Testing Defenses

Even for Metropolis, the sight of a skull-shaped UFO was an unusual one. Some members of the public stopped their commutes to get out of their cars and stare up at the sky. Those in buildings peered through windows, trying to get a better view. Others were starting to panic, and the smarter ones were trying to put some distance between themselves and this mysterious ship.

Naturally, they would be caught up in the traffic that had resulted from those stopping in the middle of the street to gawk upwards. In no time at all, the sounds of car horns began to raucous across the city.

The ship itself was large, covering the area of several city blocks. All of downtown was shaded with the dark underside of the floating skull, the disconcerting tentacles dangling beneath it causing some to become wary.

In one certain building with a large ball on top of it, a certain editor was making demands to his reporters to find out everything about what was happening because this was breaking news and the Planet was where everyone came to find out everything.

For some time, the ship hovered in the sky, just over the large city. Minutes seemed to tick by, moving slower than normal as an uneasy sense of fear began to spread over the area. Some eyes looked away from the ship, searching for a sign of anything blue and red that might be racing its way towards this thing, the first line of defense Metropolis had.

Then the impacts started. Metal objects landed with crashing thuds, cracking pavement, crashing through windows and into buildings, and crushing cars that may or may not have had someone in them.

These objects then began to stand, revealing them to be robots. Silver-colored metal shined in the sunlight, encasing thick bodies that were humanoid in nature. The feet were of particular note as a large toe extended in front while four smaller ones were positioned closer to the heel. The heads were smaller versions of the skull ship in the sky, minus the tentacles, and cranial portions were rounded with a honeycomb-like pattern that in the right light almost glowed yellow. The skull-like facial features were frightening enough to finally start the long-awaited panic.

The robots did not seem startled by any screaming or fleeing. Each one raised an arm up, a small barrel jutting out from the palms, and began firing Was it bullets or space-age energy blasts they were shooting, no one knew or cared about right now to find out. The citizens of Metropolis cared more about getting away from these robotic attackers.

Minutes would pass before law enforcement arrived and began returning fire on the robotic invaders. Bullets would harmlessly bounce or ricochet off the hard exteriors, but did succeed in attracting attention to the cops. Return fire decimated police cars and other emergency vehicles that happened to be nearby or just arriving.

As the fighting began in earnest, the robots began to spread out, putting distance between each other while continuing with their assault. All the while there were cries for help, many directed at the sky, calling out for a certain Superman to come to their rescue.

Some of those voices were silenced, mainly from glancing shots from the attacking robots. Police officers trying to resist also fell, though many injuries came from shots tearing through their cars and other makeshift barriers.

As smoke began to rise into the sky, the pleas for help were answered, but not by Metropolis' famed blue angel. Catching up, the Justice League was arriving, ready for a fight they had been expecting.

Diana didn't attempt to slow down. She charged headfirst into the first drone she came across. Though it looked different than the probes that had attacked Earth first, it was clear they were the immediate threat as they turned their formidable firepower on Metropolis' citizens.

With her hands extended in front of her as fists, she rammed into the back of one of the skull-headed drones, sending it flying into not one, but two others, the three crashing to the ground in a pile. Turning herself upright as her feet touched down on the ground, Diana found herself within a few feet of another drone, which was turning its attention to her. Twisting as she leaped into the air, she drew a fist back before throwing it, slamming it against the head of the drone.

The force of the blow snapped its head to one side, its body turning with it. However, it didn't collapse like the first one, instead snapping back into its upright posture, pointing the turret in its hand right at the Amazon Princess.

So these things were tough.

Shooting a hand up, she grabbed onto the drone's arm from underneath and pushed it skyward, its rapid fire assault firing up into the air.

Suddenly, more of those projectiles fired from her side. Immediately, Diana grabbed onto the drone with her other hand and forced it to her side. The onslaught of blasts began hitting her robotic shield, causing it to rattle and jerk about. Peeking around it, she saw the three drones she had attacked earlier had untangled themselves, each in a various state of kneeling or standing, and were pointing their turrets right at her.

That was when a red blur raced by. Diana wasn't sure what exactly happened, but suddenly each drone jerked in random directions before they collapsed back to the ground, this time without attempting to get back up—Flash's handiwork.

Returning her attention back to the drone in front of her, the dark-haired woman began squeezing her hand on the robot's forearm, attempting to crush it. Unfortunately, she barely managed to dent it. That was when it raised up it other arm, making a fist with its hand.

Alright, enough playing around. Leaping off the ground, Diana leaned backwards, curling her legs up and then kicking them out. Her feet rammed right into the drone's chest, the double kick sending it flying backwards. However, since she still held onto the robot's arm, it actually ripped right out of the arm's socket, leaving the Amazon to hold on it as the rest of the mechanical nightmare flew away.

Okay, where were the others? Spinning around, Diana found another drone, one that was beginning to turn its attention to her. Unfortunately, this one was too far away for her to attack, at least not before it raised its hand turret. Immediately, it fired at her, the Amazon immediately moving her arms up. With her arms moving, her silver bracers deflected each projectile. Adjusting her arms, she managed to ricochet one of the rapid fire attacks back at the drone, nailing it right in the head. Incredibly, the shot tore right through the skull, causing the drone to stop, then promptly drop to the ground.

So, its own firepower could damage it. Reaching to her comm link, Diana wanted to make sure the others knew. "Wonder Woman to Justice League, I've found out the robots' are vulnerable to their own firepower. If you can, aim for their heads."

"Understood," J'onn responded, the sound of battle a backdrop to his transmission. He must be in Metropolis as well, the same for Shayera since she was with the Martian on the Watchtower. That just left Batman unaccounted for.

He would be here unless Gotham was under siege. Checking her surroundings, the dark-haired woman found no immediate threats, that is until she heard screaming and explosions down an intersecting street. Leaping into the air, the Amazon took off to face that threat.

Becoming translucent, J'onn moved behind one of the attacking drones, passing his hand right into its back. He then solidified himself and yanked his hand back, ripping out a chunk of metal and mechanical components with it.

As the robot dropped, the Martian turned his attention to another. This one was just beginning to look at him, so J'onn once again became intangible. Taking into the air, he flew right at the drone, which began firing its turret at him. The small lasers passed right through him—he knew this because he could not sense the familiar distortion of small projectiles passing through him, which meant these were energy based—and he did not slow down his flight. Passing head first through the drone, he then became tangible midway through, ripping through the robot as he continued his course.

That was another two drones. Turning his head, he found another drone, this one further down the street. His eyes glowing white, he fired his Martian Vision at it, the white blast colliding with the robot and sending it flying further down the street.

So far taking on these drones head-on was working. These new robots, though constructed of a similar material as the scouting probes, had different design flaws. It had been a guess to try passing through them and yanking out important parts, one that was paying off.

Still, if there was a central intelligence controlling these things, eventually it would grow wiser to this tactic and take steps to counter it. Reaching beneath his cape, J'onn pulled out his EMP device. He had spent much time building these, it would be a shame if he did not test them on their intended target.

Lifting up higher into the air, J'onn went in search of another drone. He noticed a red streak racing through the city, undoubtedly Flash. The red-clad man wasn't slowing down, so he was handling himself well. He hadn't seen Hawkgirl since their arrival, the Thanagarian taking off on her own almost immediately. Diana was here too if her transmission was any indication.

That's when J'onn orange eyes sharpened. There was a drone, one that appeared to be hunting a couple of humans. It stood at the mouth of an alley, its prey hiding behind a dumpster, trembling in fear. Their terrified thoughts assaulted the Martian, causing him to wince before he blocked them out.

Drifting downward, he landed behind the drone, even as it stepped into the alley. Activating the EMP, J'onn pointed it at the back of the drone, then pressed the fire button.

There was no visual reaction, at least one that was noticeable in the visual spectrum. There was no sound either. The only things he saw were the screen lighting up and the drone stopping for a split second before it crumpled into a pile on the ground. It didn't even so much as twitch.

He would take that as a successful test.

"Attention Justice League," he then hailed over the comm link. "The EMP device is successful. Use your EMP devices on the robots."

"Aye, aye, J'onn," Flash was the first to respond. That was a good thing since the Fastest Man Alive could sweep the city quickly and use the EMP device on all attackers. The first wave of this attack would be over soon.

Unfortunately, that would leave them with a second wave.

It hadn't taken long for some yahoo to start livestreaming the event, but that had played well into Luthor's hands. Several streams were covering the event, all muted because the tycoon was not interested in someone making commentary, swear-filled or otherwise. It had been discovered, some by accident and others intentional, that not all wireless connections were compromised; some had been missed, but due to how efficient and unstoppable this latest hack was, it was a moot point. However, there was something more…fascinating to look into.

He was more interested in the mechanical marvels that had descended onto his city and were in the process of attacking it. His knowledge of robotics gave him a particular insight, and as he watched the robot onslaught, he paid special attention to the autonomous attackers. The way they moved, the built and structure of their bodies, and the indiscriminate way they were fighting back against the Justice League were studied with not so little glee.

They were so smooth in their movements, so streamlined, and brutal. Earth had yet to reach this level of sophistication, and with him, Lex Luthor, admitting that, especially when LexCorp was on the forefront of all robotics research and manufacture, that was an uncharacteristic admittance.

And he wanted them. What military wouldn't pay through the nose for them? What favors could he gain from people of influence? How power could he amass by being able to reproduce these fantastical creations?

It was obvious where they were all coming from. That peculiar ship hovering in the sky was the culprit. That was the source, the same one that had sent the other models to this planet in its previous of attack. What else could be found inside of it?

Trouble was already brewing for LexCorp from two fronts, both of which were Earth-based. Both would be more concerned with this skull ship for the time being, ignoring him in favor of the greater threat. That left time in which he could build a better defense to protect his namesake or create an opportunity to further gain from all this while simultaneously keeping up the necessary legal barriers.

Luthor had not gotten to where he was today without taking many, many risks. Most had paid off favorably, even with the occasional bust here and there, which was to be expected in this business. What he was looking at was the source of the technology that gave Superman himself trouble by its mere existence.

This was absolutely something that could not be ignored.

"Lex, we have the tower locked down and secured." Ah, Mercy with an update. "So far, the building itself is unscathed, but that could change any minute now if these new robots decide to make an attempt at us. Happersen is getting that hacking program of his set up for offensive purposes, but I have security arming up in case people try to beat them to us."

That was his Mercy, anticipating threats most would not consider. LexCorp could indeed become a haven for most people trying to escape this latest citywide menace.

Still…

"Tweak it. Anyone that comes seeking shelter, grant it. Make sure they are escorted to…'safe areas.' No need to let them wander and find something they shouldn't. The areas for the tours should be good enough."

"Lex?" There was some confusion here.

"Should we emerge from this latest attack, the PR I gain from this little favor will go a long way. The people of Metropolis will become a shield against A.R.G.U.S. and the Justice League. Any advantage I can get needs to be taken."

"Understood." Ah, she was catching on. Good girl.

"Once you've set that up, I need you down in the basement. I want the prototype to be ready for a test run." His version of the League's Javelins was sitting there and armed to the teeth. It's capabilities in this situation would come in handy as well as allow a very unique testing ground. "I will meet you there. The two of us have a task, and I will give the details then."

Just a second's hesitation, but that's all Mercy would allow for herself. "Understood, Mr. Luthor."

His heart rate was starting to pick up, mostly from anticipation. Once more, Luthor found himself about to make a gamble, and the results were ones he would be able to control with his own two hands. Before all that, a change in wardrobe would be needed.

Where he was going, a three-piece suit was far from being acceptable.

The hum of the engine filled Batman's ears. Hand gripping the cyclic stick, he guided the flying wing towards its destination.

The outskirts of Metropolis were closing in rapidly. Above the city was a hovering, skull-like ship, undoubtedly the reason for the alert he received from J'onn. According to news reports, ground forces had been released, which the Justice League was fighting. He'd been listening to the comm link and the EMPs were working just as they had been designed.

For now, he'd leave the ground forces to the League. It was time to see what this skull ship could do. Entering the city limits, Batman tilted the stick towards him, the jet ascending through the air towards the massive ship. As he drew closer to it, it grew larger and larger in the windshield.

Moving a hand to the controls, he began activating all weapon systems. Alright, let's see what this thing could do.

There was a red button on top of the stick, his thumb resting on top of it. Pressing down hard on it, he held it as one missile, then two fired from beneath the wings of his jet. Contrails were left in the wake of the missiles as they raced through the air, closing in on the alien ship. The vigilante waited and waited until—

Suddenly, the missiles exploded in midair. It was too far to tell, but Batman wasn't certain they had even come into contact with the ship. Frowning, he then pressed the red button and fired another missile.

Due to the closing distance between him and the skull ship, it took a much shorter time for the missile to explode. This time, however, he was certain that the missile had detonated long before it should have. In fact, there was a flash of light this time, one just noticeable at the point of contact.

Great, this thing was shielded.

Moving the stick away from him, the flying wing began to dip down, allowing him to chart a course underneath the ship. Looking up, he saw the bottom of the spacecraft, taking note of the long, tentacle-like arms. However, there was something else buried within arms, something he wasn't quite sure what.

Suddenly, an alarm went off in the cockpit. Immediately, Batman jerked on the navigation stick, just in time to dodge what appeared to be laser beams. The engine of his aircraft wailed as he sliced through the air, turning the whole time until he faced the skull ship.

That's when he saw it. Descending through the air was an entire fleet of smaller ships—fighters.

Just perfect.

They had appeared as suddenly as a cloud of gnats. Fighter ships flew down towards the city and began opening fire, blasting the streets and buildings alike.

This was more like it.

Flying up into the air, Shayera held her mess in one hand, electricity dancing all over the weapon's head. Already she was taking evasive maneuvers as she glided from one side to the other as she approached an incoming ship head on. Drawing the electrified mace to her hips, she let out a war cry at the very last second before she swung it.

The Nth metal mace hit the wing of the fighter and immediately fire and smoke exploded out. Shayera had already pulled away, watching just long enough to see the damaged craft careen downwards until it crashed into the side of a building, exploding into a fireball.

Well, she hadn't meant to do that, but she didn't really have the luxury to not cause collateral damage.

Returning her attention to the others, she rose higher into the air before she began to swoop downwards, perfectly timing herself to arrive just above another fighter. Swinging her mace, she hit it on top of its hull, again causing significant damage, the craft jerking downwards then upwards as smoke leaked out from where it was hit. Unfortunately, that one didn't go down so much as made to circle around and come at her.

That's when a blue of red, blue, and yellow raced right into it, ramming into its bottom and bursting out of its top. Immediately it exploded in midair. Turning her head, the redhead watched as Wonder Woman flew for another one, tearing right through it as she had the previous ship.

Show off.

A smirk appeared on her face. "That one was mine, Diana," she said through the comm link.

"Apologies, Sister. Shall we start the count again?"

"Damn straight." Immediately turning her sights onto another ship, Shayera set her sights on another fighter and took off for it. Taking note of another craft trailing behind it, she then angled herself underneath the first fighter, then shot upwards. With a swing of her mace, she nailed it just beneath the nose, forcing it upwards. The ship actually seemed to fling itself backwards, its nose pointing up to the sky. The following ship then rammed right into the top of the first one, the two exploding a moment later.

"That's two for me."

So that was how Hawkgirl was going to play this.

A smirk not unlike the one the redhead had to be sporting covered the Amazon's face. She would not be beaten in this game. Fists extended out in front of her, she kept to her tried-and-true strategy of running right through the new threats, these space fighters. Picking up her speed, she flew right into, and then through, another ship, causing another explosion to ring out behind her. That was one for her.

That's when she heard a rather familiar sound, that of a shrieking engine. Turning her head, she spotted the Batwing as it barrel rolled, avoiding what looked like laser fire. So Batman was here at last.

That fighter that was on his tail, though, was trouble. Immediately, she took off towards it, picking up her pace until she reached the back of it. Grabbing ahold of it, her fingers sinking into the metal framework, she then pulled as hard as she could in the opposite direction.

This caused the ship to jerk around in front of her like a struggling Chihuahua. As it jerked upwards, she let go of it, causing it to speed away and right into one of its comrades, causing the both of them to explode. That was two and three for her.

Eyeing the Batwing again, she saw it engage with another fighter ship, firing a stream of bullets until the spacecraft suffered enough damage that it was sent falling to the city below. There was no thank you, but that was okay. There were more important matters at hand.

"I'm up to four, Diana. You keeping up?" Hawkgirl taunted her.

"Of course," she responded and made to go after another ship. That was until she noticed something out of the corner of her eye.

Stopping, the Amazon turned her attention to the west. At the horizon, she spotted several small dots, which were growing bigger with every passing second. Her hearing could pick out the sound of engines—and faintly, transmission.

There were only so many possibilities this could be. Considering where they were, it would seem the government was responding.

The operation was going as scheduled. Even though pockets of resistance was forming, all of it was expected and planned for. This would not be the first planet that fought against his presence and would not be the last.

The rate at which the drones were falling was worth some curiosity. Bringing up the data revealed multiple operational failures. The ground forces were having the most success while aerial had yet to deal any noteworthy damage.

It was interesting, the amount of physical force that was having an effect. Some data revealed individuals with enhanced strength and an ability to learn that was putting them far ahead of the drone's programming. The programming itself had a flaw as it was determined to fulfill its purpose in spite of the ever present threat to its objective. Then there were the surges, ones that decimated the hardware of the drones while leaving them mostly intact.

This planet had invested much in its defenses.

"Earth is putting up a much stronger resistance than previously predicted," Brainiac stated aloud, mostly for the benefit of the Kryptonian. "Perhaps it is due to your contamination. Based on prior civilizations, such resistance is rare."

Kal-El was silent for a moment, the only noise emitted being that of his respiratory. "The people of Earth aren't going to give in to you, Brainiac. They'll fight to the last."

"Perhaps they will," the Coluan agreed. "However, I myself am not without options. When tactics are proven to be ineffective, it is best to change them rather than continue."

With his thoughts alone, he sent forth new commands and objectives. There was no need to fight the defenders to the last, not when conquest was not the primary objective, or any for that matter. The drones were to reach the designated checkpoints and begin preparations for acquisition, effective immediately. Force fields were to be activated at all times.

Even if these measures ended up failing, there was a reason why he had more than enough drones for this kind of operations, several times over. Attacks on the populace would be suspended, confusing the defenders enough to allow the drones to get into position. Even if more failed, there were plenty more to take the fallen's place.

Complete parameter. Prepare for immediate acquisition.

It was sent. The drones would respond immediately. More would be released to ensure success. This world's defenses would not be able to prevent what was to come.

In effect, no different from any other.

The power suit of Lex Luthor's was a three piece suit, one expensive enough to bankrupt a low middle class family. However, because it was for the board room, it needed to be replaced with something more durable. Something that was designed for fast action and split second decisions.

Naturally, Luthor had something like this in his wardrobe. It contrasted differently from his normal blacks and whites. A purple button-up long sleeve shirt fitted his surprisingly fit torso and was lined with pockets situated in key locations. Green khaki pants took care of the rest and was held up with a belt, utility naturally as the smaller pockets there held more sensitive tools. Lastly, a gun holster held onto straps wrapped around his upper body, placing the weapon it held over the left side of his chest. Green gloves finished the ensemble, naturally designed to protect his hands from various forms of hazards, but thin enough to allow mobility.

Mobility was what this outfit was designed for. While he would have preferred armor, being quick on his feet may play to his advantage. Also, the vision he had for armor was still in the development phase. More time would be needed to even begin constructing it.

Mercy soon joined him, herself changed into something more appropriate for the plan. She was rid of the chauffer uniform he preferred her to wear, and was more suited as a shock troop, though her color scheme remained solid black.

"Lex," she greeted. "The prototype should be ready."

"Very good," he praised, reaching for a small case which he gripped at the handle, carrying it along as he made his way towards the prototype's docking bay. It should be ready to launch immediately, thus Luthor would also get to see its performance personally. "Our objective is to get on board and do a search. I hope you're armed to the teeth, because I highly doubt our extraterrestrial visitor left his home base unprotected."

"Are you sure you want to do this? There's still time," Mercy offered as she followed after him, keeping stride but always behind.

"Risks are a part of life," Luthor remarked, heading down a hallway. "If anyone is to excel, they have to be willing to accept that. Opportunities such as this rarely come, and when they do, you need the willpower to recognize and seize them for what they are. We've already had one alien invasion, and the fact that it wasn't taken for the opportunity it was is a regret I refuse to repeat. That that technology is in the hands of the government and available on the black market, without my blessing, is not going to happen a second time."

That someone like Dorsey had had such contact with that kind of weaponry was still galling, even now.

A mind like his would have put it all to better use, and better yet, squirreled some of it away. The research and development, the advancement, and of course the power and influence that would have come along with his hand behind it would be all the sweeter and profitable.

Entering the docking bay, the prototype with several tentative names was ready for launch, prepped prior to his arrival as instructed. Luthor led the way into the aircraft, Mercy beside him. Passing passenger seating, the CEO made his way to the front where the controls were and took a seat on the right. Mercy was on the left, strapping herself in and activating the vehicle

The hum of the engines was hidden by that of the electronic equipment, something the bald man approved of. There was no sense in a person being annoyed by the sound of an engine constantly running. While his bodyguard continued to handle this aspect, Luthor opened the small case he had carried in, removed what appeared to be an arm gauntlet, and slipped it on. Opening a curved panel revealed a small screen and keypad.

In short, it was a small computer, one designed from some of the most cutting edge hardware and requiring the minimal amount of inputs. Uploaded into the device was the translation program that his researchers and technicians had been working on, as well as the hacking program. Though still untested, the chance to have an in vivo trial was too tempting to pass.

Depending on how things developed, there may be an opportunity or several to use it before they got into a hairy situation.

"Everything's a go, Lex," Mercy reported.

"Good," he answered as he slipped the safety harness on, securing himself to his seat. "Launch when ready."

A few switches were flipped, a couple buttons, and then the sensation of movement as the vehicle surged forward. Ahead, the large doors that blocked off the bay were opening, allowing daylight in to the facility.

Out into Metropolis, the prototype flew, proving its aerial ability. Flight was achieved, but that was a minor accomplishment. The real test was just ahead, identified by the skull-shaped ship that hovered over his city. The battle in the sky had already begun, which was perfect.

That would provide them with cover.