42
"Eve," Saturn Queen heard as she stared out the window prepping for her upcoming meeting with the Shrike Queen of Thanagar.
She turned to see a blazing blue flame, "Hullo, Figment."
"I am hardly a figment of your imagination, Eve Aries. As your comrades in the Legion of Super Villains who served you attested of me," the Blue Flame was insulted.
"I was your chief disciple yet you abandoned me to those brain butchers from what was left of Titan," Saturn Queen accused.
"You lost your way. You doubted and no longer saw the Path of Chaos. You are destined to reduce galactic civilization to the ruins of anarchy. And you are intended to mount a new throne over a new material realm of Chaos. You are chosen. Do not stray," the Blue Flame reminded and warned together.
"And why should I continue to bother?" Saturn Queen wondered.
"You've the vision. The purity of chaos and destruction. It is in your blood, your powerful mind, and in your darkened soul. He is coming," the Blue Flame extoled.
Saturn Queen wore a crooked smile, "I suppose 'He' is the Anti Monitor. I've heard of him."
"He has chosen you, Eve. You are our vessel. One of several to be selected to herald in the Crisis. To stand at Zero Hour and remain strong. To survive to reach the all-consuming Antimatter Universe. Sarya the Emerald Empress believes she can defeat him. But she can only join him or die. Do not make the incorrect decision yourself, Eve," the Blue Flame counseled.
"I still believe in Chaos. It's just the Lords and Ladies of it I doubt," Saturn Queen revealed.
"And we have earned your distrust. But you are our Agent, a pure Agent of Chaos. Your being in this time is no accident, Eve. The strings of Chaos entanglement brought you here, insured you would be restored. We ask you to ally yourself with the Anti Monitor. Wipe this multiverse from existence. We will aid you in destroying him and you shall erect yourself in his place, in our name," the Blue Flame predicted, "Chaos is beyond borders, beyond the material or immaterial. We move across time, through time, and beyond it all the same. We have moved to place you here, even against your conscious will. But your inner chaos purist recognized you had role in this century. A role to make the Multiverse burn into cinders, then ash, and finally into nothing whatsoever."
"Tell your Fellow Lords, I accept," Saturn Queen's smile turned cruel, "And on my behalf, inform the Anti Monitor I stand ready."
"And the Age of Chaos will resume in its former glory," the Blue Flame exuded, "It shall be greater than before and infinite in scope."
And once that age comes, it will be mine alone. The so-called Lord of Chaos will just have to be disposed of, Saturn Queen knew in her heart.
Supergirl had adopted her disguise as soon as she arrived on Papal Center. She'd been keeping two major secrets from the Justice League. The first being that Sharon Vance had reincorporated as Strange Visitor and was rooming with Linda Danvers.
Linda was Matrix's even greater secret. Coming upon a Satanic ritual, Supergirl disrupted the ceremony as Linda was sacrificed. Unable to save Linda's life, Matric bonded with the dead girl and partially became Linda. In doing so, Matrix had reverted to her original template and was identical to Lana Lang and she couldn't shapeshift anymore.
Her costume was literally a costume now and Clark had taken pity on her and provided her with Kryptonian armor with the glyph meaning "resolve" emblazoned on her chest. But Matrix had inherited Linda's apartment, her artistic passions and talents for sculpting and skateboarding, and a bevy of friends and family. Everyone thought Linda was a little weird as she rediscovered her memories and had dramatically changed her appearance. And her brown eyes were now blue. Frankly, Linda was sick of hearing those comments.
Strange Visitor couldn't be seen with Linda, her blue skin and electrical powers being a dead giveaway that Linda was secretly Supergirl. Linda wondered about Sharon's mysterious and constant errand running. But was wise enough to give her space.
Linda's mission was becoming a tad overwhelming. None of the planet's infrastructure was centralized other than Temple Mount. So Linda had to discreetly be Supergirl and fly from location to location. And the merger between Matrix and very human Linda Danvers had eliminated her ability to turn invisible. Fortunately, most of her powers were psionic and her mind hadn't been affected other than having all of Linda's memories and emotions dumped on her.
Mae had always wondered what it was like to be human. Now she knew and wasn't altogether certain she liked it. Eating and sleeping were novelties to be sure. And even her protoplasmically enhanced body could get fatigued. But having a mother, father, and sister weas entirely new and contradictory most of the time.
Alex Danvers had figured it out the moment Matrix turned Linda showed up for an invited dinner. Alex had worried about Linda for some time but her involvement in both the MLJ and Web Agency had kept her away for great amounts of time. But learning that Linda had joined a cult and been willingly sacrificed to a demon just rankled her.
Alex felt a crushing weight of failure. "Linda" revealed how she'd admired Alex and looked to her as a beacon of strength and hope. Especially when Alex had come out in spite of "their" mother's strong religious beliefs condemning homosexuals. But Alex put a human face to the "sin" and her mother, already having doubts about the strength of her own convictions, tentatively reached out to embrace Alex and the "new" reality. And their mother announced her intention to go into the ministry herself. But no one wanted comment on Linda's physical alterations which included four additional inches in height.
Because of Supergirl's Justice League membership, she frequently saw Alex. Linda managed to somehow assist Alex has she navigated the dating world. Something she'd always avoided before acknowledging her sexuality. And it struck a chord with Matrix and Linda both that she too wanted to enter the dating world. And Supergirl was slightly less amazed that men wanted to date the legendary Supergirl. But Linda was the facet of her that was startled to find many of her inherited friends wanted to go out with her. And some were magnificently romantic and empathetic to Linda's recent life changes.
So Supergirl finally had a tangible life to return to. She she proceeded cautiously. The Danvers would never know if she died in deep space. And Alex would or would not be allowed to even reveal she was dead. Permanently this time.
The Acolytes worshipping, serving, and studying on Papal Center were known as the Zealots. They were the most religiously fervent members of the Dark Circle. And they underwent random DNA scans to verify their legal status. As strictly Matrix, her protoplasmic body lacked DNA. But now, she had Linda's and had inserted herself into the planetary database. She would pass any DNA scan from now on.
So Linda had free reign of the planet while Supergirl had been branded an enemy combatant and terrorist. Additionally she'd been branded a heretic. Which Linda wondered how when Supergirl hadn't espoused any doctrine whatsoever.
So it was, Linda gained access to a remote comm tower and transferred her reports and briefings to Vril Dox.
The LEGION's captured destroyer was already in-system when Supergirl's report arrived. Dox was arrogantly pleased with himself, "I knew she'd come through because, after all, I'm always right."
Superman felt Brainiac 2's hubris equaled that of his AI inspiration. Jor-El's Brainiac had been destroyed by Darkseid, including his backups and his redundancies. But Luthor had traversed the Multiverse to recover a damaged Brainiac he could reprogram and rebuild. The new Brainiac was almost skeletal in appearance but his sole concern now was survival.
His core programming prevented him from harming or attacking Earth Prime, directly or indirectly. He was still insatiably curious regarding life in the Prime Universe. Luthor had released him to fulfill his learning. But Brainiac had altered his data collection methods.
He still studied worlds to their infinitesimal detail but he no longer destroyed them afterwards. Those he found threatening he would reduce to pre-industrial technological standards. Those that he didn't feel threatened by or predicted a threat to himself, he left alone. So it was he came to Colu and destroyed the computerized overlords. And the Coluans, with their tech augmented minds, quickly rebuilt and even vastly surpassing civilization than that the computers had sup pressed.
And so it came to pass that every generation was tested and the one selected as the most hyperintelligent would earn the coveted "Brainiac" title. And Vril Dox was the first to achieve that goal. But it seemed Coluan achievement was matched with comparative ego.
Former Lt. and now Capt. Ovar, commanding the destroyer the JLU, LEGION, and S7, rode on, reported to Brainiac 2, "We've distributed data packets. Your spy did her work well. Pity she couldn't have played saboteur as well."
"Captain, we're all facing death sentences if this fails," Vril cautioned him, "Our other ships will be arriving in less than forty minutes Galactic Time. I suggest you remain as inconspicuous as possible."
"And if your teams need assistance?" Ovar inquired.
"Save yourselves," Vril ordered, "It would be better for everyone involved."
The landers deployed. Cascade's S7 used Network's telepathy to target and area and then cascade there. Planting remote detonators, they saw as the other craft descended. Cascade looked to Indigo.
"Are we set?" she asked.
"We all know explosives, Rhian. They'll blow as planned." s/he promised.
"Then it's time we converge on Temple Mount," Network locked the area in her mind and Cascade swept them away. Upon arriving at the periphery, Rampart triggered the detonations. The lights were doused immediately.
"Wish the Sovereigns were sticking around with us," Power Girl admitted.
"You're fond of them," Wonder Woman observed.
"They don't judge," she replied, "Unlike some."
"Tell me about it," Killer Frost said as they reached the center of the square facing Temple Mount's only visible entrance.
Superman ignored them, "On three. And Artemis, use restraint."
He blew after the three count as did Power Girl. That took care of the northern and western approaches. Killer Frost barricaded the east. Artemis selectively used her bow at reduced power to scatter the guards blocking the LEGION's egress into Temple Mount. It still lit up the night.
"Geez, Red. Where the hell did you find that thing?" Killer Frost yelped, still in awe despite seeing it in action before.
"Here they come again," Superman was purposefully oblivious to the banter.
A psychokinetic eye blast leveled the guards approaching from beyond the barricade. Supergirl landed in their midst, "Miss me?"
Killer Frost gave her a death grip of a hug. Supergirl grinned, "I'd say that's a definite 'maybe'."
"Shut up," Killer Frost was mortified. She had a rep to maintain.
But the display heartened Superman. They saw as S7 traversed the west to follow the LEGIONnaires. And then fire rained from heaven. Everyone looked up as Power Girl raced to Sovereign Seven's side. No one bothered with the LEGION.
An Apokoliptan close quarters riot control wagon was floating towards them. Superman reconsidered, "Artemis, do whatever you want."
Loud growls could be heard from the north. Four riders atop Hunger Dog hounds approached. Killer Frost sighed, "Does anyone else find this a little too coincidental?"
Everyone gave her a baleful look, "Just asking."
"Mae, with me," Superman went into the air.
"Who put him back in charge?" Artemis fired a bolt that flew faster than Superman. The riot wagon began a slow retreat.
"Back in charge?" Supergirl asked.
"Power Girl is supposedly in command but she lost her water when the Sovereigns were knocked down," Killer Frost explained.
And suddenly Power Girl was back, "Both teams are stunned. A few broken bones and probable concussions. It's using concussive weapons."
Superman cratered the ground. Killer Frost shrugged, "Point taken."
"Wasn't Jessica with you?" Supergirl asked.
"We're the distraction," Power Girl grinned, "Power Ring is the payload."
Then a massive cave in resounded as the stone temple began a collapse and Jessica Cruz descended at high speed. Power Girl gloated, "And she's in."
Superman was blasted out of the sky again, "A little help?"
"Artemis, you assist Jess. Supergirl and Killer Frost, spay some dogs," Power Girl instructed.
"Here puppy, puppy, puppy," Killer Frost said gleefully.
"I like dogs," Matrix looked hurt.
"You won't like these," Killer Frost promised. She used ice dagger on one and then another. She froze the riders in place. Supergirl smacked a Hunger Dog in the nose.
"Bad dog!" she scolded. It flipped its rider in the air and bit him. Another hound did as well. Supergirl stroked them, "That's a good boys."
"So did you sneak around as you or Linda?" Killer Frost asked.
Matrix looked at her in horror. Killer Frost smirked, "Mae, you're my bestie. Did you think I wouldn't know?"
"Like your obsession with that Ace of Blades woman?" Supergirl asked.
"Fine. You got me. We hit it off after she finished screwing Sir Justin and then next thing, she's kissing me before frickin' flying off," Killer Frost confessed, "I've been thinking of her ever since. But she's damned hard to find. Facial recognition hasn't even made a partial hit."
"Her old Blackhawk file listed her as a Nazi flying ace," Supergirl clarified.
"No, she floated up into the air and then streaked of," Killer Frost corrected her.
"So bad girl and former bad girl hit it up. It could work," Supergirl grinned.
"Whadd'ya mean 'former'?" Killer Frost pouted.
"I love you to death, Louise. But you would've just killed those riders a few months ago. Now you just freeze their feet and hands," Supergirl let her down easy.
"Fine, but I have to meet Linda Danvers up close and personal," Killer Frost countered.
Supergirl posed, "See?"
"Oh. My. God…You're her and she's you," Killer Frost exclaimed.
"I wasn't very old when I died," Linda agreed.
"Waitasec! Is this like a split personality deal?" Killer Frost wondered.
"No…not really," Supergirl told her story and Linda's and how they met in the middle.
"Jesus, what a headache," Killer Frost groaned, "I'll tell you one thing. I'll help you find the bastard that seduced the original Linda and freeze dry his balls off."
"Sounds okay," Supergirl agreed.
"Good, now, what do we do while our Kryptonian friends and resident Power Ring kick ass?" Killer Frost asked.
"Deal with those?" Supergirl wondered as two more riot wagons arrived on the scene.
"Artemis! Look alive!" Killer Frost alerted their Amazonian teammate.
"Good. I was bored," Artemis pulled an energy bowstring back.
"This is going to be so cool!" Killer Frost enthused, "And that was not a bad pun."
"Who're these people?" Kid Flash demanded to know.
"We called in reinforcements when it was revealed the MARS Corps was staging from Turkmenistan," Flash explained. The JSA recognized their new members but neither they nor Young Justice had all met the YJ recruits. Green Lantern made introductions.
"Some our newest members of the Justice Society agreed to join us several days earlier than expected. Sandman is actually a JSA Founder but had been previously unavailable on account of being dead."
There were several disbelieving stares at that as he continued, "Judomaster is a returning member after taking some personal time. Tarantula and the Whip are legacy members whose predecessors weren't technically JSA members but belonged to the All Star Squadron. Stargirl and STRIPE have also rejoined. And Anna Fotrtune and Atom Smasher are recurrent members as well. Spider Queen is new to the vocation but has proven herself time and again."
"Sir Ystin is the Shining Knight's replacement. Like Sir Justin before her, she is a champion of Camelot directed to us by Merlin," Green Lantern heard several scoffing coughs, "Your lives may depend on any and all of them. So don't give them reasons to doubt aiding you."
"Heads up, ya yahoos," Wildcat bellowed, "These are your new teammates and fellow students. Blue Beetle is the fourth bum ta hold the title. Only this one is a livin' weapon. Bluebird is friends with Robin an' a tech guru. If ya need it she can make it. So don' cross her."
Wildcat went down the line where the new Young Justicers were staged, "This here is Robin Alpha. Steph ain't worrid `bout losin' her place and neither should ya get twisted up by it. Alpha and Red Robin both have secret identities even from ya all. Get over it. This here is the new Batgirl. She earned the name so don't get flummoxed by just her havin' it. The original knows it and ain't objected."
Of course Barbara Gordon hadn't raved about the idea either. Mr. Terrific spoke up, "Some of you already know Windfall and her story. So you know what it's cost her to be here. This trio is known as Victory Girl and the Liberty Belles. They've been overseas for the last two years and are unknown in the States. Make them feel welcome. No introductions should be necessary for the Black Bat of Hong Kong. Zachary Zatara's family have been sorcerers and stage magicians since before the turn of the century. Zatanna is his big sister. Last but least is a genius called Sinistro. Don't confuse him with the Fear Lantern.
"Additionally he brought along his own tech partner, Shirlee Peech. In addition we have support staff specifically for Young Justice in the form of Cullen Row, Wendy Harris and Marvin White. And they bring along their highly trained Wonder Dog." Sand explained.
"Bailian intelligence reports we have an hour before we need to return making preparations. Until then, consider this an informal mixer," Flash announced.
"Wes, Sandy, I could use some help dealing with the Crimson Queen," Green Lantern admitted, "Jay, make sure Sir Ystin doesn't get inside the palace."
"You've got it," Flash promised.
"Whoa!" Superboy yelped as Vanguard came to a landing.
"It's all right, Vanguard. No one will hurt for now. We're back in it for certain this time," Ystin told her black winged stallion in Old Welsh.
"Do you understands what she's saying?" M'gann asked Cassie.
"It certainly isn't Greek," Cassie shrugged.
"So, a bunch of Bats and birds," Kitrina mocked the group huddle, "So why do you rate as an 'Alpha'?"
"Maybe I was born into it," Robin Alpha said tartly.
"Maybe we should let them be, Catgirl," Black Kitten suggested.
"Maybe we should find a saucer of warm milk for you," Catgirl angrily stomped off.
"Sorry?" Black Kitten said weakly and went to find Arrowette.
"She's a point," Robin admitted, "When I was given the job I wasn't told there'd be other Robins."
Red Robin eyed both women suspiciously. Robin Alpha shrugged, "I knew going in. I'm from Earth-4, by the way."
"Why'd you leave?" Harper Row asked.
"Because there isn't an Earth-4. At least not anymore," Robin Alpha said sadly, "And I really have been training as Robin since I could walk."
"Nightwing talked me into it before he got married," Red Robin shared.
"And what about you, Cass? Why'd you come back to the States?" Robin asked Black Bat.
"I was left little choice by the League of Assassins," Cassandra Cain answered.
Robin and Bluebird knew all too well that Cassandra's father was David Cain, the League's infamous training officer. And she herself was a eugenics and training methodology experiment of Cain's ambition and design aided and abetted by Lady Shiva. Despite the fact that she hated Cain and his proposed method, Ra's al Ghul had commanded that they breed and so they did. Something Lady Shiva never forgave Cain, or Cassandra, for.
"It is what it is," Cassandra said glumly.
Which conveyed a surprising amount of emotion for a woman that had just learned to talk three years ago.
"At least Cullen looks happy," Harper was relieved to note.
Raven Red, Static, and Zachary Zatara clumped together and did what most teen boys did, talk about girls. Their most discussed subjects were Victory Girl and the Belles. Zachary had flown in with then and therefore knew the most about them. Which was next to nothing.
"I overhead them whispering to one another. Their real names follow their code-names," Zachary shared.
"How so?" Static wondered.
"Victory Girl's real name is Victoria. Which simply means 'Victory'. The Belles are sisters, Pixie and Trixie," Zachary revealed.
"Who names their kids Pixie and Trixie Belle?" Raven Red asked.
"I sense something…off about them. As if they don't quite belong," Zachary stated.
"In a bad way or a good way?" Static wanted to know.
Zachary shrugged, "We'll just have to find out."
Kid Flash, Miss Quick, and Tefe Holland, who hadn't bene introduced owing her blatantly criminal past as an eco-terrorist, spoke with Shirlee and Sinistro. Sinistro introduced himself, "Name's Tom Biceps."
"You're making that up," Shira Torr accused.
"No, it's real. The neighborhood bullies pestered Tom about it for years," Shirlee shared.
"What happened, "Bar Torr asked.
"Let's just say I outsmarted them all," Sinistro wore a nasty smile.
Tefe recognized Sinsitro. Also known as the Teen Fiend. Tom Biceps was hardly a hero. Most of his exploits involved humiliating mystery men and women. His presence here surprised her. But no more than her own. Still, Sinistro's hidden agenda could threaten her own purposes. So he'd have to be watched and potentially dealt with.
Black Kitten joined up with Jinny Hex, Jericho, Arrowette and Secret, "Whoever knew we'd be a crowd?"
"Mush less have any of us join at all," Secret remarked.
"Ah don' git it," Jinny admitted, "Why're we jist joshin' when we could be gittin' the varmints thet attacked us?"
Jericho slit his finger across his throat. Jinny frowned is thet a shuddup or a 'we'll git massacreed?" Jinny asjked.
He held up two fingers. Arrowette changed the subject, we know your name Jinny, but I'm Cissie King-Jones."
"Cissie?" Black Kitten asked.
""Nickname. My full name is Suzanne. I just like Cissie better," Arrowette shared..
"This is Josh Wilson," Secret revealed, "I guess my name is Greta Hayes."
"You guess?" Black Kitten frowned.
"I really don't remember. They think I'm a ghost and that's what makes me a Secret even to myself," she divulged.
"I'm Kit Weston," Black Kitten shared, "This is my first time on the East Coast and really my first time outside the United States."
"Same for all of us," Arrowette promised. But Jericho knew better. But he was cursed to be silent about it.
"Are you going to sulk all night," Superboy handed Catgirl a bottle of water, "There's some of those flavor packets if you need one."
"Are you the duly appointed ambassador of goodwill?" Catgirl sneered.
"Hardly," Superboy snorted, "I didn't want to be with these guys at first either. It took Cassie to convince me to stay."
"Wonder Girl? Are you hitting that?" Catgirl lashed out.
"I'm not even sure I could," Superboy admitted, "I'm a clone. And I'm not entirely sure what parts work or not. It's the whole human-alien hybrid thing. Right now the leading theory is I'll only age internally and not externally."
"So you'll always be this hot?" Catgirl was surprised she said it, "Sorry. Totally inappropriate."
"I'm not known for propriety either," he grinned.
"So why are you talking to me?" Catgirl asked.
"I know about angry. It's my default. I just thought you might want to vent or even go a few rounds," Superboy offered.
She considered it, "I'm Kitrina."
"Conner," he was glad progress was slowly being made. He saw a lot him in her. And a lot of potential for the greater good.
"So Conner, where's the damn drink mix?" she smirked.
"Conner's doing well," M'gann told Cassie.
"She's a lot like him," Wonder Girl replied.
"Something I should know about?" Miss Martian heard the catch in her voice.
"We're didn't end well," Cassie finally admitted, "Ever since Conner found out he'll be a teenager until he dies had him push me away."
"But aren't you basically immortal?" M'gann asked.
"But I'll still visibly age. Conner won't even though his organs will," Cassie revealed.
"Too bad you aren't a shapeshifter," M'gann mused, "I'm a hundred years old but for my people I'm an adolescent. And I can look this way until I die."
"Too bad you weren't dating him," Cassie had a weird thought.
"I don't think that would be good," M'gann was afraid of being outed as a White Martian.
"I do," Cassie admitted, "I know you're attracted to him."
"Let's worry about that idea if we survive this," M'gann requested.
"I think some of us won't," Cassie sadly confessed.
M'gann knew she had to confess her origins before she was put in an impossible position. One she'd actually be grateful for. But would threaten her life on Earth.
"Hi, I'm Cullen. I'm your new tech advisor," he introduced himself, "Also known as a hacker extraordinaire."
Wendy Harris grinned, "I'm Wendy. I'm communications and logistics."
"And you are…?" Cullen asked Marvin with a spark of interest.
Marvin fumbled all around his name. Wendy interrupted, "This is Marvin White. Your new best love interest."
Both Cullen and Marvin blushed. Wendy knelt to rub Wonder Dog, "And this is everyone's new best friend."
"So you're really Wonder Dog?" Cullen asked.
The dog barked an affirmative. Cullen was impressed, "Damn. He's smart too."
"That's why I named him," Marvin admitted.
"Then it's a perfect name," Cullen decided.
Marvin's cheek burned. Wendy thought this burgeoning romance was just about perfect.
"The kids are getting' on," Wildcat observed.
"Which why we left them to their own devices," Flash reminded Ted Grant.
"I dunno, Jay. Some of `em resent the hell outta bein' here," Ted warned.
"I know," Jay Garrick conceded, "But until we firmly establish our roster, we were too shorthanded to keep this internal within the JSA."
"Somebody should tell Courtney and Mike that it's okay to still mix with their peers," Mr. Terrific opined.
"You just volunteered Michael," Jay chuckled.
"I'm more of a biochemist but I've been admiring your exoskeleton," Hourman told Robotman, "But my real question is, how do you provide a stable environment for providing nutrients and moisturization to your brain inside its encasement?"
Bob Crane chuckled at Rex Tyler's enthusiasm, "Well Rex, I'd love to tell you about it. My work is ignored now that I'm in this shell."
"I'd just love to help improve your experience however I can," Rex admitted.
"Are all you JSAers so eager to help someone? A complete stranger?" Robotman asked.
"That's why we banded together all those decades ago. Common goals and common purposes we could help each other achieve,"Hourman shared.
"I'm glad you came out of retirement," Bob admitted.
"Actually, Rick's the smart one. But with Jesse carrying the baby, they just couldn't live the life any longer," Hourman revealed.
"He and Jesse Quick will be missed. But I'm certain we can work together," Robotman pledged.
"So give me a brief synopsis off your situation so I can brainstorm on the flight home," Hourman suggested.
"Normally I'd dumb it down but I doubt I need to anymore," Robotman sounded happy.
"Lay it on me," Hourman requested.
"It is pleasant to see you again, Anna Fortune," Dr. Fate admitted.
"And you, Nabu," Anna replied, "Surely you remember my fiancé?"
Atom Smasher knew better than to shake hands with a Lord (Lady?) of Order, "I'm just glad there's a new Dr. Fate."
"I believe your loyalties laid with the Justice League," Nabu's ethereal voice resounded, "Why return to our humble ranks."
"Because we're needed," Anna told her, "And the JSA is our true home."
"Yes, it is," Dr. Fate replied with utter certainty.
"What are you neglecting to tell us?" Anna inquired sharply.
"There is a Convergence coming. A bringing together that which was lost in the Multiverse," Dr. Fate predicted, "And it shall culminate in the Zero Hour."
"Typical. You're disclosing and withholding all at the same time," Atom Smasher grunted.
"It is for your safety, Albert Rothstein," Dr. Fate admonished him, "But the Lords of Order have approved your union. Kismet herself wishes to officiate."
"I…we'd be honored," Anna was flabbergasted.
"Who's Kismet?" Al wondered.
"The First Among Equals," Nabu revealed, "With her blessing, more of what is yet to come will be shared with you."
"Thank her for me," Anna meekly said. Atom Smasher had never seen her so deferential before. Was that what her life in the Antebellum South had been like?
"I have matters to tend to and preparations to make," Dr. Fate announced, "I sense the enemy has long prepared for these moments to come before dawn breaks. If we can reach sunlight, then we may survive."
She lifted into the ar and simply ascended out of sight. Atom Smasher watched her go, "She's always so cheerful."
She detected his mocking tone, "As befits fate I suppose."
"Now explain to me why you're so 'Ah declare ma'am, ya'll are right about everythun'," Al teased her.
He got punched in the shoulder, "And I declare I will put you on your arse ."
"And that's my feisty Anna," Al chuckled.
"And you're the only one ever to be allowed to call me 'yours'," Anna confessed.
"Then I'm luckier than any man or woman," Al pledged.
"Now you're making me blush, Albert. I would think you of all should realize just how imperfect I am," Anna protested.
"I do. And I don't care. I even love your flaws," Atom Smasher declared.
"I think I'm going to swoon," Anna warned and then she saw his indifference, "Seriously, Albert. I think I'm…"
And she fainted into his arms. After Dr, Mid-Nite examined her he declared her hale and hearty, "She merely fainted. From the gist of what you told me, she just got so emotional her brain had to switch off for a minute.
"Anna Fortune?" Al was incredulous
"She may be a fighter but she's only human, after all," Pieter Cross advised him, "I'll sit with you until she wakes. I'm guessing she is going to be extremely embarrassed."
"She has a 'turn them into toads' spell always prepped and ready for these type of things," Al warned. But the truth was Anna was extremely adept with memory charms. And extremely liberal with their use. Or had been. This would test her newfound restraint to its limit.
Red Tornado and Judomaster were greeting Sir Ystin. Maxine introduced herself first. Judomaster was more reluctant to give her proper name. But with Max's urging she did so.
"Can I ask why you're called 'Sir' Ystin when you're a woman?" Red Tornado inquired.
"I'm not a woman," Sir Ystin coldly replied.
"But you are not a man," Judomaster pointed out.
"I should have been," Ystin insisted, "That is why King Arthur knighted me at Merlin's behest. Merlin needed me for the Quest for the Holy Grail. I drank from it and have been immortal ever since."
"How long have you lived?" Red Tornado asked.
"I was a page in Uther Pendragon's court. Only the squire knew I was born Ystina. He aided in my quest of knighthood. When all were killed by Morgan Le Fey's Picts, I then served her brother and Arthur knighted me as Merlin's agent," Sir Ystin explained.
"But if you have been alive all these years, where have you been?" Sonia Sato asked.
"I have battled the demon forces arrayed against Avalon," Sir Ystin revealed, "And those that passed me by were dealt with by the Silent Knights. My conduit to Merlin was broken, but Madame Xanadu has served in his stead."
"The tarot reader?" Red Tornado was confused.
"You have no idea of what she truly is," Sir Ystin warned.
"So why have you joined us?" Judomaster wondered.
"Xanadu's readings say my path leads to you and with you," Sr Ystin calmed Vanguard down with an apple.
"Then I am certain we shall be grateful for your presence," Sonia decided.
"I think we'd be grateful for anyone's presence today," Maxine opined.
Sir Ystin glared at her. Red Tornado backed down, "Especially yours."
Judomaster was polite enough not to laugh. But it was difficult not to do so.
"So? Your skin is always…green?" Tarantula asked Jade.
"Not at first but now I can't turn it off," Jennie-Lynn Haden said.
"And you're a lightning bolt?" Whip asked Jonni Thunder.
"Thunderbolt, actually," Jonni grinned, "And I'm an LA PI. Not wanting to be a super person.
"I'm a Texas Ranger who just got sick of scum getting away with it," Tarantula shared., "My father was the first Tarantula in the All Star Squadron."
"I have a ranch in New Mexico. Bad things were happening to good people. My great-great-great-great grandfather was famous in San Diego as Zorro. My great-great-grandmother was the Black Whip in the Idaho Territory. My great-grandfather was the second Black Whip in World War II. So I just have the genetic calling to be the Whip," she shared.
"I'm Jonni Thunder, by the way," she shook hands.
"Jennifer 'Jennie'-Lynn Haden," Jade shared.
"Todd Rice or Obsidian," he let them know.
"I'm Catalina Flores," Tarantula decided to impart.
"Shelley Gaynor," Whip divulged, "Aren't you two Sentinel's kids?"
Obsidian sighed, "We are."
"He's back to being Green Lantern again," Jade grinned at her brother's misery.
"Didn't you try and destroy some city?" Spider Queen asked as she approached.
"I was sick. I got better," Obsidian grated.
"Some illness," Spider Queen was studying his reactions.
"You. Cool it," Jonni told Todd, "You. Over here."
"This should iprove nteresting," Tarantula said.
"In reason in particular?" Whip inquired.
"Because thunderbolt or not, she's armed and is willing and able to use her sidearm," Tarantula had been making her own observations.
Jade's left hand began to glow as her power pulse flared to life, "I could step in."
"Let them have it," Obsidian advised, "This has to play out."
"I agree with him," but Whip's hand was on the handle of her whip.
Tarantula also had her harpoon tipped grapple gun loose in it s holster, "Steady people."
"It should be over any second now," Obsidian predicted. Only his sister knew he was eavesdropping using the surrounding shadows.
The tension ratcheted each second the confrontation lasted. Finally, the two women separated and yet returned to the same grouping. Obsidian whistled, "Damn. Remind me to never piss Jonni off."
"What was said between them?" Whip asked guessing Obsidian had known all along.
"You never want to know," he confided.
"You can all relax," Spider Queen announced, "We reached an understanding. Sorry for pushing you but I had to know how you'd react."
"So you would know if you could trust me," Obsidian finished the thought.
"That's right," Spider Queen agreed.
"We did the introduction round already," Tarantula stated.
"I'm Spider Queen or Shannon Kane, if you prefer," she disclosed, "Care to go again?"
"You know I'm Jonni Thunder," Jonni introduced everyone, "Now we can welcome you properly."
"Now that I'm not being a dick?" Spider Queen asked.
Everyone finally relaxed.
Hawkman and Hawkgirl were distanced from the larger groups when a small flash occurred and a man in specialized body armor and a woman in ceremonial armor appeared. The woman spoke, "Carter Hall, Kendra Saunders, I am Harbinger. I represent the Monitor. He has selected this man to join your ranks as a necessary agent of protection and good. His job is to keep the Chosen among you alive."
Harbinger kissed the man, "Go get gem Johnny."
She vanished and the man introduced himself, "My name is James John Diggle. But everyone calls me John or Dig. I'm the new Guardian."
"And she is…?" Carter was leery.
"Harbinger is my wife, Lyla," Guardian shared.
"Ease up, Hawkman," Hawkgirl advised, "I don't think he's a threat. He probably is a friend."
"We'll know in a minute," Mr. Terrific summoned two of the periphery scanning-Spheres, "We'll establish a few biometric baselines and then ask the pertinent questions."
"Feel free," Guardian approved. With his extensive military background, he would have insisted on doing the same.
"Yes?" the Crimson Queen was bored as Green Lantern, Sandman and Sand sought an audience.
"The threat is graver than we were led to believe," Green Lantern accused.
"Are you too geriatric to win or are you staying to defend my people?" Crimson Queen was feeling famished. The succubus within her wanted an orgy to fuel itself. She just couldn't decide which gender to go with or should she go with mixed bag? The problem was that her selection of lovers frequently expended their sex drives on each other which only fed her in a peripheral sense. She craved multiple orgasms, a many as humanly possible with each and every chosen.
"You have a choice to make and it isn't about the security of your country," Sandman advised, "Either decision will cost you dearly."
"You are oh so helpful. Especially for a dead man," Crimson Queen sneered.
We each play our role, "Sandman warned.
"Can we have access to your entire kingdom or not?" Sand was tired of the verbal fencing.
"Do whatever you need to do. Just leave me alone," Crimson Queen commanded.
The JSAers left disgruntled. Crimson Queen faced the long shadow at the end of the hall, "You can step out now."
Disco Mummy, freed of her wrappings emerged with the cadaverous King of the Undead and a nondescript female mummy, "Oh good, you're on your way to feed. That'll make this more delicious."
"What do you want?" Crimson Queen distrusted Disco Mummy's every motive.
"To offer you freedom, of course. I'm free of my wretched bandages. You can be free of your sex demon. Of course, you'll merely be a corpse," Disco Mummy gloated.
"There's always a cost," Crimson Queen accused.
"And there is, but it's already been paid," Disco Mummy informed her.
"Paid by whom?" Crimson Queen asked.
"By your sweet sister, Scarlet Rose. Surely you recognize her? Disco Mummy drew Crimson Queen's eyes to the mummy shambling behind her mistress, "She bought you this chance with her life and immortal service."
"Scarlet?" Crimson Queen mournfully began to weep.
"She bought you the gift of freedom. Her contract is irrevocable. But you only have this one opportunity to cash in," Disco Mummy said gleefully, "So you'll have to choose. Accept the offer your sister damned herself for or remain as you are and squander everything your sister meant to you and will never be again."
Crimson Queen fell into a sullen silence. Disco Mummy's mirth grew every second, "Well? There is a time constraint. We can only do this tonight. And dawn isi in two hours. Don't waste your opportunity debating the merits of what you have versus what Scarlet Rose can have again. You see, if you're exorcised from your human host, I'll restore Scarlet Rose's vitality and release her from my service. So choose, a return to Hell or Scarlet's damnation here on Earth for eternity. Tick tock."
"I'll see you in hell for this," Crimson Queen grated.
"I've already been. You'll enjoy being tortured by your mistress for your endless failures," Disco Mummy gloated, "You really need to make your choice now."
Crimson Queen gave Scarlet Rose one last mournful gazed, "No."
"Could you clarify that?" Disco Mummy was triumphant.
"I refuse the gift. I'll remain as I am," Crimson Queen declared.
Scarlet Rose shook with rage. If she'd still had a tongue freed to speak she would have screamed until her lungs burst. She'd given everything she had, was, and would ever be and her "beloved" sister threw it back in her face. Disco Mummy knew she'd forged the perfect weapon to kill the Crimson Queen. But not today.
"A pity. Truly. Your sister had loved so deeply it was she who devised this exchange. And you've cursed her for all eternity knowing it was for nothing," Disco Mummy happily stated.
"I…" Crimson Queen hesitated.
"Ah, ah. The door's closed. The spell which had begun is broken never to be restored or cast again. Live with your choice between lovers and reflect on who it cost and many more will suffer because of it," Disco Mummy was exultant.
"Damn you!" Crimson Queen raged.
"A little late for that, don't you think? We're both damned. Only, you chose to be and your chose that fate for your 'sister'," Disco Mummy's laughter echoed as she took Scarlet Rose and King of the Undead and passed through the portal of darkness they'd created to breach the palace.
And for the first time since being possessed by the succubus, Crimson Queen wept honest tears of regret.
The JSA gathered. Green Lantern asked Shirlee to retrieve Young Justice and the support team. Everyone looked dismayed and expectant at the same time.
"We have new options. Including a reserve force standing by," Green Lantern shared.
"Who else is there?" Blue Beetle wondered.
"They call themselves the Outsiders. And they just resurrected that team," Mr. Terrific answered.
"We just help set them up," Marvin announced, "They're bad ass."
"Marvin has a crush on Tempest," Wendy shared. Cullen gave Marvin an "Oh, really?" look.
"They'd be considered graduates of what eventually became Young Justice. Many were the original Teen Titans," Jay explained.
"I'm Guardian. I'm not entirely sure why, but the strategic importance of Bailya has been understated. In the scheme of the world to come, it's vital this place stand. We can't afford to lose this country," Dig stated.
"Why'd you say the 'world to come'?" Kid Flash inquired.
"And does it have anything to with why we can travel forward in time to go home?" Miss Quick needed to know.
"Changes are coming and worlds are vanishing. And the few survivors of these catastrophes are ending up on our Earth," Sandman was surprisingly forthcoming, "There may come a day when we have to stand alone because there's no one else out there."
"Which means the future you came from probably doesn't exist anymore," Sand told them, "Blame the Legion of Super Villains for that one."
Barr and Shira Torr knew more about the LSV than any humans alive on Earth.
"In the meantime, we need to plan a defense and prep fo rit. Because the enemy usually strikes at dawn," Hawkman advised. And Hawkgirl and Sir Ystin wholeheartedly agreed.
Few people could surprise Hellequin. Knighgtfall was one of those who could. Hellequin couldn't imagine anyone intentionally subjecting themselves to the mental hell of Arkham Asylum but Charise Carnes had. And her proposed licensing of crime initiative was gaining ground across the eastern seaboard. One Gotham mayoral candidate had already made it a part of her platform.
Charise revealed that White Rabbit had been in NYC to present the proposal to the Mayor, Council, and Police Commissioner Maggie Sawyer. Next, White Rabbit would be traveling north to Boston and then west to Fawcett City and Philadelphia. A major stop in Chicago would launch campaigns in Dakota, Central, and Keystone Cities. Atlanta and Baton Rouge would cover the southern regions. An entire westward blitz would include Denver, Las Vegas, Portland, Santa Fe, Dallas, Phoenix, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego.
In order accomplish this on a relatively short time frame, Jaina Hudsom came out as a proponent. Jaina would cover one gathering of regional officials while White Rabbit would handle others. But they could only bracket two cities at a time even though White Rabbit was a physical and separate entity projected by Jaina's mind. Jaina could only manifest White Rabbit and no others.
But Jaina had the clout to persuade potential backers while her alter ego had the infamy to do so. It was moments and crusades such as these that both women missed Bruce Wayne's company and zeal. But Jaina had discovered Bruce's heart problem and deduced that being Batman would kill him. She'd given him an ultimatum. She and White Rabbit both would abandon him unless he swore off being Batman. He chose the Bat.
Batman had sharply curtailed his efforts. Especially in light of losing Wayne Enterprise's funding after Derek Powers' successfully hostile takeover. Powers had forcibly shut down any and all funds to members of Batman, Inc. A happenstance that had cost lives.
Alfred Pennyworth had left before Jaina and White Rabbit made their fateful decision. Bruce was, for the first time in his life, truly alone with himself and his brooding Bat persona. Jaina recognized personas because of her own. Bruce Wayne and Batman were interconnected yet individualized all the same. And Batman was dominating Bruce. Jaina had begun to wonder if Bruce had ever really existed after his parents' murder.
"To what do I owe the honor to, Ms. Drews?" Charise was genuinely delighted to meet Hellequin.
"I want to do you a favor. I will pit the entire Jokerz gang against Batman with no association to you," Marian said.
"And what would I owe for this consideration?" Charise wondered.
"A twofold concession. I want a license to operate within your jurisdiction with a cordial happy reference to Intergang," Hellequin told her.
Charise was amused, "And the other?"
"You receive Lex Luthor to negotiate the Legion of Doom's operations in Gotham," Hellequin revealed.
"The Legion no longer operates in Gotham," Charise said icily.
"But they want to. Your control of law enforcement and criminals alike would deflect attention from them," Hellequin explained.
"And my reward is?" Charise was calculating possibilities.
"An inviolate veto over internal operations within city limits," Hellequin relayed the offer, "That's what I came to say."
"And I suppose this earns you Legion membership?" Charise mused.
"No, it earns me a future consideration towards membership," Hellequin shared, "Which is all I need. The rest will prove itself out."
"You're confident, I'll give you that," Charise remarked, "But why are their two identical Marian Drews in Gotham with identical fingerprints and computer passwords confirmed by identical voiceprint analysis?"
"What do you know about the multiverse?" Hellequin decided to go for broke.
"Just a basic theory," Charise confessed.
"Well, it's not a theory. I'm from what was Earth-2," Hellequin teased with information.
"Okay, explain yourself," Charis einsisted.
So Hellequin did.
John and Kilowog tracked Lana to a rundown tenement building in Gotham's Devil's Cornmer. Earth Prime's Lana Lang was a high profile and extremely wealthy fashion designer. Earth-2's Lana lived with Marian Drews where Lana earned the rent by playing building custodian. This allowed Marian to siphon illegally gotten gains and put the money towards more secretive agendas. With the remnant of Lord Batman's money Stu hadn't spent, Marian had replenished this operations fund's growing budget.
"Light just came on," Kilowog pointed out. They discovered the building lacked an elevator. So while they climbed the stairs, Lana texted Marian a warning to expect company if she returned in record time.
Marian had chosen the building because it was the hub of lower level violent crime in the city. So she could come and go as Hellequin any time of the day on her Ducati that she so infuriatingly, to Lana at least, parked in the apartment. With the GCPD geared up to arrest costumes, discretion had to be her valor.
"Dis is it," Kilowog said in front of a rotting door. John went to knock but it swung open to reveal Lana, "Would you like to stop skulking and just come in?"
"Uh…yeah," John moved past her Kilowog sheepishly followed.
"So eloquent. Must be why Shayera loves you," Lana scornfully remarked, "Now ask your damn questions so we can resume our lives.
John and Kilowog blankly looked at one another. Lana fumed, "Oh, for God's sake! Ask me something already!"
"Are you Lana Lang?" John recovered.
"That's the dumbest question I've ever heard. And I've been asked some royally dumb ass questions. Of course I'm Lana Lang," she caustically stated.
"Who owns that diner?" John tried again.
"Stuart Mosely," she answered.
"And he's from Earth-2?" John asked .
"Yes," Lana was getting impatient, "Look, we've been chasing around all day. My roommate will be home soon. She gets cranky around unwelcome guests unless they're here for sex. She hospitalized the last three."
"Is your roommate also from Earth-2?" John wanted clarification.
"Ye-es," Lana sounded severely pained.
"Who is she?" John wanted to know.
"Marian Drews. But she goes by Hellequin. She was my Earth's girlfriend of the Joker after he and Harley Quinn broke up," Lana revealed.
"She's a criminal?" John was agitated.
"Not on this Earth," Lana partially lied.
"What's her occupation?" John was determined to convict someone.
"Marian was and is again an investment banker. So is her doppelganger. Here, she helps herself, so to speak, with portfolios," Lana stretched it but it was mostly true.
"Why do I believe you three are involved in a conspiracy?" John inquired
"Paranoid much?" Lana asked.
"Johnny, Ya ain't got nuthin;" Kilowog advised him.
"The entire Justice League will be watching you," John warned Lana.
"Make sure they have a good view," Lana countered.
The former Green Lanterns departed and Lana happened to receive a text from Hellequin, Are the assholes gone yet?
Lana wrote back, Just left. Across street.
Let them try and spot me coming, Lana could almost hear Marian's scornful mirth.
"And Andrea is where?" Nightshade asked Gwen as they toured the rubble that had been Belle Reeve.
"She said she was needed elsewhere," Gwen shrugged.
"We need to get her a dog collar with a tracker to hide that we've put a chip into her," Eve Eden complained.
"Only we haven't," Gwen replied, "Yet."
"She'd probably just use that damn glove of hers to cut it out anyway," Nightshade fumed.
"So, we're all that's left," Gwen murmured.
"They shut us down?" Nightshade asked.
"Indefinitely," Gwen shared, "And who blames with our remaining assets involved in kidnapping the President."
"I think kidnap is a tame word," Nightshade burst her bubble, "Lane wants McKay publicly revealed and executed. And then he'll declare himself dictator for life."
"That was my read too," Gwen sighed, "Helluva time for Task Force X to go rogue."
"They didn't escape. Waller released them," Nightshade had reviewed the black box footage, "So what now, Director Cormaugh."
"We wait and we rebuild," Gwen promised.
"That could be a long wait," Nightshade grumped.
"You're just mad that they grounded us," Gwen accused.
"Damned straight," Nightshade agreed.
"We're not done. I don't want kind unit, penal or otherwise, that will replace the Suicide Squad but you and I haven't finished our journey together," Gwen vowed.
Suddenly Eve felt better.
Maxima's squadron exploded out of the Phantom Zone with their sub light ion drives blazing away. Captain Hero had been chosen as Maxima's fleet commander. Maxima was determined to lead the ground assault. The Thanagarians themselves were seen as Saturn Queen's victims. But that would only shield them for so long.
"Emp…Milady, we've established Thanagar orbit," Hero reported, still finding it difficult not to address her as "Empress". The whole squadron would have the same difficulty.
Kalea had gone further than Maxima. Maxima retained her title of nobility. Kalea, having just having hers restored, threw it back at the Council of Ministers. Her reasoning of leaving no doubt as to whether she would seek the throne was sound but her method was crass. The Counsellors had called for her immediate arrest. Which Maxima proved had no legal grounds. There were no laws against bruising egos.
The Grand Vizier stood in for the Presider until she could be sworn in. And he had too much loyalty towards Maxima to arrest Kalea over a brash act of rudeness. But Kara In-Ze had finally taken note of Thanagar's green star.
"This suit better be all you say it can be," she advised her fiancé, Kyle Rayner.
Her other fiancé, Carol Ferris promised it would be, "The Darkstars weren't as powerful as Lantern rings but they had enough raw power to offset the disruption the blue elements of solar energy in a green star produces in Argoans."
Kara kissed her. Carol smiled as she licked her lips, "What was that for?"
"Just because I love you and you first loved Kyle enough to share him with me," Kara confessed.
"Attention, all personnel will board their assigned lander!" a voice broadcast.
Maxima could seen entering the boat in a heated discussion with Kalea, "No! You will lead the second wave. I need to be at the forefront. And your vaunted strength is lessened here by the green sun's radiation. I need you pulled back in case my landing fails."
"You have the Lanterns to cover your landing," Kalea snapped, "What you don't have is a gauge of how fanatical these Thanagarians will be."
"First-hand experience is the best metric," Maxima retorted.
"Just don't die," Kalea said with exasperation, "I'd hate for this to be our last argument."
"I'll try to insure you win this one," Maxima smiled.
"I win all of them," Kalea retorted, "You just can't admit it."
Maxima's smile broadened, "I love you too."
"I never said…!" Kalea protested but Maxima was up the ramp of her lander and it was sealing.
"Stubborn, hard-headed…" she was heard muttering as she reported to her own craft.
"It seems family is universal," Yrra Cyvil remarked.
"They're about to depressurize the bay," Miss Bloss predicted.
"I'm ready, my Queen," Miri Raim promised.
"As am I," Fatality confirmed.
"Just don't expect me to fly formation with Gardner," Race bitterly announced.
"Right back atcha, sweet cheeks," Guy sneered.
Bekka swatted him upside the head, "Don't be so ingallant."
"You're lucky I left you alive," Laira Omoto reminded Guy.
"Can we pretend to have an accord?" Saint Walker wondered.
"No, but we share a common purpose: Saturn Queen's downfall," Munk interpreted.
"I'm ready to test this monkey suit," Kara added.
"We'll be right beside you," Kyle predicted.
"I can't let our marriage die before its begun," Carol pledged.
"It's begun," Laira warned as the air hissed into receptacle tanks.
Landing plates split open beneath the first wave of landers. The dropships were aptly named as they vanished. The scene was repeated amongst every vessel in the squadron. The Lanterns poured out of an opened hatchway. It sealed behind them.
Several minutes passed and Kalea's group fell from every ship. Below, on Thanagar, Saturn Queen and the Shrike Queen reveled in the thought of finally killing Maxima and Kalea-El.
Selina made her report to Bruce Wayne, "It's like you thought. Jaina and White Rabbit are happily assisting Knightfall. And Knightfall really is Charise Carnes like you deduced."
She sat all the evidence down, "The reports, audio recordings, photos and video are stored on this external drive. No other copies exist."
Bruce grunted.
"I suppose that's your version of 'thank you'. Or was that my pregnancy?" Selina grew frustrated.
"Selina, you knew as well as I did the chances of pregnancy without contraceptives," Bruce finally spoke.
"You effing bastard! This isn't just my baby," Selina snarled.
"No, but our baby is better off without me. Dick and Tim proved that," Bruce said.
"Wallow in self-pity then. And I don't want any of your damned money. We will be better off without you," Selina stormed out of the cave.
Bruce lifted his own phone and texted a message.
"Uh oh, how did it go?" Holly asked inside Selina's brownstone.
"The man is a prick in every way that counts," Selina seethed.
The door rang and Selina wheeled on it and yelled as she opened it, "What?"
Alfred Pennyworth tipped his bowler, "Good evening, Ms. Kyle. I was told you may require some assistance."
Selina gave Alfred a death grip hug, "Thank God, Alfred!"
Alfred patted her back, "It's all right, Ms. Kyle. I'll help you get through."
Selina released him, "Bruce contacted you."
"Indeed and I am quite fond of you but you also carry the next Wayne," Alfred shared.
"Who is this?" Holly wondered.
"Holly, this is Alfred Pennyworth. Bruce's ex-butler," Selina made the introduction, "Holly is my oldest friend.
"Jeeves," Holly grinned.
"Indeed,' Alfred said ruefully, "Although I sincerely doubt Ms. Holly can be vaguely described as 'old'."
"Smooth one, Jeeves," Holly smirked.
"Holly and I worked the streets together," Selina admitted.
"Indeed. And yet the streets survived," Alfred remarked.
"They shouldn't have," Holly grinned, "But now I like you."
"I'm pleased you now approve," Alfred said.
"I love this guy!" Holly enthused, "He's so snarky and straight faced at it."
"Maybe you could come back tomorrow? Alfred and I really need to talk this over," Selina begged off.
"Sure, sure. I'd want to post a schedule if I'd inherited a butler from my ex," Holly nonchalantly waved over her back as she headed for the door.
"Hol? About exes…?" Selina verbally skidded her to a halt.
"It's cool, Selina. At least me ex couldn't make me preggers and then bale on me," Holly said, "But if you see Maven, tell her I'm back. For good."
Maven had been Holly's first love. Word was she'd broken up with James Olsen. And Maven might also be willing to mend fences…and relationships. Maven had dated more women than men and she and Holly had shared something extremely special before Holly panicked about commitment. Her worldwide crime spree had been her sorting things out. It seemed Catwoman wasn't the only thing Holly seemed willing to commit to now.
"Pardon me, Ms. Kyle. But Ms. Holly and Ms. Maven shared something quite special, didn't they?" Alfred asked.
"That they did," Selina was always impressed by Alfred's powers of observation, "But Holly hadn't known happiness in her life. So when it arrived, it was strange and scary because of what could happen if it were taken away. So she took it away."
"A preemptive strike, as it were," Alfred easily deduced. It was Bruce Wayne's favorite tactic after Andrea Beaumont.
"Alfred, your wisdom knows no bounds," Selina sighed.
"If only others believed as you do," Alfred lamented.
"He'll come around. For you at least. I'm done. I have a child to prepare for and raise," Selina decided.
"How are your finances, Miss?" Alfred hated to worry.
Selina laughed, "I have money even I don't know about. I'm not a Wayne but my baby is going to very comfortable."
"It is a relief to hear you say so," Alfred admitted.
"So I don't go back to heisting scores?" Selina smirked, "That's Holly's job now. Not mine. That's why I sent Kitrina to the JSA. So I don't have to mix her up in Catwoman's business anymore."
"So how may I help you, specifically?" Alfred asked.
"First, we negotiate your salary and living arrangements. Then we begin planning," Selina told him directly.
"Very well, Miss Kyle. I must say, those matters were close to my heart," Alfred confessed.
"I can imagine," Selina empathized and inwardly cursed Bruce for tossing his only real family out.
"So you can't assist me or won't?" Crimson Queen asked the holographic avatar.
"The United Nations forbade the Justice League Task Force from entering your country. The Justice League Unlimited was to be the patsy. Now it's the Justice Society's role to fall," Max Lord informed her.
"And if they prevail?" Crimson Queen asked.
"Then all of that work provoking the Iranians will have been wasted," Max retorted.
"You know I want that country. I need an excuse to invade it without sanctions or repercussions," Crimson Queen reminded him.
"Yes, I'm duly reminded. Current events are being tweaked but it will take raw firepower, and your collusion, to bring the JSA to its knees," Max gloated.
"Did you send Disco Mummy here?" she inquired as a rebuke.
Max scowled, "No. Did she say why she was?"
"She made a pact with my sister to exorcise me from Crimson Queen's corpse. I refused but Scarlet is damned anyway," Crimson Queen shared.
"Disco Mummy hasn't been seen in months and she suddenly shows up on your doorstep during an international conflict. I don't believe in coincedences," she could see matters disturbed him.
"I still have the nuclear option," Crimson Queen goaded him.
"Dammit! That option is off the table. You need Iran and Turkmenistan as stepping stones to conquering Iraq and the Asia Minor. You can't afford to reduce people to radioactive cinders. Those consequences your trying to evade will come crashing down from every side," Max scolded her.
"I don't care for your tone, Maxwell Lord," Crimson Queen had been angered.
"And I don't give an effin' shit. Suck it and kill the JSA. And hurry up about it," Max's image abruptly vanished.
"Blue balled jackal," Crimson Queen hissed before summoning her Crimson Jihad.
Explosions flashed and echoed from all sides upon Dr. Fate's shield. Fate hovered over the capital, "I would advise being proactive. This is a large area to protect. And each strike diverts power to defend that area. My spell will not deflect a concentrated effort."
"Meaning it be overwhelmed from too great a cluster of impacts," Mr. Terrific realized.
"Too overwhelmed and collapsed to be replaced," Dr. Fate revealed.
"You couldn't rebuild it?" Green Lantern asked.
"No. Its power derives from the magical lifeblood of the Earth and not this universe. Its capabilities are finite to avoid disrupting that magic and herald chaos where there is still order," Dr. Fate explained, "But my attention must be focused so that I can distribute shielding where needed."
"We'll leave you to it then," Green Lantern promised.
"Alan, Young Justice reports being attacked by the Crimson Jihad. They were defeated but took their own lives," Flash advised him.
"The Queen will deny everything and anything revolving around involvement," Sand predicted.
"I knew this crapshoot wuz goin' too easy," Wildcat complained.
"She's complicit," Hawkman opined, "There's too much going on just for her to be scheming alone."
"She's deficient because she's a woman?" Hawkgirl was accusatory.
"Hardly because she's a woman but completely because she's nearsighted from being a meglomaniac," Hawkman clarified, "Thanks for clearing that up."
"Sop bitching!" Whip ordered, "They're coming over the border."
"So the Iranians are back the move," Robotman mused.
"Not that border," Jonni Thunder called, "MARS Corp is rolling in from Turkmenistan."
"And they're coming by sea," Atom Smasher reported.
"JSA, meet the enemy had on. Young Justice, form a perimeter ring behind them and provide any necessary support if the line is broken," Green Lantern ordered.
"It isn't enough," Sandman warned, "You need to call in your final reserves."
"They just assembled for the first time," Flash advised.
"And it needn't be their last. But will be ours if you refuse to call them in," Sandman prophesied.
"And no one would argue when he spoke like that.
Hawkman led a squad across the Caspian. Hawkgirl, Red Tornado, Anna Fortune flew with him while Atom Smasher grew to gigantic proportions. This had the intended effect of causing the Iranian attack boats open up with panic fire. But Atom Smasher tried to ignore the crippling pain from his ACL.
The north and western border with Turkmenistan was defended by two separate squads. The first was led by Hourman. Robotman, the Whip, Tarantula, and Spider Queen made up that team. Their relative inexperience offset by Hourman's decades of facing and overcoming incredible opposition. And MARS Corp. had pulled everything in their inventory. But who was financing it?
The second `stan squad was led by Dr. Mid-Nite, who was still in his night time element. Sand and Judomaster stood with him. Stargirl and STRIPE provided the firepower.
On the southern and western border Green Lantern was arrayed with Flash, Hippolyta, Sandman and Wildcat. All founding members. Additionally, Jade, Obsidian, and Jonni Thunder, in her YZ Thunderbolt form, stood alongside the legends. Only Mr. Terrific had earned the notoriety of the originals.
Sir Ystin was with Young Justice because no one yet knew how acclimated she was with the modern world. Astride Vanguard she and Wonder Girl, Secret, Arrowette, Miss Quick, Black Kitten, and Raven Red guarded the northern approach into the capital city.
On the eastern side, Superboy informally led Kid Flash, Zachary Zatara, Sinsitro, Blue Beetle, Victory Girl and the Belles. To the western beach sides, Miss Martian stood vigilant with Jinny Hex, Tefe Holland, Static, Windfall, and Catgirl supporting her. And finally, the southern approach was primarily a New Bat Family affair. Red Robin had quietly assumed control. Batgirl and Robin Alpha watched him to see if he would falter. Robin and Bluebird prepared surprises of Harper's devising, and Black Bat guarded Jericho. Who could prove the ablest of them all.
Green Lantern & the JSA thought they were prepared for any eventuality. And then Disco Mummy and her forces disabused them of that belief.
Several dropships delivered the Mighty Crusaders while even more landed the Shadow Crusaders. Only the severity of the mission brought the covert ops team into a major fray. Precision shooting from Secret Agent J-3 had disabled the Black Razors on Pennsylvania 1600. Shield made a mental note to thank her for disobeying direct orders.
But Gen. Lane had forces gathered from across ARGUS. And despite ARGUS being declared defunct several hours ago by Presidential order and Congressional legislation, those forces, including new ones, still stood by Lane. But unlike Amanda Waller, they were unaware of Lane's true agenda, the scope of his plans, and the methods he would employ to achieve them.
Disco Mummy sauntered across the border in her minidress but had foregone her stilettos in deference to the rocky sand.
"Lady, who are you?" Green Lantern demanded to know.
She just smirked. His ring flared to life, "I won't ask again."
"I'm flattered you don't recognize me," she exuded sultry confidence.
"Come again?" Flash was confused.
"She's clearly deranged," Hippolyta decided.
"She's Disco Mummy," Mr. Terrific told them.
"Indeed," she was pleased to be recognized after all, "You are a true man of talents, Mr. Holt."
"How'd you know that? She's outta her wrappin's," Wildcat wondered.
"The human voice is as distinctive as a fingerprint. And hers is especially memorable," he explained.
"My, two extreme compliments in as many minutes," Disco Mummy was exalted.
"Why are you here, Mummy Person?" Hippolyta aimed her sword at Disco Mummy.
"Let's see, I'm on the Iranian border. I'm on the battlefield. M loyal slaves are with me. What could it all mean?" Disco Mummy ticked off mocking her, "I guess I'm here to wage a war."
"Why?" Jade was confused on that point.
"Why not?" Disco Mummy replied, "Call it sentiment. Before there was a Persia Sumeria held these lands. As that empire's destined ruler, why wouldn't I want to get a little back?"
"Don't fly," Wildcat growled.
"Don't engage her," Sandman warned, "She's the foe here but she's also the distraction."
"And you almost gave it away," she tutted him before all hell broke loose.
To the N & NW, MARS Corp, LuthorCorp and Hauser Munitions, along with the rehabilitated Caldwell Arms, each supplied units and mercenaries. MARS ostensibly had the largest contract and hired the most soldiers-for-hire. LuthorCorp was being very discreet outside of the arms sales client list but even those present were utilized by the Zither Security Group. Hauser hired his specialized operatives code-named the Gun Club. Caldwell hired the only mercenary outfit to rival Zither. Meridian acted on their behalf and Caldwell served the interest of everyone's hidden employer.
Who was, of course, Max Lord. Lord had gone a step even further. He'd recruityed the Legion of Annoyance and its recently bolstered membership roll and contracted the Global Concern to provide meta contractors. Black Seven supplied field leadership. Domino, Ariel Pryde, was the chief strategist.
Of the higher end hitters outside the Global Concern, Max contracted the Eliminators. Hauser also sent the Tech Wizards as support. And few no-reputation villain teams were employed as cannon fodder. The Whale's Enders would be providing the Iranians with aquatic support. The Silicon Dragons had sent their best operatives. Lady Dragon wanting back at the table. And the Sons of Liberty arrived as well. Samuel Adams and his New Minutemen merely looking for money, beer, and an excuse to fight.
Max's deal with Disco Mummy was far more exotic. But that wouldn't be revealed until the fight was won. If it were won. So far the JSA and their students had proven more adept than Max expected. He was already back at the UN Security petitioning the release of the Justice League Task Force. But his personal hit squad's involvement was being vetoed by all five permanent members.
Lane strode through the West Wing, insufferably gloating in Waller's opinion. Reactron and Cyclotronic Man had pulled McKay free of the bunker, slaughtering her protectors. But Lane had his victory, McKay was insensate and had reverted back to her native Durlan form.
"Ugly bitch," Lane sneered, "Get her to the Oval Office and find me a damn camera crew."
"That means you, Waller," Lane snapped at her.
"I'm sick of your bullshit. This isn't about protecting America or the world. It's about Sam Lane, dictator and lord god almighty of the Earth," Waller said in low, menacing tones.
"And they told me you were stupid, rotting your brains out with convicts," Lane chuckled, "Tell me, what will you do about it?"
"Nothing. But I know people that will," Waller promised.
"I rather doubt…hurk!" Lane looked down to a blade thrust out of his chest.
"General!" Reactron roared as he cast McKay aside.
Phantasm did the same for Lane's corpse. He fired two radioactive bolts but she went under then up to thrust her scythe blade into the soft body glove joint "protecting" his neck. He bled out in seconds. Cyclotron backed away.
"I don't want any trouble," he pleaded.
"You should have chosen a better side," Phantasm's modulated voice admonished him.
Her thrust missed as he dodged but caught the regulator built into his suit. Cyclotronic Man smashed out of the Oval Office and was irradiated as he fled. Waller whistled.
"That is a lot of radiation. I wonder if he'll survive?" she asked, "By the way, you're late."
"Blame traffic," Phantasm deadpanned.
"How does it look out there?" Waller wearily asked.
"The Crusaders are now on scene. A mysterious benefactor neutralized the Black Razors with uncannily expert shots from a high bore rifle. You know what they're facing," Phantasm reported.
Shield and Shieldmaster studied the forces arrayed against their teams. The Suicide Squad had added the survivors of the last incarnation of Task Force X with the new recruits as well, Additionally, the original Crusaders team stood opposed to the Mighty Crusaders and Shadow Crusaders alike. The Americans and THUNDER Agents were also present. The Secret Six were a stark contrast to most of the agents present with their more virtuous comrades.
Veronica Darnell was a Secret Service Agent that had supplied the details of the White House's defenses and contingency plans. Debi Domaine was the current Cheetah's niece. But Debi despised Priscilla Rich's membership in the Legion of Doom.
Adrian Chase was a veteran soldier and District Attorney. But with Intergang killing his wife and children in a botched attempt to assassinate him, Chase had become the second Vigilante. But after a brief stint in Bellevue, Chase was released with a seven year period of probation.
Upon release, he learned Pat Trayce had adopted and adapted his persona. And she frequently collaborated with Deathstroke when he was hired to target criminals. All of which infuriated him. So he went to his hidden cache of weapons and equipment. He heavily modified his gear to no longer even remotely resemble Pat's gear. And then he learned of the Street Avenger. A seemingly homeless man travelling across the United States, Street Avenger defended the transient population and put the fear of God into those that would rob or harm them.
Homeland had Street Avenger joining Red Hood's Outlaws. Which positively sickened Chase since Street Avenger wore a military surplus store version of his own look. And the Vigilante brand, beginning with Greg Saunders in his ridiculous cowboy get up and Pat Trayce, understood precision shooting was vital. Not only to conserve ammo but the instill the greatest amount of fear in a short span of time. Street Avenger just shot people into splatters until he needed to reload. And the idiot had engaged in firefights with police cross country.
Oracle had broken into Noah Cutler's files and stolen his list of hacker rivals. She'd implanted a virus past his firewalls and virus protection to overdrive his servers and devices until complete and irreparable meltdown occurred. The malware was designed to also affect his phones as soon as they connected.
Word was the Calculator had put out contracts on her without precisely knowing who she was. But Oracle had immediately begun contacting the names from the list. Prior to Lane's White House coup attempt, Lance had fulfilled Calculator's contract and had Deadshot terminate Oracle.
"Just who do you think you are?" Green Lantern was provoked now.
"Didn't we just cover that?" Disco Mummy asked.
"You have power over mummies," Flash countered, "There aren't any in Iran or Bailya."
She smirked, "Are you really willing to place that wager? It wasn't cven from here where I was mummified. You see, Sumeria enjoyed exceedingly cordial relations with Egypt. We learned how to build monuments and pyramids as we worshipped ourselves. Mummification was afad amongst the noble houses. So tell me, why wouldn't there be mummies here long buried and forgotten in places those idiot fanatics in ISIS would never think to look."
"She's buyin' it," Wildcat warned.
"Don't let her…" Sandman began but Disco Mummy took a knee before he could finish and her palm glowed as she touched soil and left a residual hand print behind, "…do that."
"It was nice knowing a very few of you. Others I actually wish I could've known. And the rest of you lot, I'll be warmed by thought of you in Hell," Disco Mummy waved goodbye and she started moving away.
"We're not done here," Hippolyta leapt over Disco Mummy and thrust her sword's tip to it pricked Disco Mummy's throat. She wiped the trickle of blood.
"Your former Highness, I've been alive longer than any existing civilization. I've broken the worst curse the old gods could deliver," Disco Mummy gave her a sad smile, "And you think an Amazonium sword will threaten me? It was time you abdicated and gave Diana your throne. She's a realist."
Sands began shifting and crests were forming, Hippolyta was enraged, "What have you done?"
"You see this army? It isn't here to invade. It's here to keep you from running," Disco Mummy's unwavering confidence was definitely on Hippolyta's last nerve, "My pets are climbing to the surface. The technology people will get their hoorah on north and west of here. But you and yours? You're mine."
Disco Mummy's laugh was cut short as the sword thrust was finished at last. Disco Mummy frowned. She whirled her finger and an astonished Hippolyta pulled the blade free. Disco Mummy's frown became a scowl when she the blood that splattered across her dress.
"Do you know how much this dress cost?" she was petulant, "It's a designer original from Milan. The only one made. Dry cleaning can only do so much."
Hippolyta tried hacking Disco Mummy's head off but the blade only sank into her flesh by an inch. Disco Mummy was bored, "Your former Highness, I really have places to be and my field commanders to deploy.
Her backhanded punch hurled Hippolyta into a tank and the reinforced armor crumpled like aluminum. She made her way back to her comrades, "She can't die."
"No one ever actually asks me for advice," Sandman complained.
"Why are mounds forming the sands?" Jade lifted off the ground. Jonni transformed into Yz as a precaution.
"Oh. My. Effing. God!" Obsidian slowly exclaimed.
The sands burst open as thousands of mummies crwled out of them like scarabs. And the entire horizon, three hundred and sixty degrees around them, had a hundred or more mummies emerge from an individual void.
Sandman sighed, "This why you should ask. Besides the fact it's rude not to."
"Oh, shut up!" Hippolyta shouted.
"And that was rude as well," Sandman sniffed, "But at least I expected it."
"Miss me?" Nyssa Raatko asked her wife as she entered the antechamber from the throne room of Nanda Parbat.
Dinah Laurel Drake Lance, the Black Canary, answered with a hungry kiss, "What do you think?"
"I think I should be successful far more often," Nyssa smirked.
"You were able to find them all then?" Dinah was curious.
"I found, they rejoined, or they died," Nyssa shrugged, "Cain and Lady Shiva had similar results."
David Cain was the League of Assassins' training officer. Lady Shiva its ablest operative. But one name stood from the list of recruits.
And Whisper D'Aire?" Dinah asked.
"Skinned and hanging on a wall," Nyssa informed her, "Bit it wasn't me. Our returning member to the League of Shadows obliged us on that one."
"Dazaar returned," Dinah smiled. Irma Playaski had been a Polish countess in the Russian Imperial court where she met Nyssa. She'd been an opponent of the tsars and later the Bolsheviks greatest assassin. They survived Auschwitz together and when Nyssa's father found her and restored her youth, Nyssa's one request was that he do the same for Dazaar the Arch Fiend.
Aresia found her surname to be Lowell and recruited what she claims is a demigoddess," Nyssa was skeptical. Of course there are hundreds labelling themselves that."
"Her name?" Dinah asked.
"Venus. You believe her?" Nyssa was unexpectedly surprised.
"After all my Justice League missions, I don't dismiss out of hand," Dinah replied.
"But you're Ra's al Ghul now. You can't be gullible," Nyssa cautioned.
"List the candidates for returning," Dinah cut the conversation short.
"Additionally, Cain and I separately convinced Chaos Kitten, Sin, and Shado to retain their affiliation. Komodo, Lucien Dalahaye, and Jezebel Jet were also hungry and wanting action. Alias the Dragon, Tiger Woman, Nang Tu, and the Dragon all reenlisted," Nyssa reported.
"And the Lance sisters?" Dinah referred to her sister-in-law.
"Laurel and Sara had been with the US DoD as specialized operatives. Specifically those operatives were code-named Canary and Lark. Since David Lynch and Ivana Baiul were unavailable, their lesser gen techs were unable to harness a meta-gene within Kurt's sisters. So they use specialized sonic equipment to replicate your power," Nyssa explained.
"Helena Lincoln March is Matron of the Court of Owls. Nancy Morgan also left Spyral's shuttering and returned to the FBI to join Team Plastic Man. Who else does that leave?" Dinah wondered.
"Mr. Minos, who's gone independent, and Agents Elizabeth "Bette" Kane and Katrina Moldoff," Nyssa supplied the wanted information.
"The heiress and the niece," Dinah summarized.
"Better known in the community as Batwoman and Hawkfire," Nyssa added, "And the entire Kane family is being terrorized by Jacob Kane's daughter who mysteriously survived the crash. Only Beth Kane is totally deranged, goes by Red Alice, and purportedly lives in a mental Wonderland."
"Is there any hope whatsoever Kate survived?" Dinah hoped beyond hope.
"Alice gave Kate's body up. It seems Kate managed to escape the car as it went over the cliff. But she skidded to the riverbank below where she found Beth waiting for her. The sister had survived but undergone a psychotic break. She killed Kate with a tire iron. Following that she used the emergency trenching shovel to bury her sister and the tire iron," Nyssa explained.
"Jesus," Dinah whispered.
"If you believe in that sort of thing. But I share the sentiment," Nyssa told her, "How did Lady Shiva's mission go?"
"The Brothers of the Crimson Cross are now our allies," Dinah shared.
"And these heretics were considered too radical for the Order of St. Dumas?" Nyssa sought clarification.
"Both sects have mellowed over time as membership dropped," Dinah revealed, "The Brothers are in real danger of becoming irrelevant."
"Don't tell them but they always have been," Nyssa snarked.
"Impotent then," Dinah tried again. Nyssa snickered so Dinah just forged on, "They have a better hierarchal structure than the Order. They also don't rely on one 'Avenging Angel'."
"But Azrael is back from the dead," Nyssa advised Dinah.
"So Baron Borgis admitted and he confessed his Brothers would be Azrael's new targets," Dinah shared the final news.
"So they're working with us because they're scared of one man?" Nyssa felt insulted.
"They're even more afraid of the League. Which is why they hope Azrael will feel the same way," Dinah stated, "It's a mutual defense pact."
"I can live with that," Nyssa was happier now.
"I have a much better reunion planned but first I have to do the meet n' greet and introduce our ambassador from the Brothers of the Crimson Cross at the same time," Dinah was disappointed.
"I did not travel across this forsaken world just to get pissy because a little romance gets delayed," Nyssa promised.
"A lot of romance," Dinah smirked.
"Maybe a little pissy," Nyssa relented.
"And you are?" Rose Wilson-Worth asked sharply.
"Lian Harper, but you can just call me Li," she shared.
"Isn't Lian Harper a toddler?" Mia Deardon asked.
"From your world. A being called the Monitor pulled from the destruction of my Earth and dumped me here. Jason found me and brought me here," Li explained.
"But why?" Conner Hawke asked in turn.
"Who cares?" Street Avenger asked between gigormous mouthfuls from the food service cart that had been brought in.
"Jason has his reasons to be certain. But we need to know them in order to adapt to them," Emiko Queen predicted.
Jason Todd and Beryl Hutchinson stepped out of the next wearing armored suits they'd never seen before. Beryl wore a domino mask. Everyone else assumed Jason was beneath the bat eared, full face plated helmet. And his reflective chest emblem was a stylized 'A". Li shrugged out of her outer duster and placed her own domino mask over her eyes.
"What just happened here?" Conner wondered.
"Alias changes," Rose warned him, "You're the Squire again, aren't you, babe?"
"The Knight is dead so Cyril can't prevent me from taking what's mine," Beryl told them all.
"Red Hood?" Mia asked Jason.
"Arkham Knight," he mechanized voice replied, "She's the Red Hood."
All eyes turned to Li. Emiko scowled, "Where is the ruby helmet?"
"I'm not a helmet fan," Red Hood warned, "But I have a hood if that makes you happy."
There was a hiss of air as Jason released his Arkham Knight helmet, "Look, we have a job."
"Who's the target?" Street Avenger's muffled question could barely be understood.
"For God's sake, chew! Just don't shovel!" Mia snapped at him.
"Lex Luthor," Squire informed them.
"I love a challenge, but he's the most heavily guarded man on the planet," Rose had to concede, "Who is the principal?"
"The sister Lex doesn't even know he has," Jason chuckled.