. But I wouldn't leave it at 'if'," Dr. Mid-Nite remarked.
"Thank you for being understanding. You're right that it's time to share my secret. I can't keep living this way," M'gann decided.
"It may take a while to get used to having a White Martian around," he warned her.
"What? No! I like this look," she protested.
"So does Superboy," Dr. Mid-Nite shared.
"Wha…" How could you possibly know that? He was with Cassie," M'gann was incredulous.
"His capillaries dilate every time he sees you," he explained, "In other words, his entire body blushes."
"Wow!" M'gann was in awe.
"That's the least of it," Dr. Mid-Nite chuckled, "Given time, we could have a human/Kryptonian-Martian romance if his body signs are any indication of what he's thinking. And he and Wonder Girl ended things after the Teen Titans debacle."
"Wow!" she repeated.
"Let's concentrate on work," he suggested.
But her mind, M'gann was still saying, wow!
Hawkman and Superboy soared over their sector. Hawkman interrupted the silence, "Incoming."
"I'd seen them," Superboy replied.
Hawkman didn't know if Conner was being flippant or was just giving him attitude. His personal bet was on attitude, "Suck up whatever it is. It's getting real now."
"When isn't it?" Superboy complained.
That's when Carter realized Conner needed a vacation. Preferably with M'gann. M'gann had been working just as long and hard since the Teen Titans were decimated. No one yet knew of Beast Boy would ever awaken again. The JSA considered the trio, that included Wonder Girl, the "senior class" and frequently used them as teaching aids. But Hawkman considered his own days as a student, even a doctoral one, and breaks were vital to the process. So he mentally promised them he'd speak with the others when this work was done.
Jade, Obsidian and Jonni Thunder worked with Red Robin as Jade carried them to an arriving convoy of trucks and armored personal carriers. Obsidian was not happy, "We had to get here before dusk."
"Hold that thought," Jonni transformed into Yz and tore into the invaders. Jade's power pulse aided her. Red Robin looked disgusted.
"Has anyone heard of a plan?" Ulysses complained.
"Care to try one with me?" Obsidian asked.
So Red Robin sketched one out. Obsidian grunted, "Good plan, actually."
"I'll give you your opening," Red Robin announced and then he sprinted off.
"Jennie-Lynn will never forgive me if he gets himself killed," Obsidian realized too late.
Hawkgirl overflew Catgirl, "They're over the next rise."
"And I just suppose we're going there next," Kitrina smarted off.
Hawkgirl landed, "Do we have a problem?"
"Not us personally," Catgirl growled, "Unless you make it so."
"Give," Kendra ordered.
"I don't want to be here," Catgirl told her.
"No one wants to be here," Hawkgirl thought it was beating a dead horse.
"No, in Young Justice," Catgirl explained.
"Then why did you even join?" Hawkgirl wondered.
"Selina Kyle is my mentor. But Bruce Wayne, who she's got a horrible catnip weakness for, knocked her up. She retired as Catwoman and recommended to her replacement, Holly Robinson, to ship me out to you guys."
"Any idea why?" Kendra asked.
"Selina is good people but she's basically a thief at heart. I want to tear down the Five Families in Gotham. Holly was Selina's pride and joy competition. So she's a thief. Thieves aren't getting me where I want to go. So they exiled me," Kitrina unhappily stated.
"So you think this is punishment," Hawkgirl surmised.
"I think this is no one wanting me. And when your entire extended family is out to kill you, that's saying something," Catgirl clarified.
"You're one of those Falcones," Hawkgirl realized.
"Say that again and I'll bust your lip," Catgirl warned.
"Why do I think you'd say the same?" Kendra asked.
"It wasn't was said as much as how it was said," Catgirl was still irritated.
"Calm down," Hawkgirl advised, "I'm the one carrying medieval weaponry."
"Says you. How do I even know you can use it properly?" Catgirl wanted to know.
"Your life depends on it," Hawkgirl said simply, "Look, you want to leave when we get back? I'll make your case. But if you have nowhere else to go, why not stay?"
"You'd really leave it up to me?" Catgirl asked.
"Entirely," Hawkgirl promised.
"Then let's bust heads so I can think about it," Catgirl happily decided.
Hawkgirl was just happy Catgirl believed her lie.
Red Tornado's winds carried Black Kitten aloft. The girl wasn't happy, "Are we ever going to land?"
Maxine Hunkel would've felt the same before becoming Cyclone first and now the new Red Tornado. But now she didn't. Maxine wasn't an android like the original Reddy. But TO Morrow had infused her body with nanites that mirrored Red Tornado's powers. Morrow tried had to force Max to conquer the criminal world for him. Instead she's joined the JSA.
But she'd left the team to return to her studies at Harvard. Her studies were on an accelerated track. She'd earned three BS degrees in different disciplines while also earning two MS degrees in related sciences and had already earned her first Ph. D. She had four more doctorates to go having been accepted straight from BS studies and one discipline without any prior degrees.
But tragedy struck, as it so often does, and Maxine took a sabbatical year. Consulting with Flash, she decided to forgo her old Wizard of Oz themed persona and instead pay homage to her predecessor. And that was how Cyclone transformed into Red Tornado. Karen Starr developed and paid for the new Red Tornado "skin" that adhered to Maxine's body and made her resemble Reddy.
Max had been so thrilled to see Karen and Mary Bromfield building a life outside either the JLU or JSA. But it did seem odd to now call Tea "Karen". And Mary had increasingly been frigid the more Maxine visited to perfect her suit. But Karen passed on an important piece of news to deliver to Alan Scott, Jay Garrick, and Ted Grant.
Power Girl would be leaving the nascent Birds of Prey now that the leadership had been established and accepted. And she'd been asked to be a Justice League reservist but Power Girl's primary allegiance was with the Justice Society and she would be returning to full time membership. But it seemed Black Mary wouldn't be. But before Green Lantern could confirm this news, Power Girl had disappeared and Mary simply said she'd "gone somewhere". And then she'd mentioned Kalea-El. Alan's blood ran cold.
But now Red Tornado could completely empathize with Black Kitten. Maxine had felt exactly the same way as Cyclone. At least at the beginning. But she'd grown more comfortable with the outre over time and with experience. But as they further on their assigned route, the sounds of detonations, gunfire and screams could be heard over Reddy's winds.
"Are you ready for this?" Red Tornado asked Black Kitten.
"Like I have a choice?" Kit Weston asked.
Red Tornado was bluntly honesty, "Probably not."
"Then let's do it," Black Kitten said with greater grit than Maxine was giving her credit for. Which made sense. Up until now Black Cat had been mentoring her. And Black Cat had been Los Angeles' homegrown hero until Jade and Jonni Thunder joined in the local action. And she'd been missing when the Mighty Crusaders saved LA from destruction.
No one knew where Black Cat and Black Kitten had vanished to and the public's fickleness didn't rightly care. But the experience and its aftermath in Pittsburgh with the Birds of Prey taught Black Cat she was no longer able to train Black Kitten to the degree she needed and deserved. So Young Justice had seemed a perfect choice. But that still didn't mean Kit didn't miss Linda Turner.
"Like we discussed," Red Tornado warned the teen.
"Do it," Black Kitten growled.
Reddy decided Black Kitten was going to be just fine with Young Justice. And then her winds hurled the girl at the Iranian patrol. And contact had been made as Black Kitten slammed into one soldier and acrobatically began to work her through the rest. Now it was time for Maxine to put the fear of Allah into them.
Dr. Fate erected a mystical barrier before the Iranian air force could support its troops. Typical military dogma insisted on sending the planes and bombers in before ground troops rolled in. But the Republican Guards her comrades had thus far encountered were merely scouts and saboteurs. The invasion was to begin quietly before the army itself rolled into a disabled nation. That seemed to have miserably failed. But Fate needed to stand by and reinforce the aerial barrier as needed.
Jinny Hex was vigilant but Raven Red and Miss Quick looked as bored as Hourman felt. He was also pretty damn sure Hex had spotted him once or twice. But Jinny obviously had some basic knowledge of how these things worked. Even if she'd never participated in such a mission before. And it wasn't Jonah Hex that had taught her. He'd just arrived from the late 1800s. So it seemed reliant on some Hex family traditions.
Jinny pumped her shotgun, "Look alive people!"
Windows within the palace shattered as an armored unit came through them. The oddity was that some women seemed present as well. An abhorrent thought within a patriarchal society.
"Ya'll better be ready!" Jinny shouted as she opened fire.
Robotman was partnered with Robin. The oddity was that Stephanie had more practical experience than Bob Crane. The former Spoiler knew it wasn't an accident they'd been paired. They came upon a team attempting to enter a nuclear facility to sabotage it.
"Well, our night just got interesting," Robotman's synthetic voice actually relayed amusement.
"It'll take us twenty minutes to get there," Robin estimated.
"Not if you hop onto my back and hold on tight," he told her.
Robin did so, "Why am I…whoa!"
Robotman was running at over sixty miles an hour. They crossed the gap in a few scant minutes. But he'd taken a few to slow. Robin clanged his head.
"Duck!" she ordered.
"But?" he tried to argue.
"Now!" she yelled. He complied and she flipped off of him and extended her bo staff at the same time. The kinetic impact leveled several troops. And then Steph went to work on the others. Robotman now understood why she was worthy to be a Robin. Her skills nearly equaled Dick Grayson's and surpassed Tim Drake's. Now Bob finally realized he was there to live up to her example.
Hippolyta pushed her sword into the sand and knelt, "They're out there and being extremely quiet.
"I can make them reveal themselves," Jericho promised through sign language, "But why did you leave Themiscyra again? I know you were the original Wonder Woman, but why give up paradise?"
"My daughter earned the right to be queen. But she would always defer to me if I stayed. So I left," she explained.
"But won't you age and die here?" he "asked".
"You're inquisitive," Hippolyta chuckled, "Yes, I will age and grow old her and eventually die."
"But I'm supposed to call you Wonder Woman? Isn't there already one?" Jericho persisted.
"The title is a badge of honor to be earned. Now we are three," Hippolyta revealed, "And together we will change this beleaguered world."
"Okay?" Jericho hesitated. His face said it wasn't.
"Don't fear, your sister will likely be spared," Hippolyta predicted.
"And Grant and my dad?" Jericho fretted.
"If they retire and are pacified, they can stand trial for their innumerable crimes," Hippolyta told him.
"That'll happen," Hippolyta could by his expression that he was being cheeky.
"How do you fell about making these fools reveal themselves so we can strike them down?" she inquired.
"Okay," Jericho sighed. Flares began launching into the sky. Then enemy was closer than Hippolyta had estimated.
"Excellent, follow me. I'll keep you safe. Believe me. I trained Diana," Hippolyta assured him.
And when they engaged the would-be assailants, Jericho learned why Hippolyta was the first and preeminent Wonder Woman.
"These losers are from the MARS Corporation," Hourman advised his charges as he caved in another metal helmet.
"Nice of ya'll ta finally join us," Jinny blasted another face plate. It was the only piece of equipment vulnerable to her weapon. She was about to break loose her Magnum pistols.
Miss Quick didn't have her brother's vibrational skills. He could've simply cracked the armored suits open. She resorted to velocity and brute force to knock the wearers over. She hit with enough force to damage their equipment. While Shira wasn't tiring yet, the Speed Force only provided so much protection from impacts and she was nearing her limit.
Raven Red was Man-of-Bats' son and would have been the Batman, Inc. member's "Robin" if he'd survived. John Proud Eagle had taken Charlie's place but he hadn't yet received the same depth and breadth of training. But he was still managing to stay alive and even thwart MARS attackers. He couldn't match their augmented strength but there were fighting techniques that utilized an enemy's strength against . And those were the first he had learned.
The battle ended abruptly when the last unit fell. Miss Quick skidded to a halt, "Thank God."
"It isn't over," Raven Red predicted.
"He's right. They came this far and didn't accomplish what they wanted to," Hourman concurred, "MARS will send replacements."
"Ain't ya only got an hour with that thar Miraclo pill thingie?" Jinny reloaded her shotgun and put back in its quiver-like back holster. She drew her twin .44 Magnums.
"I reformulated for my son. Like me, the original turned him into an addict. Now I've got four hours but I can't use again for twenty-four more hours," Hourman divulged.
"And the addiction?" Miss Quick worried about a relapse.
"There no physical addictive qualities," Hourman was pleased to say, "But I confess, the lifestyle can be an addiction all its own."
"Yah, I git thet," Jinny admitted.
"So are we just waiting?" Raven Red sounded frustrated, "Or do we set an ambush around the Queen?"
"Or we could jist take her out," Jinny suggested, "Ah never kilt me no vampire."
"That isn't the mission," Hourman sternly told her.
"Yore sure `bout thet?" Jinny bucked his authority again.
Rex could tell she'd be a handful, "John's right. We need to be proactive. Shira find us a defensible point in the path to the Crimson Queen."
"On it!" she eagerly streaked away.
"An' when they come, we jist roll over an' play dead until the Queen is, right?" Jinny gave it one last try.
"Not exactly," Hourman was amused by her persistence.
"Dang it!" she pulled her cowboy hat down tighter and stomped off.
"She's a Hex all right," Raven Red was also amused.
"You care to share?" Hourman wondered.
"My tribe adopted a lost white boy back in the day. We called him Non-Toh. Whites called him the Scalphunter. He and Jonah Hex became as brothers," Raven Red described what happened. "When Hex vanished so did Non-Toh and several others called the Rough Bunch. They were lawmen and women without badges."
"When we started the Justice Society back in 1940, stories about them were still being told," Hourman admitted, "They were our biggest inspirations to become what were called 'mystery men'. Of course the original Black Canary was hardly a man."
"Any relation to our Black Canary?" Raven Red asked.
"Direct descendent on her mother's side," Hourman chuckled.
"My people still have shamans. They hear things no one else hears and see in visions. Black Canary has surrounded herself with family," Raven Red advised him, "These are true things."
"I suppose the League of Assassins could be called a family of sorts," Hourman ventured.
"No, her real family has found her and joined in her cause," Raven Red tried to impart a sense of peril, "Her sisters-in-law and a cousin have all sided with her. And they are a danger."
"Don't you mean 'dangerous'?" Rex asked.
"No, they are danger because it lives within them," Raven Red stated, "And that is all I know. The shamans told me what to tell you and I have."
"Then at least one of us needs to survive to pass on this to the others," Hourman decided.
"Yes," Raven Red ardently agreed.
"Kin we jist go now?" Jinny shouted from across the hall.
Miss Quick screeched across the marble, "Found it!"
"Then we get into position," Hourman instructed.
"Bout time," Jinny huffed.
And Rex was reminded of the early JSA having the original Black Canary around.
Green Lantern's constructs mystified and bewildered the Iranian troops he was deterring. He had explicitly told Wonder Girl to avoid inflicting any unnecessary harm. Cassie was in complete agreement. But her Lasso of Thunder, made by Ares out of her father's thunderbolts did an excellent job of disabling troops unwilling to retreat.
But after everyone had run or been stunned, Green Lantern commented, "It's too easy."
"Meaning?" Cassie asked.
"These aren't elite soldiers," Alan told her, "They're barely soldiers at all."
"Then why the deception?" she wondered.
"Because they're storming the capital," Green Lantern feared.
"How?" she was confused.
"Bailya's seaboard and her border with Turkmenistan aren't being reinforced," Green Lantern realized.
"So we head back?" Wonder Girl hoped.
"We head back and you call it in," Green Lantern instructed, "And try and keep up."
"Hey, I'm Zeus' daughter," and Green Lantern was gone, "And I'm talking to myself."
"That was certainly too easy," Flash decided.
"That was easy?" Kid Flash didn't believe it.
"Suspiciously so," Jay warned Barr. Then Cassie's message came through.
"That explains it," Flash took off running.
"Here we go again," Kid Flash lamented, "What about my sister?"
"I have no idea," Flash regretfully admitted.
Kid Flash was fully motivated then. Jay knew of the palace was the target then Shira was very, very busy. But at least Jinny and John were there with her and Rex was watching out for them.
"They're down," Arrowette was collecting her reusable arrows.
"But they shouldn't be," Wildcat complained, "I've been in tight scraps before. This ain't one of `em."
The pair were the closest to the palace and they explosives detonating in it and in the city surrounding it. Arrowette noticed Wildcat's frustration even before he spoke, "That's what I worried `bout."
"Then let's do something about it," Arrowette said confidently, "Even if they ditched the keys I can hotwire one of the jeeps."
"Ya got spirit, kid, ya can go far," Wildcat promised her.
"Thanks," she said sullenly.
Ted just didn't get Cissie. She was nearly ruthlessly competent one minute, pure guts and intimidation another, and then she morphed into a slacker the next. What actually motivated her? And what could be done to change it?
The jeep turned over and she started to get into it, "Well?"
"Comin'" Wildcat reiterated his internal concerns one more time.
Secret had smothered the military details. Mr. Terrific was most impressed in how she hadn't killed them as solidified enough to choke them but withdrew before they asphyxiated. She had an amazing amount of control over ability despite the former DEO's reports indicating they'd just found her in a gaseous state and had never had time to examine her.
The reports had been filed by agents Fite n' Madd. And Terrific knew they were callous to the point of viciousness in obtaining data on gen actives and their abilities. So no one in the JSA believed any of the reports. Greta herself would have be their data source. But she seemed to have forgotten everything.
Mr. Terrific know whether it was a result of trauma or the manifestation of her gen factor. And her belief, and that of others, that she was deceased and somehow trapped on Earth just added to the poor girl's confusion. Confusion that hindered further discovery. He was relieved to receive Cassie's broadcast.
Dr. Mid-Nite mentally reviewed the situation, "M'gann, can you link with someone's mind to discover why these men were so…incompetent?"
"You thought so too?" Miss Martian asked.
"Yes," he confirmed it.
"Everyone's unconscious. A telepathic probe would reveal jumbles," M'gann warned him.
Wonder Girl made her call then. Dr. Mid-Nite scowled unseen thanks to his cowl and goggles, "Of course!"
"We're some distance but I could carry you there," Miss Martian offered.
"We do what we must, dignity be damned," Dr. Mid-Nite.
"I was thinking telekinetically rather than a bridal carry," M'gann snickered.
"Oh. Okay," Pieter Cross said sheepishly.
"Superboy and I are rerouting to the Caspian," Hawkman informed the others after receiving Wonder Girl's message. Carter noticed hearing Cassie's voice and further fouled Conner's mood.
"What's the problem between you and Cassie?"
"Who says there is one?" Superboy sullenly asked.
"Just the way you act every time you think about her," Hawkman replied, "And given the way you respond to her voice is a dead giveaway."
"We broke up. I broke it up," Superboy reluctantly shared.
"Was there a valid reason behind it?" Hawkman asked.
"Yes," Superboy tersely answered.
"Then call it good and move on," Carter instructed, "Because right now you can't find your ass with your head shoved up it."
That angered Conner but he realized it was true, "Okay. I'll deal with it."
"Good, because we have small warships coming in towards the Bailyan coast," Hawkman advised his junior partner.
"Good. I've got some frustrations to work out," Superboy cracked his knuckles.
Hawkman unclipped his mace and drew his sword, "I know the feeling.
Superboy figured he did. The whole Shayera and Kendra thing only complicated thousands of years of multiple lifetimes. And being intertwined with both women at different, and the unusually same, times had screw with someone's head not to mention their heart. With Hath Set dead and Shayera married and pregnant, Carter and Kendra had a chance to finally forge their own lives. Whether together or separately. But did seem fate brought them together just as much or more than Khufu and Chay'Era ever managed. So maybe destiny said something after all.
"You didn't leave me any," Hawkgirl leaned on her Nth metal tipped spear.
Catgirl was breathing heavy, "Y'know how it is. Multiple family crises, bad guys with guns, still getting used to PMS. It just helps to beat someone's face in."
"Or a lot of someones," Hawkgirl grinned.
"Yeah, well…" Catgirl was embarrassed.
"Hold on," Hawkgirl and Catgirl's earpiece transceivers relayed the messages.
"Huhn, that's why these goons went down so easily," Catgirl grunted.
"Time to fly," Hawkgirl spread and held out her arms.
"I so very hate this part," Catghirl complained.
"You get used to it," Hawkgirl promised, "You even get to like it."
Kitrina recalled that Kendra, like Carter, hadn't been born with wings but they'd grown when they were adults. Kitrina just wished she the natural agility of a cat. And definitely the claws to go with.
Robotman was racing Robin back as well. She was less than thrilled, "Look, I'm used to fighting street gangs and muggers. This war is someone else's problem."
"I was killed by a gang looking score cash so they could get high," Robotman told her, "Evil is evil, no matter if it's on the street or sitting in a palace."
"Yet we're helping anyway," Robin ruefully remarked.
"You can be very….frightening, Robin," Robotman told Robin.
"Blame my dad," Robin told her, "If wasn't always trying to kill me I'd be a calmer person. Maybe even tranquil. But having a super villain dad, even an incompetent one, makes you want lash and beat people that think they're better, or stronger, and especially smarter."
"Sucks to be us," Robin joked.
They listened to Cassie's warning. Stephanie sighed, "It really sucks today."
"Too true," Robotman agreed as he raced through a palace gate.
"These fools aren't soldiers," Hippolyta sheathed her sword.
"I didn't even make a single one surrender," Jericho signed.
"I know. Which makes all the more suspicious," Hippolyta stopped and listened to her radio, "And how we supposed to get back in a reasonable amount of time?"
Unlike Diana, her mother had no innate power to fly. Artemis had Hermes' sandals. And Nubia was as grounded as her former queen.
"We steal a truck," Jericho insisted
"Excellent thought," Hippolyta congratulated him, "Can you drive?"
"I'm not even old enough for a learner's permit," Jericho protested.
"Time to learn without a permit," Hippolyta decided, "Take us to the palace."
"We are so going to die," Jericho miserably fretted.
"Nonsense," Hippolyta hid her own doubts.
Jade and Yz flew side by side while Jade's power pulse kept Red Robin and Obsidian aloft. The trio had easily won for the same reasons as every other team. And they'd won in seconds rather than minutes thanks to Red Robin's strategizing. The trio universally wondered who he was.
"These paratroops could barely land," Static observed.
"They're merely a diversion," Sand agreed. Cassie's message broadcast and Sand turned to Static, "Stay close to me."
"Why?" Static worried.
"Just trust me," Sand advised. And Static screamed as the ground swallowed them both.
"Here we go again," Black Kitten groused as Red Tornado flew her across the sands.
"It does explain why we won so easily," Maxine opined.
"But what's waiting for us?" Black Kitten asked.
"The real threats," Red Tornado predicted.
Kit had promised Linda she'd give it a go but she was just about done with Young Justice.
Hellequin went looking for Joker's Daughter. Frankly, her first impulse was use her favorite baseball bat to cave Deula Dent's head in. Word was the former Harlequin wore a mask of dried skin she claimed belonged to the Joker. Marion Drews had to wonder what kind of sick bitch wore the face of her so-called "daddy". Even Earth-2 hadn't dreamt up that kind of crazy.
A dozen Jokerz came out of everywhere when she reached the Narrows. All wore clown makeup. And they relied on the usual gang expression of intimidation. It was all threat and no style, no finesse, and especially no twisted, sadistic humor. In other words, anti-Joker-like.
"You've got me. Now take me to your leader," Hellequin said flippantly.
"No. You die," a thug stepped forward and pointed his gun at her head.
"Okay, I'm scared. Oooh! Does that prove it?" Hellequin mocked them.
"Who the hell are you?" the thug was confused. Normally people pissed their pants by now. They weren't supposed to be sarcastic.
"I'm Hellequin," she told them.
"Harley Quinn? The boss wants you dead!" He thumbed back the hammer on his older automatic.
"Are you deaf or just stupid? Maybe a little of both?" Hellequin was irked, "I said HELLEquin not HARLEY Quinn."
"It does sound different, Jocko," a heavyset Jokerz said.
"Shuddap!" but when Jocko averted his gaze, Hellequin caved his skull in with her bat. Then she pounded at it until there was nothing but bits of brain a goo of blood littered with bone shards.
Hellequin and blew strands of hair out of eyes, "Next?"
They were realizing her enlarged pig tails tipped in blue dye on one side and pink on the other was supposed to represent a harlequin's hat. And Harley had never dressed so slutty. The heavyset gang member came forward.
"You want a piece, big boy?" she pointed the bat at his head.
"I'm Bobo. You just made me in charge," he told her.
"I'm going to take you to see Joker's Daughter," he promised her.
"She withdrew the bat and propped it over her shoulder, "Now why couldn't just agree on that at the beginning?"
"You sure as hell aren't Harley," Bobo commented as they took a walk.
"Damn straight," Hellequin vowed.
The LEGION transferred everyone to a destroyer that supposedly had remained loyal to the Dark Circle Admiralty. Vril Dox held a briefing that included the Justice League and Sovereign Seven. The other JLers worried about Barda's abrupt disappearance. But he assured them she wasn't to be found on Rimbor.
"I propose, as the leading edge of the attack on Papal Center, that we continue operations in our preselected groupings," Brainiac 2 insisted.
"Good strategy," Cascade agreed, "It would take too long to integrate strangers otherwise."
The JLers looked to Superman.
He visibly shook himself, "Uh…right. Good plan."
Power Ring obviously face palmed.
Superman was THE legend on Earth. He was inspirational as hell but he wasn't the greatest tactician or strategic leader. Artemis was too volatile. Killer Frost was blatantly too homicidal. Supergirl was too innocent and she was missing anyway. Jessica was too neurotic. So they had to look outwardly.
Brainiac 2 saw it as well, "Karen Starr, called Power Girl, would you lead the Justice League on this mission?"
"Me?" she was startled.
"We've evidence of your part in Almerac's Kandorian campaign. You showed great courage and a degree of operational brilliance. And you endured weeks of torture without giving up the plan or any individuals. I'd say that qualifies you."
Only Superman had known those details. The other JLers looked at her either with new appreciation or blatant awe. Killer Frost knew Galatea had married Blackhawk but she'd just developed a small crush on her and idly wondered if Karan were bicurious. Superman was slightly annoyed.
"If the others will agree to it, I'll abide by their decision," he said.
Everyone was clueless as to why Superman would give anyone second, third, fourth, and beyond chances. But he'd barely given Power Girl a second one. And he seemed on the verge of accusing her of a crime every time they met. The ladies voted unanimously to follow Power Girl's lead.
"You've given Karen your trust. I will too," but everyone knew he only half meant it.
Power Girl was just relieved he finally used her new name. But he disapproved of it. He saw it as dishonest relegated to witness protection programs.
"The woman you call Supergirl is on Papal Center already. If she can get close enough, she is to dethrone the Papal Father and Holy Mother," Vril announced.
"You mean kill them," Superman disapproved.
"It would dethrone them and solve a great many problems," Vril listed the logical reasons.
Clark was just afraid Matrix would do it. After the business on her Earth, he didn't doubt she'd do it with proper motivation. But just how motivated was she currently?
Network linked the Sovereigns. Their consensus was that it was situational. Defending lives often meant taking them. So considering what threat level the Papal Father and Holy Mother represented would determine their ultimate fate.
"I will be assigning missions to each grouping, LEGION, Sovereigns, and Justice League alike," Brainiac 2 warned, "We will be traversing space undetected with a unique rift drive of my own brilliant devising,:
"And of course you're oh so humble about it," Lydea Mallor accused.
"It's hard to be humble you're perfect, right Dox?" Strata asked.
"Getting in quietly is good, but they'll know we're there when we arrive. Or am I mistaken?" Phase wanted to know.
"No, they'll detect us when we translate into their solar system," Vril clarified.
"Then we'd better have a helluva better plan than just, 'surprise!'" Stealth complained.
"Why do you believe we have a veritable fleet supporting and we're in the swiftest and most maneuverable class of warship?" Brainiac21 was tired of being questioned. His brilliance was unparalleled. Except for that one damn human named Luthor. Dox would brook no rivals.
"The LEGION will deal with the leadership. The Justice League will secure the Temple Mount and keep the defenders at bay. Sovereign Seven is tasked with targeting key infrastructure and defense positions."
"Is that all?" Cruiser caustically remarked.
"And how would we know where these positions even are?" Indigo asked.
"Because Supergirl has bene transmitting them to me," Brainiac 2 boasted, "And I will let you have them."
"Gracious of you," Finale growled.
"What numbers are we expecting?" Killer Frost asked.
"At least seven billion religious adherents. They are strictly nonviolent," Vril answered.
"And military and security?" Power Girl asked.
"Fewer than a thousand on any given day," Vril happily reported.
"It's a trap. It has to be. Nothing is that simple," Jessica worried.
"I agree with Power Ring," Artemis declared, "What are you hiding from us?"
Dox sighed, "I know who the Papal Father and Holy Mother really are and where they're from. Their defense force comes from their home planet."
"And where is that?" Superman was impatient.
"Apokolips," Dox dropped the bombshell at long last.
Jessica's reply would've been censored.
"That's it!" Killer Frost fumed in private, "No one ever said anything about dealing with Darkseid's Elite. Let Dox hang by his balls."
"Darkseid is also facing a rebellion. He needs the Dark Circle's military to suppress the revolt," Power Girl shared.
"Where did you hear that nonsense?" Superman scolded her.
"From your daughter," Power Girl thrust at him, "Or did you forget you have one? Or even two?"
Alexandra wasn't old enough to talk and Galatea was chummy with his eldest, "Kalea."
"And you scowl. Typical," Power Girl retorted.
"Can we end this? Now?" Artemis wasn't asking, "We have larger issues to contend with. We're facing parademons at the very least."
"New Gods are nearly impossible to kill and these twits think they can manage it with sheer good looks," Killer Frost complained, "And Mae is down there somewhere."
Everyone knew Matrix and Jessica were among the few to have befriended Louise Lincoln since she'd joined the JLU. And Killer Frost's loyalty was proving legendary. Even towards those she barely knew but felt bonded to.
"She's right," Superman conceded, "Matrix needs us."
"I'm honestly surprised," Power Girl admitted, "Cutting and running on so-called family seems to be your thing."
Everyone fell into shocked silence. Superman was seething, "When we return to Earth, we end this."
"Ending" seemed open ended. Power Girl nodded, "Let's."
"Now this is living," Remoni-Notra decided upon entering Carol's expansive London penthouse.
"Carol has always had good taste," Hal agreed.
"Not good enough to keep you," she said coyly.
"It was my decision," Hal said without emotion or regret.
"But she could have fought for you and didn't," Remoni-Notra reminded him, "I wouldn't make that mistake."
"Why?" Hal asked.
"Hal, you're legendary. You epitomize my dream male. I could've bathed you in the Light of Love and seduced you while you were smitten," Remoni-Notra shared, "But I didn't. I want complete honesty between us."
"Unlike what Carol did to Kyle," Hal saw where this was going.
"Exactly. How can you love without trust?" she prodded him.
"I always thought the light only revealed what was already there," Hal admitted.
"So true. You rejected Carol when the sapphire controlled her and she sought out Rayner and found he reciprocated," Remoni-Notra answered Hal's lagging doubt.
"So she really loves him," Hal finally realized.
"And he truly loves her…and Kara In-Ze," Remoni-Notra revealed, "There is no clean resolution unless they all join in."
There was a twist Hal hadn't expected. But obviously every Star Sapphire had before him.
"Kilowog, could you build a extremely small drone to serveil someone?" John Stewart asked him.
"Sure. Be easier if we had somethin' on the target ta track from a distance in case ya wanna do it by hand and lose `em," Kilowog answered.
"We have a tracker in place," John assured.
"We?" Kilowog asked.
Shayera came forward with the Dibneys. Shayera answered for everyone, "Ask and we'll be here."
"Why ain't Stevie-boy here wit ya?" Kilowog wiped the lubricant from bis hands.
"This is an unofficial inquiry," Sue told him.
"An' Rubberneck there can't do it?" he wondered.
"Ralph trying to be inconspicuous is the most overtly conspicuous thing ever," Sue loved her husband but he intentionally stood out in every crowd. Especially when told not to.
"We're the down low," Ralph made a stretchy sliding motion with hand.
"And he's definitely not a hipster no matter his feeble brain tells him," Sue concluded.
"I'm going to take that personally," Ralph protested.
"Good," Sue replied.
"Wanna tell me who yer trackin'?" Kilowog asked.
"Insect Queen," John told him.
"Da redhead?" Kilowog was stunned, "Why?"
"Because she vanishes without explanation or warning. We want to where, why, and if she's meeting someone. She's not from this Earth and frankly we know next to nothing about her. We don't know if there are any other survivors from Earth-2 here," Shayera described the situation.
"Why not just ask her?" Kilowog asked.
"If she's betraying the League, she won't cop to it when asked," Shayera said, "I was an infiltrator and no one knew until after the invasion happened."
"`Kay, give me an hour," Kilowog decided.
"An hour?" Ralph was incredulous.
"Hey, yer tech is primitive. It takes time ta work wit," Kilowog went to his workshop.
"And hour is taking time?" Ralph still couldn't believe the timetable.
"Different worlds, honey. It's your turn to pick up Alyssa by the way," Sue told him.
"She loves my funny face impressions," Ralph declared.
"Someone has to and she's only four," Sue said dryly.
"We should have quit before they asked us back," Ralph sulked.
"We were both bored to tears and you know it," Sue countered.
"But I don't have to admit it," Ralph winked at, "Right, Shay?"
"You have a daughter waiting for you," Shayera's patience was stretching thin.
"I'm going. I'm going," Ralph headed down the corridor.
"Not fast enough," Shayera quipped.
"Everybody's a critic," Ralph shouted.
"He thrives on this," Sue smirked.
"I'll make him thrive as much as he can survive," Shayera had no lost love for Ralph., "But I'm glad you're back."
"Me too," Sue said honestly.
"Chief Hol? You wanted to know when Ms. Lang departed," a sentry alerted her. The staff guarding the entrance all had the same instruction.
"I have to be seen here," Shayera reminded John.
"I'll have `Wog deploy the drone," John offered.
At the end of the Semicircular Ops Center, known as the Theater, Sue witnessed the exchange and John's exit. She was leaving herself in under four hours but she'd been hoping for answers before she did. They actually had a chance of it right now.
"She's still on foot rather than flyin'" Kilowog pointed munching on some pork rinds, "Damn. These are good. I'd make a killin' sellin' `em up galaxy-wide."
"Why stay on foot?" John wondered aloud, "Is she staying local? Is it actually a meet of some kind?"
"Looks like she's after greasy fried food," Kilowog pointed at the screen again.
"'Eats'?" John read the sign, "Who the hell names a diner 'Eats'?"
"Maybe we should ask?" Kilowog suggested, "I'm kinda hungry."
Stuart Mosely stepped outside to empty some trash. He suddenly froze after lifting the lid off of a trash can. John froze.
"I don't like that," he confessed.
"He's just frozen," Kilowog replied.
"Something isn't right," John speculated.
And then Stu threw the lid and destroyed the drone. Kilowog lurched forward in his seat, "He didn't! I spent twenty minutes on that poozer."
"No one throws a can lid that accurately. They're hardly aerodynamic," John was headed out.
"Wait fer me," Kilowog grabbed a massive trenchcoat and a fedora. He felt like Ben Grimm. Or at least he was told he should by nearby techs.
"Grab me three burgers, six orders of fries, a chicken basket, some onion rings, and four milkshakes," Kilowog ordered up.
John just stared at him. Kilowog shrugged, "At least ya git ta go inside."
John went in and saw Lana seated with the lid tosser. He took the booth behind Lana. The waitress stared ta him in shocked awe after he ordered. Stu took note as well. Somehow it didn't seem to be an office order. Most of the local businesses were strictly blue collar.
Their conversation revealed Stu's name and his origin as being from Earth-2 as well. John had to guess why a diner owner would luck out enough to escape to Earth Prime. Lana had said the revitalized resistance had sent her. Was Stu part of that lost rebellion? How many others were there from across obliterated Earths?
"You and Kilowog enjoy his dinner," Lana told him as she exited. He heard, "Hi, Kilowog. John's got your dinner."
"Just who the hell are you?" John asked a bemused Stu.
"Just a local small business owner. You have ants at your table," Stu grinned as he walked away.
And there were sugar ants acting as informants for Insect Queen at the edge of the table. John groaned, "Damn. It was all useless."
"You have to be kidding," Mary Bromfield commented after Anna Fortune and Al Rothstein's wedding plan proposal, "A living island? Islands can't sentient."
"You've never met Danny the Street," Anna rebutted her.
"Ladies, if we could focus?" Courtney Whitmore advised.
"How can you just sit there?" Mary was indignant, "Al is your ex and now he's marrying Anna. And you're helping them."
"Why shouldn't I?" Court was insulted.
A shrill whistle split the air. Al glared at Mary, "You don't approve? Leave."
"Ahem," Anna cleared her throat, "As I was stating before the bruhaha broke loose, I value your opinion and reasoning but it shan't unduly influence mine."
Mary was still sullen and angry. Anna chose her words carefully, "You are here as a courtesy to Courtney. As an Agent of Order I can see the corrupting nature of Chaos within as delivered by the Egyptian pantheon. As a hostess I'm expected to overlook inconveniences. But your outburst are being increasingly hostile. I'm not in the mood to fight Black Mary and that is what you're escalating this to over trivialities."
Mary's face twisted in rage but she saw Courtney desperately shaking her head. Mary abruptly stood and stomped away. She could be heard clumping down the nearby stairwell.
"She wasn't ever going to be invited, was she?" Courtney asked.
"You're a smart woman, Courtney Whitmore. Tell me, would you invite her despite close personal friendship?" Anna tried to make it lighter than it was.
"Is there still hope?" Court asked.
"There is always hope, even when it is false. But I fear she will soon be lost to us," Anna confided.
"Okay, but why an island that doesn't have an airstrip?" Courtney politely picked where Mary had melted down.
"KoeKooeyKooey has Justice League teleportation gear," Al explained, "Apparently Ted Kord and Booster set up a casino there using teleporters rather than conventional travel. It was insanely popular among the rich and shameless until Major Disaster ran the place."
"They put him in charge?' Courtney was surprised.
"No, he ran the tables dry and then the slots and even the daily lottery," Al snickered, "And Disaster didn't use his powers or cheat in any way."
"And as I understand it all, Bruce Wayne and Maxwell Lord were furious because Ted Kord had used Wayne Foundation and Innovative Concepts monies to fund the venture," Anna added to the narrative.
"It was supposed to be a loan…they wouldn't have to pay back," Al was still mirthful.
"That is why Kord Industries was broken," Anna explained, "Ted Kord lost his life before he could rebuild."
"And how are you two financing any of this? I know we get a stipend but this is above and beyond," Courtney worried that history was repeating itself. Derek Powers had only kept from shutting the Wayne Foundation down due to its good press. But he had gutted its funding. He'd obviously forcibly closed down Batman, Inc.
"Like all sorcerers, I know where the rainbow ends," Anna boasted.
"Yay, gay pride?" Courtney guessed.
"The pot of gold, idiot," Al thwapped her arm. Courtney knew they were in a good space then. Al didn't tease just anyone.
"The Fey are extremely generous with those that defend them and ally themselves against common foes," Anna tried again.
"What's a Fey?" Court inquired.
"The races of fairy," Anna told her.
"So, we are back at gay pride," Courtney remarked.
Al facepalmed. Anna sighed, "The Fey are real and as mystical as the Earth itself. And they are invisibly working around the world as we speak."
"So there is a tooth fairy," Courtney schemed about her sister's future teeth.
"Rubbish," Anna corrected her, "There is, however, a tooth troll."
"Ew!" Courtney yelped.
"Why else would the lie begin at all?" Anna asked.
"But you still haven't…why…KooeyKooey?" Courtney knew that sounded wrong somehow.
"KooeyKooeyKooey, or just Kooey to her friends, of which I am one. Kooey would be hurt if I left her out of the nuptials," Anna explained, "And Kooey is headed southward from the equator towards further into the South Pacific to provide a more temperate clime."
"And Danny the Street is bringing the Dannyzens to the reception will be absolutely wild," Al added.
"The street can move?" Courtney was weirded out.
"Danny is very much alive and he draws the unloved, the unwanted and the unique to his protection," Anna told her, "And together they find acceptance."
"But you're still only having ten people attend outside of the wedding party," Courtney pointed out.
"Which is only a best man and a maid of honor," Al reminded her.
'Well, you have the priest, Right? Why not the church?" Courtney wondered.
"There are no churches riding on Kooey. And I never said the priest was Christian," Anna chided Courtney's obvious assumptions.
"Oh," Courtney said eyes wide.
"My mom still wants a rabbi," Al sighed.
"I have no personal qualms about the Triune Source, Father, Son, and Spirit. I just find the terms derogatory," Anna shrugged.
"Howzat work anyway?" Courtney couldn't recall from Vacation Bible Schools she'd attended between ages 5-7.
"It's rather complicated and depends more on faith than understanding. But it's still true," Anna lectured.
"What's true?" Courtnet was getting impatient.
"God has one Divine Essence manifested in Three Persons. The Lords of Order serve the Persons because they are the Essence," Anna laid out.
"Forget I asked," Courtney grumbled, "Living islands, a street that moves around, God has a split personality, and my best friend is a hag. Oh! And I forgot! Fairies are real and not just an insult."
Anna conjured and Al looked her sharply. She shrugged as a plate with cookies and aspirin were accompanied by coffee, floating in the air, "It's not a memory charm, sweetest Albert. I am on the wagon, per se."
"Does everyone had problems with all of this?" Courtney asked as she gratefully took the offering.
"Most do," Anna promised, "Muslims in particular are so narrowly monotheistic that they can't abide the notion of having more than one singular, simultaneous face expressing Allah's essence. And they would find Kooey and Danny ungodly and in need of destruction."
"And what about the fairies?" Courtney had to ask.
"Islamic nations have a corresponding number of homosexuals in the population has any other regional, ethnic, or spiritual group," Anna shared, "And they cannot admit to having such since it insults their faith. And an insult to Allah can never be forgiven except through fire and blood. Someone else's of course. So everyone just tries to get everything right on the first try."
"And fairies?" Courtney persisted.
"The Qur'an teaches of the jinn, which are fiery spirits from whom the word 'genie' derives. Theyare said to mischievous and play horrible tricks on people in exchange from bribes from other people. Only the bribe giver is often times betrayed as well. But the jinn are wildly unpredictable and prone to lethal mood swings."
"And what are they?" Courtney asked, "Because that all sounds like the speech written explanation."
"Because jinn and other devilish spirits have a more demonic origin. Mohamud seemed to revere them because of their innate power but also warned of their nature. He didn't apply labels of 'good' or 'evil' since he didn't see them that way. But he cautioned that they could ultimately prove dangerous. Most modern Muslims tend to ignore those teachings but only the Islamists seek the spirits' power," Anna attempted to explain.
"So, it sucked to be Aladdin," Courtney joked.
"There's a reason the ending of that story isn't told anymore," Anna said.
Courtney was crestfallen, "I was kidding."
"I am sorry," Anna was mortified.
"I think I'll go now before the rest of my childhood gets shredded," Courtney packed up and left.
"You could have told her demons and jinn are partly-human hybrids," Al prodded Anna.
"That they're offspring of fallen angels and of demons bred with seduced humans running about?" Anna shuddered, "I don't think Courtney is ready to forgive that. Much less that Black Mary's power derives from self-proclaimed fallen angel "gods" who centered their attentions on Egypt?"
"Mary has to know," Al ventured.
"Tosh! Her brother and friend abandoned their gift of power when the source became revealed. The Black Marvels universally, that included Mary, choked the life out of the conduit that fed their power. They may only surrender that life grip upon death," Anna stated, "Even now, Billy and Freddy have petitioned Shazam and Nabu to speak with Kismet and the other Lords of Order to reinvest them with the Marvel power but granted through Order itself."
"Is there even a chance it will happen?" Al asked.
"Of course there is a chance," she saw his frustrated glare, "A very slim chance."
"Why is that?" he couldn't understand.
"The Age of Order is closing. For thousands of years Chaos ruled this world. Now Order has for two thousand and counting. But that is al preordained to end."
"When?" he almost panicky.
"The Source alone knows for He alone has set the date. But in anticipation, signs were given. The Lords of Order have seen these signs and are abandoning the material realm," Anna finally shared.
"You're leaving?" he asked plaintively.
"Albert, my most beloved, I am hardly a Lord of Order. When they leave, it won't be with me in their company. You will just have to endure being stuck with me," Anna was laughing but Al could tell his inadvertent high praise delighted her as well.
"Thank God…Source…whatever the hell," he swept up off of the floor as he rose and bridal held her.
"Do we have intended plans or are we just being cozy?" she was still delightedly amused.
"And will I ever touch foot on the ground again?" she mirthfully asked.
"Not if I can help it," he promised.
"I'm not leaving you, you lug nut," Anna leaned into him.
"That's lug," he corrected her without thinking.
"Just shut up and kiss me already," she whispered wistfully.
He was more than happy to comply.
"It's confirmed," Carol told Latham, "The Secret Service has President McKay in the bunker under the White House while Agent Liberty is leading a faltering resistance. The DC federal agents have scrambled with a very noted exception of the CIA. They're citing jurisdictional issues forbidding them operating on domestic soil"
"The military?" Latham inquired.
"The SecDef was found dead and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs kept the emergency session bogged down in procedurals until military police blasted their way in to arrest him. Now everything in a thousand-mile radius is deployed."
"You could sit this out, Major," Latham offered Lucy.
"All the same to you, I want to be the one to put him down," Lucy shared with him.
"You 'take him down'," he corrected.
"No offense, General. But they're mutually inclusive," Lucy promised.
"Director?" Latham asked Cormaugh.
"No offense, General, but my two remaining agents don't fit the 'soldier' billet.":
"Two?" he wondered what made that number.
"Katana resigned and as a free agent I can't refuse her. I'm just damn lucky Phantasm and Nightshade are staying with to discover what the agency aftermath will be," Gwen told him.
"And why did she leave?" Latham asked.
"Her sword told her to," Gwen stated.
Latham knew the legends of the SoulTaker, "I guess I wouldn't argue either."
"KitCat reports both Crusader teams are en route. Mr. Midnight can't be located. Neither can either Hangman or Mr. Justice," Special Agent Strander reported.
"Do you ever have personnel walk away?" Latham asked Gwen.
"Typically they're convicts with bombs in their head. They escape and we detonate," Gwen reminded him.
"Very messy. Elegant to a degree but still messy," Latham sighed.
"I. Ain't. Bangin'. Ya. Once. This. Is, Through," Guy snarled as he beat off another wave of Daxamites.
"I. Never. Asked. You. To," Race growled as she saved his life for the innumerable time. Guy had reciprocated just as many times. To all outward observers, particularly the Daxamites at this moment, it seemed their words were hollow.
"Damn! These boogers are actually tougher'n Superman. An' he's kicked Darkseid's stony ass," Guy couldn't believe it.
"Suck it up!" Race shouted at him, "We can't afford doubt."
"Yeah, well I can't very well afford ya either," Guy proclaimed.
"You'd like to things so, you emotional coward!" Race was getting emotionally ramped up.
"Coward? Who are ya falsely accusin' of bein' a no good coward?" Guy spun to face her.
"You! You troglodyte!" Race met him as well.
They locked in an all consuming but incredibly sloppy kiss. Guy was breathing hard when Race leaned back, "Drop them, Gardner.
And he saw she already naked. So he was as well. And they began.
The surrounding Daxamites were disgusted, although some were secretly delighted being consumers of underground alien porn, but the rest thought Guy and Race were exceptionally foolish to ignore the enemy. And that was exceptionally fortunate for the Daxamites trying to kill them.
But they failed to note that the magenta aura of Race's ring comingled with Guy's emerald aura. And they began pulsing in rhythm. And each pulse swatted the Daxamites further and further away. Angry, they pushed just for the couple to scream in unison and colossal wave detonation knocked all the Daxamites in the district out and bodies flew far and afield before they fell to the ground.
"Was it good fer ya too?," Guy leered.
Race slapped his face, "Don't ever even look at me again."
"Wha' hoppin?" Guy asked, still naked as she flew away fully clothed.
Guy had forgotten a sapphire ring let the wearer into the heart of a lover. So Guy had completely revealed himself and every intention. Race felt disgusted, mainly by him, but also with herself for falling for his machismo. Carol had once mentioned the destructive relations between good girls and bad boys. But that it was also a magnetic draw for most. She called it, "missionary dating."
Miri Raim and Laira Omoto made a decent team. But Miri was wary of any Red Lantern, no matter how new to the ring. But she and Laira both knew her ring could kill Laira. Because there was no space in a heart of rage for love. They defeated their last foes when a mixed hue explosion covered the neighboring district.
Race flew by moments later crying. Miri turned to Laira, "I'll help Race. You deal with Gardner."
As Miri disappeared, Laira cracked her knuckles, "I'd love to deal with Guy."
Bekka killed Daxamites with such aplomb there really wasn't much to tag but tag those getting past Bekka's rampage. The Daxamites actually broke and ran.
"They'll come back," Bekka predicted, "Their kind is always too stupid to stay away."
"Should I still be afraid of you?" Miss Bloss asked.
"Yes!" Bekka said assertively.
"Okay then. Good job and all that," Miss Bloss tried to go unnoticed.
Bekka was pleased with herself.
Munk and Saint Walker were painstakingly sedating Daxamites when a magenta scythe carved through the, Fatality floated down, "What the hell is going on?"
They'd forgotten she's been guarding the transports and small craft that had brought the Daxamites to Almerac. Fatality held a hand, "They betrayed us. We expected it. Why are the Lanterns airborne and not defending Maxima?"
"Maxima forbade it and Carol agreed with it," Saint Walker explained.
"Of course Maxima disagreed. She has an ego the size a large gas giant," Fatality complained, "But everyone listens to Carol now?"
"Everyone," Munk confirmed it.
Fatality knew Carol was charismatic as hell but the other Corps used to refuse to listen to her, "Where is Carol?"
"With Kyle," Saint Walker answered, "She has great hope."
Fatality's guts clenched, "Where is Kara?"
"Unknown," Munk answered.
"Hells! You two! Follow me!" Fatality ordered as she tracked the unique star sapphire.
Fatality found Carol and Kyle battle Daxamite over the Imperial Palace, "At least they're in the right spot. Why is Kyle a Green Lantern?"
"Why is Laira a Red Lantern?" Saint Walker asked rhetorically, "Or Guy Gardner a Green Lantern once again as well?"
"Because there are no gods," Fatality complained, "Anyone want to be the new Agent Orange?"
"No," Munk replied.
"I actually wasn't asking," Fatality bit back at him.
"I feel sorry for him," Munk confessed, "He lives all alone."
"He wants to!" Fatality yelled.
"Are you certain you don't want a red or yellow ring?" Saint Walker gently inquired.
"I've worn both and you never actually get over it," Fatality admitted, "Now about these two?"
"They look content," Munk offered.
"And that is the problem," Fatality opined, "I need to find Kara. Don't let these two out of your sight."
Kyle and Carol repulsed a screaming horde of Daxamites by using the Blue Lantern technique of making them sleep. Kyle wore a grin, "Is it wrong that I'm enjoying this?"
"Horribly," Carol softly agreed.
"Minimum safe distances need to be established," Fatality announced as she landed beside them.
"Nothing was going on," Kyle insisted.
"I have a star sapphire ring," Fatality warned him, "Another lie and I break your jaw."
"It's true we enjoy one another. We should, we're idealized spouses," Carol told her.
"And he has a girlfriend," Fatality scornfully replied, "You've both been here before and certain promises were made."
"I have an unorthodox solution that if it doesn't get killed in a kneejerk, will solve everything. Every twisted knot in the romance and this relationship."
"Carol, there are three relationships," Fatality argued.
"There's only one. It's my relationship with Kara and Kyle. And if you want to stretch to three you can stretch the math with every name. But it always comes up the same," Carol said.
"How can there only be one?" Kyle was confused.
Carol explained the intricacies. Fatality repetitively pointed, "See that reaction? She'll be the same way."
"She's not human. Even humans have differing versions of marriage. But Kryptonians only seem parochial. They were amazingly liberal on Argo," Carol shared.
"How can you know?" Kyle was curious.
"I spoke with Kalea on this to great length. She read the entire Grand Library of Argo during her exile. Despite a red sun and billions of tons of kryptonite she's as much her mother's daughter as her father's," Carol insisted.
"So what is this miracle tonic?" Fatality finally asked.
And Carol shared everything. Fatality threw her hands up, "It's a hopeless dream!"
"Kyle?" Carol could see him processing, "Take your time. But have an opinion before the Daxamites wake back up."
"It…could…work," Kyle relented, "Kara was old enough to understand Argoan society. She's mentioned that many marriages were in a similar situation."
He hesitated, "Hers was."
"So why all the drama and anger?" Fatality wondered.
"Pride," Carol said, "It's the cancer that eats away at these arrangements. Kara was angry because she was hurt that she wasn't Kyle's one and only. She saw our marriage as a rejection."
"And this wouldn't be?" Yrra Cyvil inquired.
"This can only work amongst equals," Carol stipulated.
"Will she buy into it?" Yrra asked.
"Kyle, you know her best," Carol looked to him for guidance.
"I just don't know. There's so much unhappy history," Kyle thought aloud, "But I really hope she does."
And to Carol and Yrra, that said everything.
The body count across Almerac drastically increased exponentially but this time the murdered weren't Almeracians. But the bullets were too slow a method for Maxima, "Deploy the particulate missiles and detonate the bombs."
"Does she mean…?" Kara was horrified.
"I hope you're not allergic to lead," Kalea merely said.
Outmoded intercontinental missiles rose with thunderous roaring. Bomb packets placed atop the highest towers exploded, hurling lead particles into the air. The missile payloads detonated in the upper atmosphere showering the entire planet with lead and saturating Almerac's air around the globe, north, east, south, and west. No single area, not even caves and the seas, remained unaffected.
Daxamite screams filled the air as their bodies were wracked with horrendous pain. They all dropped out of the sky. Slowly at first and then as a cascade. Dozens of injuries were reported after bodies fell on the unsuspecting.
And most chilling to Kara was that neither Maxima nor Kalea showed an inkling of remorse. Instead they were pleased that long range planning had succeeded beyond expectations. The Council of Ministers joined Maxima on the Palace Courtyard.
"It is as you promised, Our Empress," the Vizier was overjoyed, "And the Daxamites cannot return?"
"Not for several generations. In which time we can reseed the atmosphere again," Maxima assured them all.
"And what of your…other plans?" the Vizier asked.
"As agreed, I will abdicate when the military threat is over. It would be easiest to do so now and appoint me a General to deal retribution upon our two-fold enemies," Maxima suggested.
"And the Lady Kalea will assume the throne?" a political rival wanted to know.
"No. She won't," Kalea approached from behind Maxima, "I knew you were scheming again but this takes the biscuit."
"Kalea, I…" Maxima hesitated.
"If you won't accept Max's immediate abdication, take mine first. Then you won't have to worry about my having a claim to the godawful throne," Kalea demanded.
Maxima had never been prouder of Kalea, "Are the terms acceptable?"
"Candidates for the Presider position you helped us create to serve under constitutional republican law have been voted for. A single candidate acquired the necessary threshold of votes for a clean victory," the Vizier revealed, "And all our personal agents confirmed you never sought the names of the candidates nor did you ever interfere in the election."
"And now you see the value of the process?" Maxima asked.
"Citizens under each of our spheres of interest voted. We compiled the votes, determined the majority but weighed those tallies against our own personal judgement and then we, the Council of Ministerial Counsellors, ushered in our first Presider based on majority vote of the thirteen Counsellors," the Vizier reported, "A slightly more labor intensive process than the traditional Rite of Combat."
"It isn't as messy," Kalea thrust out there, "With citizens' involvement it's harder to stage a civil war in response to a lost gladiatorial styled fight for leadership."
"But it is labelled a 'rite' rather than a 'right' because it's been bloodless for two generations," Maxima chided her daughter.
"You broke your opponent in half," Kalea dryly rebutted her.
"Too true," Maxima smirked even as she conceded the point.
The legalities were done and the newly elected Presider asked Maxima, "And now?"
"And now, Madame Presider, we require what ships can be spared and we take this back to Thanagar and cripple them further while they attempt to rebuild," Maxima explained.
"The Thanagarians, though arrogantly proud, are a beaten and downtrodden people," the Presider countered.
"But the Shrike Queen rules as a fiat empress. The Saturn Queen is the true threat. And we must deny her subjects and resources. And we must avenge her sending the Kandorians at us in the first place," Maxima argued.
"And you, Maxima. What life do you choose afterwards?" the Presider inquired.
"Exile, Madame Presider. Or you'll never have a chance to rule," Maxima told her.
"But where to? Almerac still needs you," the Presider was shaken.
"You'll know where to find me," Maxima promised, "I'll be out of the way but still in plain sight."
"Gods' speed to you, Lady Maxima," the Presider ruefully dismissed her, "You will have your ships."
Maxima exited the secure audience chamber built for only four. Kalea waited outside, "So Earth, is it? What will you do there?"
"Renew an old friendship," Maxima said.
Kalea wondered if her father was even barely prepared.
"I'd hate to be the guys on burial detail," Kara chuckled as she landed next to Kyle.
Fatality stepped away, "I'll make certain everyone recharges their rings."
"Thank you, Yrra," Carol said quietly.
"By the way, what the hell am I wearing?" Kara waved at her newfound uniform, "The white ring said this was to be mine as I rebegan the Corps."
"It's a Darkstar uniform," Carol explained.
"Wasn't Donna, our Donna, a Darkstar?" Kara asked Kyle.
"Yeah, but the Darkstars all seemed to disappear," Kyle shared.
"The Darkstar tech had been corrupted by Manhunter technology and imperatives," Carol explained, "So it was abandoned rather than become a threat."
"But what about her?" Kara had a cold feeling.
"Donna Troy is safely on Earth," Carol told them.
"How do you know?" Kyle wondered.
"Because I brought her there myself. And gave her a studio to work out of as she rebuilt her career as a photographer," Carol smiled.
"Kara, I know this timing seems to suck, but Carol and I have something to ask you," Kyle stated.
"That sounds ominous," Kara wasn't quite joking.
Carol described the intricate nature of their intertwined lives, "But we can resolve all of this with one not-so simple decision."
"And that is?" Kara was leery.
"Kara In-Ze, will you be my wife the way Kyle is my husband?" Carol asked at long last.
Kara looked surprised but not repulsed. Kyle spoke next, "Kara, you know I've wanted to marry you. I couldn't be happier of you were my bride as well as Carol being my wife."
Everyone waited while Kara mulled it over, "I can tell this Carol's solution. Kyle, I never want to lose you and I won't. You know on Argo my mom had two husbands and I was the daughter of a third who had died when I was young. And considering that, I'd pondered marrying you and Carol both. I just didn't think she'd do it. Or what that crappy Sapphire Law would say."
"Sapphire Law is hardly monogamous," Carol smirked.
"So your answer is…?" Kyle fretted.
"Of course it's yes, stupid," Kara and Kyle embraced and kissed. In the excitement Kara took hold of Carol and kissed her. Both looked flushed and expectant of the future.
"I guess there will be a triple wedding," Fatality remarked from above them. The Star Sapphires exuded joy. Guy was erect again. Bekka was annoyed but Laira look somewhat pacified. Munk was clapping and Saint Walker beamed.
"About damn time," Kalea landed, "We're going to Thanagar to confront the Saturn Queen. Anyone left still willing to come with?"
"Of course we'll come," Carol, Kara, and Kyle said together.
"God damn! They're already doin' that thing," Guy bemoaned.
"I owe Eve Aries a mind screw," Laira growled.
"I want to put the fear of the Source into her," Bekka confessed.
"We go where Carol goes," Miss Bloss promised.
"Not this time," Carol shot their ambitions down, "Fatality, I need you to lead the others to Zamaron. We have thousands of sapphire rings choosing candidates. Someone needs to greet them."
"Lyssa can do the same on Qward. Sinestro rarely meets with recruits," Bekka told them.
"I don't know how many of my fellow Blue Lanterns have survived. I must go as well," Saint Walker determined.
"I must insure Indigo-1 survived," Munk advised them.
"Looks like yer headed ta Oa, squirt," Guy guffawed.
"No, and you're headed to Mogo," Kyle advised him, "The Book of Oa was relocated there. With Guardians temporarily or permanently away, we needed to leave Oa."
"I ain't some gawdawful babysitter!" Guy roared.
"No, you're a godawful baby. Now, do what everyone else with a brain larger than a peanut is doing. Meet the new recruits as they arrive and keep them on Mogo," Kyle commanded.
"Whut `bout Omoto?" Guy shook with impotent rage.
"I'm not the last Red Lantern," Laira revealed to all, "Jane Moore has been chosen as Rankorr. And Red Lanterns are self-sufficient. How else to you explain Dexter the cat become Dex-Starr?"
"He's forkin' cat!" Guy shouted.
"Who was infinitely smarter than you," Bekka told Guy.
"And Dex-Starr isn't dead yet. He's just hurt. He'll be fine. As Dexter he'd survived worse. And now he has a power ring," Laira gloated.
Everyone knew Dex-Starr had been the single-most vicious Red Lantern before. What would he become now?
"I suggest we have the ceremony on Earth," Carol said as the Almeracian fleet assets entered orbit to receive their General.
"I'd prefer to avoid Smallville. Too many people would take it out on Ma and Pa Kent if they saw Kara Kent marrying a man and a woman at the same time," Kara admitted.
"I have two solutions. The first is we use my estate in Sussex. The second is we forge you a new identity for when you want to be invisible," Carol offered as the flew behind Maxima.
"It seems to have worked for Tea," Kara consented.
"Do you have a name picked out?" Kyle asked.
Kara remembered a friendly DEO agent that had bonded with Kara and Galatea on selected missions for the JLU. And she'd lost a sister, "Linda Lang. If Lana will agree to it."
Kyle knew her as well, "She'll love it. She already treats you like a kid sister."
"I'll signal ahead and everything will be prepped and ready when we reach Earth," Carol promised, "I assume Lana will attend?"
"And Tea…I mean, Karen," Kara fumbled.
"Secret identities take time to adapt to but they have their own rewards," Carol assured her.
"Where's the honeymoon?" Kyle wondered if Carol had preplanned everything.
"We need to discuss that," he was relieved to hear, "But we still have time to. But this time it's just you two. We can enjoy all of each other's company later. If you stay on Earth you'll have my resources available to you."
"Carol…" Kyle was surprised.
"Kyle, Kara, we'll be married. What I have becomes what we have," Carol vowed.
"I…I never realized how awesome you are. I kept thinking of you as a rival. A threat even," Kara confessed.
"I know. But I saw you through Kyle's eyes and heart through the sapphire. And I couldn't try to deny him you. But I didn't want to deny myself of either of you. So here we are," Carol revealed everything, "Kyle loves you and I fell in love with you."
"I knew that at some level and it made me want to know you better. Now I want to fall in love with you," Kara confessed.
"Give it time and don't force anything. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, we'll cope with it. Star Sapphire marriage vows are unbreakable. So you'd best be certain," Carol advised.
"I already am," Kara said with an absolute certainty that surprised even her.
"And you really mean that," the star sapphire affixed to Carol's mask glowed, "So I guess we'd better do this thing."
"If we're done?" Maxima asked as they boarded a battlecruiser, "This will be our most powerful vessel. The rest of our squadron consists of cruisers, light cruisers, frigates and destroyers. And not many of any of those. The action against the Khunds and Dominators after the Gordanian invasions have left our defenses severely weakened. This is what the Presider could spare."
Seeing the confusion amongst the Lanterns, Maxima explained the new political reality for Almerac's empire. Kara spoke first, "You're seriously a democracy now?"
Maxima snorted, "Democracy is merely mob rule. Kalea's fascination with Earth's Roman republic shows imperial strength can be governed by representative rule. But safeguards have to be enacted and guaranteed."
"Kalea studied Earth history?" Kyle whispered.
"Kalea studies a lot of histories," Carol whispered back.
"And Clark still has scars from her perverse fascination with Roman justice," Kara advised them.
"How is that even possible?" Kyle was horrified.
"She used red sun lamps," Kara shuddered, "She's half-Almeracian so under a red solar lamp she's still as strong as Maxima."
"And she still has her bionics," Carol reminded him.
"Are we done nattering away like old women?" Maxima glared at the trio. She'd abdicated but was still an empress in her heart.
"Where's Kalea-El?" Bekka demanded to know.
"Securing reinforcements, no doubt," Laira was slightly less angry about that idea.
"Kalea commands an unshakeable loyalty amongst the scout, courier, and border forces. The border patrols cannot be lifted. But the scouts and couriers will go ahead to test Thanagar's defenses.," Maxima explained.
"What about Saturn Queen?" Laira growled, she had her own reasons to see Eve Aries dead.
"We'd best hurry," Maxima recognized Laira Omoto's intent, "Because my daughter has no intentions on leaving Saturn Queen alive. Even if she has to crack the planet to kill her."
"But that would exterminate the Thanagarians," Carol protested.
"Which may or may not be a tragedy," Maxima said coldly.
As Maxima assumed command, the Lanterns gathered in private. Laira was incensed, "Her head was supposed to be mine!"
"And I for one don't want to see you denied," Bekka agreed.
"We're talking genocide," Carol was frustrated in her angry disagreement.
We have to do something," Kyle prodded them all.
"Yup," Kara went to the door and it didn't open. She hit it and it barely dented.
"My damn ring isn't working!" Laira growled as it gave a low power warning.
"We just recharged these stupid things," Bekka complained.
"They must have a damping field that drains our rings," Kyle deduced.
And this door is like Kalea's metal bits," she rubbed her knuckles.
"Stand back," Carol ordered and the star sapphire flared to life, "The sapphire doesn't require recharging. It is the battery."
And she released its power inside the battlecruiser.
Alicia Frakes reported on what the Kandorians had endured and witnessed. Saturn Queen wore a cruel amusement, "Daxamites. They were quarantined in their own solar system. It seems they were let out."
"You'll never take Almerac with them guarding it," psychic pain crippled Frakes.
"Don't tell me what I'm incapable of," Saturn Queen warned, "The Daxamites will betray Maxima. Then she'll come for me."
Frakes got off of the floor, "How do you know?"
"Because I would," Saturn Queen made it sound simplistic.
"But how can she stop Daxamites? Kryptonite is useless against them," Frakes was bewildered.
"Captain, the Daxamites have a mortal weakness. The element lead doesn't exist on Daxam and they've no tolerance for it anymore. In fact, they have a hyperallergic reaction lead that is nearly invariably lethal," Saturn Queen gloated, "In my time, there are temporary serums to hold the allergy at bay. But that's my time, not now."
"So how do we respond?" Frakes fretted.
"The Kandorians will quickly regain their former confidence. In the interim between now and Maxima's retaliation, I'll summon the Shrike Queen. The Thanagarians have vowed to never be conquered again. Now they can prove it," Saturn Queen wore a self-indulgent smile, "You and your crew can return to your original mission. You won't be needed here."
Eve took a moment to reflect. Her future was gone never to be replaced. But her present could carve out a future tailor made for the Legion of Super Villains. Even if, as was likely now, she'd never enjoy it. It was true the 21st Century was primitive beyond belief no matter the culture. But she'd just helped destroy Daxam's soul.
Lar Gand would emerge, if he emerged, from the Phantom Zone to discover a rabidly xenophobic home world. And Kryptonians, already feared from ages past, would be universally hated and hunted. Eve wouldn't have destroying the future so much if they hadn't tried to rewrite her memories and make her the, although high spirited, worthless Tessa Richardson. And to have that medieval oaf violate her body time and again was intolerable. Revenge had been owed and erasing the 31st Century had sufficed.
And so it was, the Crisis that had never before existed was coming to pass. And its culmination was, according to Sarya, infamously called the Zero Hour. Eve found it all so tantalizing. And she would thrive or die trying.
"Agent J-3, report," Shield's voice came over her earpiece as their floating warship came over Washington DC.
"I don't answer to you. You report," J-3 replied. Her night vision binoculars never wavered.
"Um…we transferred to the Dauntless after a supersonic transit across the Heartland and then maneuvered here. What's your sitrep?" Shield wondered.
"I'm sitting in a goddamned war zone with no ability to help the President. Lane called in Black Razors and they're keeping every federal agent and military unit clear of Pennsylvania Avenue," J-3 said tersely, "They sent Reactron and Cyclotron in to capture the President. Otherwise, I'm having a peachy day."
Shield wasn't used to secret agents being so cheeky, "What is Agent Liberty's status?"
J-3 sighed, "Agent Liberty has been torn to shreds. Literally. I have a .50 cal. sniper's rifle and can engage but I have no exit."
Shield knew it was suicide, "Negative. Standby. We'll deploy in three."
J-3 looked up and saw the stars disappear as a vehicle the size of a WWII aircraft carrier loomed.
"Hot damn," she whispered and for the first time in two hours felt hope stir within her, "Maybe Higgins isn't such a prick."
Dropships deployed and strafed their way onto the White House lawn. Lane was irate, "Where the frag did they come from?"
'Look up," Waller insisted. He did and saw the Dauntless hovering overhead.
"Effing hell!" Sam Lane snarled, "Now they're just pissing me off. Inform Task Force X to take no prisoners. And relay to the Black Razors that they are to kill every living organism in the Capitol Mall, especially civilians. This country only needs soldiers in it anyway."
Waller had long suspected Lane was undergoing a psychotic break. Now she knew for certain.
Marian Drews meeting with Joker's Daughter had been far less than cordial. In fact, Duela had committed every Jokerz to killing Hellequin. Getting out of their lair had been a bloodbath. But it had also been the most fun she'd enjoyed in months.
The GCPD was recovering the car she'd stolen earlier. So she had to either steal another, resort to public transportation, or walk with Jokerz on her heels.
She decided to steal the closest police cruiser. And hospitalize the cops just for the hell of it. She hadn't needed to permanently cripple them but she was felling impulsive. In fact, that defined her lifestyle.
She'd stolen money from her other self's hidden accounts. Earth Prime's Marian was mousy but she was damn good at siphoning money off of her investment clients. But Hellequin had to rely on cash transactions because when the feds, not if, investigated Marian they would find her money. All of it.
And Marian couldn't report the thefts without revealing herself. Hellequin entered her apartment unseen. But Knightfall's Disgraced awaited her.
She sighed, "Really? Now?"
"Why did you meet with the Jokerz?" Bone Breaker asked.
"To tell them they suck at imitating the Joker," Hellequin admitted.
"You're not Harley Quinn," Mirror realized.
"And don't insult me by accusing that I am," Hellequin retorted.
"I can take her out with one discharge," Grotesque was impatient.
"Shh. The adult are talking," Hellequin shut him down.
"You don't want to fight us?" Gretel asked.
"Why would I? I've been fishing for an invite all week," Hellequin had been looking before Luthor blackmailed her.
Mirror spread his reflective cape, "Time to see who you truly are."
Hellequin was giddy, "Too cool."
"That's…never happened before," Mirror was embarrassed.
"All men say it eventually," Hellequin mocked him.
"Enough!" electricity came out the room's outlets into Grotesque. And then he collapsed in on himself and went fetal while he sobbed. Bleak Michael had seen enough.
"Are we done yet?" Hellequin asked impatiently.
"It seems so. If you're not too busy ditching stolen police cars, take a ride with us to meet Knightfall," Bone Breaker offered.
"Best thing that's happened today," Hellequin wore a manic grin.
Holly Robinson, on her first non-thieving outing as Catwoman observed White Rabbit's pitch to the NYC mayor, council, and NYPD Commissioner Maggie Sawyer. Selina was in Holly's ear.
"What's the sitch, Holl?" Selina inquired.
"Nada," Catwoman answered, "Staking out scores is so much more interesting,"
"I'm just worried about Kitrina. She resents the hell out of us for signing her up with the JSA," Selina lamented.
"Kid'll get over. Besides, she's pissed at you, not me. I just showed up," Holly put the screws in, "If you would've done that to me I don't know if we would've ever spoken again."
"Thanks, Holly. You're ever so truthful," Selina complained.
"You were never my friend because I lied to you or told what you wanted to here," Catwoman replied.
"I became your friend because you were as innocent as a hooker could be," Selina reminded her.
"I outgrew it," Holly told her, "Looks like the meeting has been called to order."
She switched the parabolic dish to eavesdrop, "Damn! Out of sight is Mara Taggard of the MPD MCU and Gotham's own mayorial candidate Fiona Kelley and the DA, Herb Bennet. White Rabbit is handing them the next election, all cities counted, in exchange for enrolling in Knightfall's little war on unlicensed crime."
"Taking election tampering in front of cops means the police really want this to go through," Selina advised.
"Where's Gordon?" Catwoman inquired.
"Barbara Gordon will never join in. I speak as a close personal friend," Selina ventured.
"She hates your guts. You slept with her ex-husband. For months," Catwoman protested, "Aw, shit! I've been made."
"By whom?" Selina cautiously asked.
"By White effin' Rabbit," Catwoman swore.
"No worries. She's on our side," Selina promised.
"What the eff?" Holly angrily demanded to know.