THE MISSION

Part One

The Martian Manhunter looked at the group of Leaguers gathered around the conference table. All regular members were present except for Hawkgirl who had gone to her home world to sort out personal business. Batman sat looking grim opposite a wooden faced Wonder Woman;Green Lantern drummed his fingers impatiently on the table whilst Flash swiveled his chair and chattered to a tired but resigned looking Superman.

Jonn went straight into the briefing.

"Thank you for coming so promptly. I am aware some of you were busy", he nodded specifically at Superman, "but our reserves are already saturated and we need more input. I have some matters that are more urgent than others, nonetheless all require investigation. There are reports of an oil tanker run aground off the North Sea and a potential risk it will sink. Three volcanic eruptions were reported in the Ring of Fire,all indicating to a bigger eruption which may trigger off the inevitable earthquake and tsunami. A series of thefts involving Egyptian artifacts from world famous museums, namingly London,New York,Cairo and Paris,has made the headlines. And lastly there is a situation between Almerac and a neighbouring planet, Syxon, over shipping routes and trade embargos. They are also disputing who has rights over the moon of Gaan, which has a wealth of nobelium and tantalium. There are rumblings of war but the Guardians are hoping for a peaceful solution. A delegation spearheaded by neutral parties are going to have negotiations in Almerac and we have been requested to send an Earth delegate."

J'onn looked around at the group."Who will take the tanker?"

The Flash spoke first."Not me. I just only had this suit made, the last one being burnt off by that parademon. I cannot afford to get oil on this."

Lantern gave him a scathing look."Now that is a lame excuse if ever I heard one!"

Flash retorted, "No it's not! Most of you guys fly. Bats has his fancy vehicles. I have to leg it on the ground every time! And crude oil is a nightmare to contend with."

Lantern interjected, "Oh, for crying out loud! I'll take it, J'onn!"

The Manhunter acknowledged him with a nod; he asked, "The thefts?"

Flash queried, "What kind of artifacts?"

"A mask of Sekhmet,a staff of Bastet carrying the eye of Ra,a gold disc of Maahes fighting Apep,and a gold statute of Nefertem "

Flash looked bewildered."Nefer-what? Somebody speak American please."

Wonder Woman said obligingly, "They are Egyptian cat gods and goddess', Wally. Except for Apep. I think that is a snake demon."

All eyes turned to the Batman, who scowled when the Flash remarked, "That sounds right up your alley, Bruce!"

"How is it up my alley, Flash?"challenged Batman.

"Oh, don't be so coy, Bruce. Theft? Cats? Seems our black suited villainess is back to her old tricks. How she got away last time is still a mystery.."

Batman said ,goaded, "It's not her, you moron!"

Wonder Woman raised her brows at his tone. She said, "You may know something we do not but you need not speak to Wally that way, Batman."

"I certainly will if someone is insinuating I let a crime go unpunished."

Flash began, "Seems to me his confidence in Catwoman is..."

Superman intervened as one weary, "Quiet, for god's sake."He looked at Batman and said, in a conciliatory but calm tone, "Bruce, you have a good relationship with most of the museums as their patron. You can find out more as Bruce Wayne than any of us. You should take this one."

There was a pause. J'onn prompted, "Batman?"

Batman replied shortly, "Very well."

"Thank you. Who will take the volcanoes?"

Flash announced, "Fire is not good for the suit."

Green Lantern looked at him crossly and demanded, "Who thinks Flash is talking too much?"

All hands went up except Wonder Woman's. Flash stopped swiveling and sat upright."Hey, that's not fair! You are a good soul, Princess, not like these uptight..."

Lantern continued over Flash's protests, "Who thinks Flash should go to the Ring of Fire?"

The same hands went up again. The scarlet speedster exclaimed, "Now wait a minute! You are all ganging up on me now! Diana did not vote..."

Superman cut him off."Majority rules. Give it a rest, Wally. You are going to the Ring of Fire and that's that!"

The Flash sank backwards and grumbled, "Stupid rules."

J'onn said, "That just leaves Almerac."

Superman raised his hand."I'll take it."

Lantern looked a bit somber. He said, "Someone ought to go with you. Diana?"

She shrugged."Sure."

Superman shook his head."No!"

Wonder Woman looked taken aback at his vehemence."No?"

"I can handle this on my own, "he declared.

J'onn said, "It is a peace mission, Kal. Diplomacy is Diana's forte."

"There may the possibility of war."

She said proudly, "I am a warrior, imminently suited on both counts."

"It is too far for you to fly..."

"We do have a ship that can fly into space, Superman", she reminded him sarcastically.

Superman looked dubious. Batman stated impatiently, "We are wasting time here, J'onn."

The Manhunter looked at the Man of Steel."Superman?"

Flash inquired mockingly, "You want to put it to a vote ,farmboy?"

Superman stood up and conceded reluctantly, "Alright."

J'onn declared, "Briefing over. We will keep in contact via the commlink. Kal, Diana, you two will be too far away for that. You will have to rely on the ship's communications."

Lantern said ,as he walked out, "All the more reason you didn't go alone."

Flash said, "I could go instead. Diana could go to the Ring of..."

Batman said crossly, "Out!",and hustled him from the room.

This left Diana to face the Kryptonian."Shall we go?"

He put out his hand."After you."

They took a small sleek looking two seater craft that could maneuver and travel at great took the helm. Superman punched in the co-ordinates for Almerac as they flew away from the satellite. She looked at him."Ready for the jump to hyperspace?"

"Ready."

She pushed down on the accelerator and they braced themselves for the swift but jarring jump from one star-system to the next. The ship lurched as they came to the edge of the the galaxy that hosted their destination.

Diana looked at the map on the screen."We'll be there in an hour's time."

"Fine."

"Have you been there before?"

"Yes, I have."

"Really? So you know the parties involved?"

"Empress Maxima, I have met. The leader from Syxon has newly come to the throne."

Diana punched into the database and read, "Lord Kronor of Syxon...from all accounts he is a dictator. He got his power via a coup three months ago and exiled the rightful king, Meric, who happened to be his brother and...betrothed of the Empress! By Hera, it is getting more complicated. It's not all about trade and shipping routes."

Superman commented, "When ever is anything simply about money? Rivalry and feud and vendetta are usually behind most rumblings of war. This is just the excuse for it."

"It looks like the Empress, before Kronor seized power, had decided to make Syxon a ward of Almerac once the marriage to Meric had taken place. Hmmm, she's been engaged before...to someone called Ultraa, who is the head of her army. Looks like this woman has been on the hunt for a consort for some time…there are records of several failed engagements with some alien princeling or the other."

Superman leaned his head back and closed his eyes."Yeah, she kinda likes to do that."

Diana let out a sharp intake of breath. From the Batman's meticulous datafiles she saw the name of one of Maxima's past potentials. She blurted out in amazement, "You! Your name is here!"

He did not open his eyes, he said calmly, "If you read on you'll see I was not exactly a willing participant."

Diana read on and regarded him curiously."You nearly became Emperor of Almerac?"

He said wryly, "I had temporary memory loss. But I was not impressed by her highhanded tactics."

Diana began to giggle. The thought of Superman, of all people, abducted and put on the marriage mart made her go into peals of laughter. He opened his eyes and looked at her crossly."It's not funny, you know."

"The thought of you wooing..."

"I never wooed anyone!"

"It says here she is genetically compatible with you. Huh!"

"Did he actually put that in?"

"You could have been Emperor dangling some superbabies from your lap by now", she teased.

"I didn't wish to father despots."

"Maybe you were a bit rash."

"Maybe you should just fly the ship."

"I would be a great godmother, you know", she said pensively, after a moment of silence.

"Diana!"

She laughed."Sorry, Kal, but it is nice to give you a spoon of your own medicine."

He found his own lips twitching. He retorted, "That's a tasteof one's own medicine. And I'm not quite sure you are sorry."

She grinned."Come on. Even you can see how amusing it sounds!"

He chuckled and admitted, "It was like being offered up to a hungry tigress. I can cope with the most insane, cruel of villains…but a woman scorned...I was just glad she had some pride herself and let me go."

Wonder Woman asked perplexed, "With such a history, why did you even want to come alone?"

"It's different this time. Also it's not myself I am worried about."His intent look made her frown.

"What? Me?"

"I am not sure you will find her manner to your liking..."

"She's royal and an Empress; I had Hippolyta to contend with as my mother."

"Maxima is not like your mother."

"Well, I am used to the ways of royalty. She and I will have some things in common."

He murmured, "That's what I'm worried about."

"What did you say?"

"I said, then we have nothing to worry about."

The craft entered Almerac's atmosphere within the hour as Diana predicted. Two fighters appeared to escort them to one of the many the landing pads of the Imperial Palace. The negotiations were being hosted by the Empress herself and as the two Leaguers disembarked, they found a small greeting party awaiting them.

It was led by the Empress' cousin, one of her ministers and a member of the peace-talks, the ambassador to Rann. The royal cousin was a tall, striking man, with handsome features and an athletic built. He was not royal but a member of the aristocracy and introduced himself as Baron Jared. He shook Superman's hand and kissed Wonder Woman's with an appreciative glint in his green eyes."I was aware the League would send its best but I never expected its most beautiful. Your beauty pales the suns' own brilliance. Welcome to Almerac."

Diana could hear Superman cough behind her; she ignored him and graciously replied, "You are too kind. Superman and I hope to assist where possible to avoid any war between the planets."

The ambassador to Rann, Kyber bowed."It is a great honor to have you join us. I have heard much about you. We have been in talks for several days with little progress."

The minister said, "We will update you at the next sitting tomorrow, but now you will be shown to your quarters. There is a banquet tonight to celebrate the Empress' birthday. There will be a feast and ball."

Wonder Woman looked at Superman in some doubt."A ball?"

Superman said, "We didn't come prepared for any event of that nature."

The Baron smiled."Naturally you came to perform your duty but there is no reason you cannot join in the festivities. As for clothing, you will be provided with whatever you need."

The minister gestured to them."Come, it is only two hours before the banquet begins. You will need to get settled and ready."

The Baron looked at Diana and bowed, hand over his heart."I look forward to claiming a dance with you later, Princess."

They were handed over to a liveried servant who led them to their quarters. Diana looked around her, studying the architecture."Some would say it is beautiful. I find it quite sterile."

"They are a proud race and everything here is aimed to reflect the pinnacle of power and perfection. The people themselves believe they are "chosen", and in a way they are. They were breeded selectively and some have abilities that you and I have. Maxima has super-strength, flight, telekenesis and mind control."

Diana looked a bit concerned."A deadly combination."

"She's very proud of it. She makes no concessions to those less powerful than she."

"She sounds charming."

They were led up to the upper levels via a glass lift and down a long marble-like corridor to two apartments opposite each other. Diana said, "Well, I'll see you in two hours, I guess."

He shrugged."Yeah. See you."

Diana did not quite expect to be pounced upon by a bevy of servant-girls, all whose duties were for the sole purpose of attending to her needs. They provided refreshment, ran her a bath full of flower-petals, and scented oil, and brought out an array of satin, silk and gauzelike gowns for her to consider. They would have physically undressed, bathed and dressed her if she had let them, but Diana dismissed them all save for one. She helped her with her hair and gown.

An hour later, Wonder Woman stood, out of her uniform, in a white silken gown, her hair held back with her tiara, and pearls about her neck and ears. She would not hear of leaving the girdle of Gaea behind; she looped it about her waist from a jeweled belt. The servant said awed, "You look beautiful." Then, at an afterthought, added, "Oh dear."

Diana asked, "What? Why do you look so worried?"

"Nothing, princess. Nothing at all."

There was a knock on the door. It was Superman's voice."Diana? Are you ready?"

"Coming, Kal."She turned to the servant."Thank you for all your help. You were very patient."

The servant looked nonplussed, as if such a thing was never done before. She stammered, "It...it was..an honor."

Wonder Woman smiled and dismissed her. She opened the door and looked for her friend; he was at the end of the corridor looking up at a shield on the wall. When he heard her come out, he looked over his shoulder and his brows rose.

He had seen her mostly in uniform and once in plain, civilian clothes. Never had he seen her looking so soft, so feminine, so beautiful. She blinked also. He was in cobalt-blue flowing robes over a white tunic. His eyes seemed brilliant than ever and he looked dignified and regal.

"You look...nice," he attempted lamely, trying not to blush and stare.

She maintained her gravity."So do you."

"Shall we?" He did not know whether to offer her his arm or not. He did not want her to feel awkward. This was not part of their mission; they were working partners, not a courting couple. Diana, however, ended his dilemma by grabbing his arm and linking hers through his.

"Come on, Kal, let's go."

They entered the large banqueting hall and blinked. It was filled with guests, all seated along long tables, whilst servants, carrying trays, pervaded the throng. On the dais was the main royal table, reserved for the Empress and her kin and close courtiers. The Baron hailed them and made some quick introductions to other members of the peace delegation. There were representatives from Thanagar, Tamaran, Rann, New Genesis and a morose looking quartet from Syxon, headed by a fierce looking general, called Hagar. They eventually sat down at the delegate table, and a minute later gongs announced the arrival of the Empress.

Queen Maxima entered the hall with her retinue of body-guards, her younger siblings, her betrothed Meric, and her close advisors. All stood as she made her way to the table. Diana whispered ,at the sight of a giant of a red-headed man, bringing up the rear."Who is that?"

"Ultraa. He is her general."

Maxima was tall and strikingly beautiful. She was attired in ice-green silk and her burnished hair waved in ordered curls down her back. She barely noticed anyone until she walked past the peace-delegate table. Her green eyes fell on Superman and she seemed to start for an instant. Her gaze then went to Diana and narrowed. She tilted her chin and continued on as before. She took her place and gestured graciously for all to sit. There was a long speech by her chief minister, welcoming all the guests and expounding his monarch's qualities of strength, power, and beauty, and listed her achievements since coming to the throne. There was a interlude of music and gifts being presented to her from various well wishers and guests.

Superman said wryly, "Earth will be in the dog-house…J'onn did not mention anything about gifts..."

Diana said slyly, "Oh, I don't know. It will be a very happy birthday for her with you here."

"Ha ha. Very funny."

The feast began and for the next hour the tables were laden with all sorts of food and drink. During this time the pair of leaguers chatted with their fellow delegates and got an unofficial report on the peace-talks as well as all the gossip about court. Ultraa it seemed was not happy with Meric, who was in fact a rather spineless individual.

Kyber confided, "I think that is why she went for him. She could bend him to her will. But his brother is having none of it."

Diana mused, "You cannot blame a man for not wanting his homeland ceded to a foreign state, dictator or not."

"So where do we stand at the moment?",asked Superman.

"We are trying to work out a best option for the moon. To partition it even...but Maxima is adamant she is not sharing with anyone whom she cannot Kronor really cannot be 'd sign a treaty and deliberately break it...he wants war."

"Hmm, a very difficult situation."

"Maxima really does not need Gaan but it is a matter of pride for her now. She will not back down."

"Have we explored having Lantern corps police the moon? They are neutral and can be a peace-keeping force."

"For how long though?''

"Maybe war is the only way", said a delegate from Thanagar.

"War is never the answer", returned Superman."It's easy for us to expound here and make decisions when we would not be the ones to have to face gunfire and death."

Diana looked at him with a sigh. It was one thing she admired about her friend. Despite his awesome powers, he was at heart an idealist. She was made of sterner stuff being raised by a warrior's code, she could see the point of the delegate of Thanagar. She held her tongue. She would say her piece of mind tomorrow.

The feast ended with the tables being removed, the chairs moved back and the doors and windows thrown open. A band of musicians began to play from the upper gallery. Guests could now mingle, dance or meet with the Empress. The Baron came to bear the two leaguers to the dais. The Empress was standing with her betrothed, a slim golden-haired man and talking to her general Ultraa. The Baron cleared his throat.

"Your Majesty, I have the representatives from Earth, the Justice League. Superman and Wonder Woman."

Maxima turned and faced them. She smiled down at Superman as he bowed."Well, Superman, I am pleased the League could spare you."

He straightened up and said politely, "It is our wish to see peace in the galaxy, your Majesty."

"But why so formal? We have been through too much to be official. Maxima will do."She looked at Diana."And you must be the famous Amazon princess, Wonder Woman."

There was almost insolence in the way she said it. Diana assented with dignity."I am. How do you do, your Majesty?"

"I am as well as any monarch who has had to deal with threats to my sovereignty. I have been very patient because I believe war is a waste of ones resources, ones own people. I learned that from an old acquaintance."She looked at Superman meaningfully.

He said graciously, "I agree with you wholeheartedly."

She held out her hand."Will you take a stroll in the gardens with me, Superman?"

He looked hesitant, aware that Meric was looking aggrieved and Ultraa displeased. She batted her lashes."Oh come now, don't tell me you have not forgiven me for that mistake years ago? I never knew Superman to hold a grudge."

"You're mistaken. If that were so, another would be in my place."

"I am so glad to hear it. So shall we?"

He flushed."It isn't my intention to be difficult but..."

"Not difficult? Must an Empress ask twice?"

"Majesty, you must take care for your safety, especially with Syxonians about the planet", interrupted Ultraa.

She gave him a hard stare."If the great Superman cannot keep me safe, who can? Well, Superman?"

Duty made Superman bow and take her hand on his. They went out through the doors onto the terrace. Diana watched as Maxima led him down the steps to the courtyard below. Meric gave a tiny sniff and stomped off, Ultraa walked to the balcony to watch over them. Diana looked at the Baron. He smiled."She generally always gets her own way. A dance, princess?"

Wonder Woman was led back to her table after the dance with the Baron. She sat in relief as he sauntered away to flirt with a pretty blond. His over familiarity was not to her liking and she was just glad that he found someone willing to bat her lashes and giggle at him. She looked at the empty dais. It seemed Superman was still strolling with the Empress. Diana sighed. She was not short on admirers but she was not there to socialize and she set a permanent scowl on her face. It worked a charm as most males looked too apprehensive to approach her.

She debated whether to wait for Superman to return, or to go back to her quarters. She stood up and suddenly the whole building appeared to shake as a thundering explosion could be heard from the outside of the palace. There were screams and sirens going off. Guards were running down the corridors. Ultraa was heard shouting."Protect the Empress!"

Diana flew up to the high window and let out a gasp of astonishment and dismay. In the night sky were the red and gold lights of hundreds of Syxon ships breaching the space above the Palace and the planet."Oh gods!"

"Invasion! The Syxonians are invading!"

The cries pervaded the palace. The delegates looked bewildered."That cannot be. We are in talks! It goes against all rules of parley."

The Ambassador of Rann said grimly, "He has no care for protocol. Kronor has seized his chance whilst we believed him to have some code of honor. We were naive fools!"

The Baron gasped, "But how did he breach our security codes and even get pass our satellites?"

No one had any answer. The Empress was being ushered in hastily by the General. Superman flew up along side Diana.

"Is it true?"

She looked sadly at him."It seems war is here whether we want it or not."

He ripped off his robes and tunic; beneath was the famous uniform; he flew out to face the Syxon forces."Let's go make our stand."

She twirled swiftly and shed her gown. She hitched the lasso to to her uniform and flew after him. They did not wait for any command by Ultraa. He was struggling to get his army into the air. Syxon ships were firing upon the palace, the hangers and barracks. They had already taken the city from what could be seen.

Superman said tightly, "I'll take the airships. You help the imperial guard keep them out of the palace."

Diana flew towards the battlements of the palace and joined the soldiers as they fired lasers upon the advancing Syxon regiments. Superman meanwhile went at a hurtling speed towards one of the battle-carriers. He fired heated beams at the fighters that came at him, his fist punched a hole beneath the underbelly of one craft and he swung another like a discus into the stratosphere.

Wonder Woman had managed to use her strength to throw the broken blocks of granite and metal girders from the towers upon the first wave of soldiers. She blocked the beams of a laser cannon with her bracelets and looked up to see a battle-carrier catch fire and break into two as it fell from the sky.

She breathed, "Kal..."

She gasped as a larger warship appeared and she could see Superman flying in and out of speeding fighters to avoid the gun fire of the monster. She felt the tower shake beneath her. She looked down to see a battering ram break the gates of the palace. The men scampered as rockets were fired at them. Wonder Woman punched the first one, then the second, the third she hurled back. The explosion gave them the briefest of time to retreat into the palace. She had no choice now but to pick up injured bodies and fly them to safety. She landed back into the palace.

The Empress was pacing and she saw Diana and demanded, "What is happening?"

Diana said gravely, "I fear they have breached the palace walls. The city is taken. There is little we can do."

"Where is the Kryptonian?",asked Ultraa, coming in, wearing armor and carrying a long rifle.

"He is trying to weaken the fleet but they are too many..."

"Majesty," said a minister, "we may need to surrender."

"Never! I will not concede to that animal."

"I am afraid you will have little choice."All eyes turned to see Superman flying in and landing. He looked somber."He has firepower that can annihilate this planet. You can let him reduce it to ash or think of your people and the other neutrals here."

Her green eyes smoldered."Surrender is not a word for sovereigns, Superman."

"Well, death and destruction will be the result. Are you so mule-headed that you would sacrifice innocent people who came with the goodwill to help you?",demanded Wonder Woman.

Maxima looked at her scathingly."Who are you to speak to me in that manner?"

"Someone who has seen the face of war and knows when it is time to seek terms. Don't let your pride cloud your judgment."

"Will someone remove this presumptuous woman before me?"

"I will break anyone's jaw if they deign to touch me", Diana promised coldly, as sentinels made to move but then backed away at the flash of her blue eyes.

Superman intervened swiftly; he said calmly, "Maxima,it's not too late to save lives. What good is it being the chosen people if there is none that survive to carry on the legacy?"

He knew the tact to appeal to her; and it was not compassion but pride and ambition. She seemed to struggle for a moment. He said softly, "Live today to fight another day."

She regarded him with appreciative eyes."You are very shrewd, were born to rule. Pity you are wasting your talents with the likes of that postulating, half-dressed philanthrope…"She turned away and said to Ultraa, "Let us go and discuss terms."

Diana's face went dark and she would have gone for her, had Superman's arm not shot out and encircled her waist and drawn her back firmly to his chest."Oh no, you don't!"

"Let me go, Kal!"

"Not a chance. We cannot afford a diplomatic incident as well. Simmer down."

She was shaking with rage."She is the rudest, most shallow, selfish female I have ever met!"

"Aw, come on, Circe is worse."

"Circe is evil. Maxima does not have that excuse. I swear I could box her ears!"

"She would have you flogged and there would be nothing anyone could do because you cannot strike an Empress on her own soil."

Diana muttered, "I would not care."

"Of course, you would. You would have burned in shame at your lack of etiquette and control."

She let out a frustrated sigh and the tension in her muscles slackened."You know me too well. By the gods, Kal,what would I do with out you?"

She looked up at him and he smiled down at her."I don't know. What would you do?"

She suddenly realized his arm was still curled about her waist and she was leaning into him. She turned a bright red and half laughed, "You can let me go. I promise I won't go thumping any monarchs. Well, not today at least."

He let her go, mainly because the ambassador of Rann was beckoning..

He announced anxiously, "Lord Kronor's shuttle is landing in the main concourse. The Empress is meeting him in the audience-chamber. The general thinks it's wise the peace delegation is present as well."

They waited with the Empress in the audience chamber. She took her place on her throne, and Ultraa and her ministers stood beside her. The doors were thrown open and in trooped a dozen armed Syxon guardsmen. In their midst was a tall broad shouldered man with dark hair and a goatee. He was in gold armor and a puce cape. He looked around with a smug smile and walked straight up to the dais.

"Your majesty has been wise to consider surrender. It would have been a pity to destroy such a place as Almerac."

Maxima kept her chin up high."You broke the terms of parley, Kronor,it is an act of supreme aggression to invade whilst talks are in progress."

"Talk is for the weak. Someone as ambitious as you ought to appreciate my resourcefulness to attack when no one is expecting it."

"How you even breached our security is beyond me."

He interrupted, "You mean you cannot imagine?"

"My people are loyal till death. No one would betray me."

He turned to the door and in walked Meric. Kronor smiled."Blood is thicker than water, my dear."

Maxima's face turned red with shock. She rose to her feet."You! How could you!After what he did to you?''

Meric said , in a petulant tone, "It is no more than what you do to me everyday. How do you think I feel here? I am treated like your lap-dog…waiting for you to throw me scraps from your table. No, I had enough. Rather to be a patriot than a kept pet."

She shook with rage."You will pay for this outrage! I will have you drawn and whipped."

She flung out her arm and he was sent crashing to the wall. She looked to strangle him from where she stood only to have his brother roar, "Enough of your lover's quarrel! One more stunt like that, Maxima, and I will rip the neck off your shoulders! We talk terms. My terms!"

He walked up to the dais and looked at everyone."Almerac is now part of my territory. Its people and army will be loyal to me. When I call upon you, you will serve me."

Maxima sneered, "I would die first."

"Oh, believe me that can be arranged and I have no doubt there will many willing to step into your shoes. As a token of my goodwill, I may consider leaving you alive. And I will have an occupying force here to ensure there is no mutiny and my own advisors to form the legislative. I, of course, will be the executive."

Maxima fumed, "That is outrageous! You are virtually taking full control..."

"Yes, invading forces normally do that. Also from what I see you have fine specimens here. On my home world we could do with some more slaves."

"Slaves!"Maxima looked horrified.

He looked at her with a cruel smile."That angers you the most, doesn't it?

"If I refuse?"

"Well, I will begin by systematically executing your kin and these diplomats."

The ambassador of Raan spoke up, "Lord Kronor, most of us are neutral bodies here. Our planets have no issue with you."

"Your being here makes it an issue. You all ought to have minded your own business. Well, Maxima? What will it be?"

She sank upon the throne in disbelief."Will you give no quarter?"

"And why should I?''

Superman spoke up."Surely, my lord, you have control of the moon and the planet; is it necessary to take slaves as well?"

Kronor turned and looked at the Kryptonian." Ah, you are that flying pest that ruined one of my best warships. Superman, is it? You think I care what you think? You should all be grateful I did not raze the city to the ground." He looked at Maxima and drawled, "My patience is running low."

She looked at him and gritted, "You may coerce me but my people will never submit. We will survive this and a day will come when…"

"Yes, yes, yes. A nice speech worthy of a dethroned monarch, "he said impatiently, "But do you accept?"

"I said so, didn't I?"

"A simple yes or no would suffice", he smiled.

"Yes! "she spat.

"Excellent."

Meric had now shakily risen to his feet and came to stand expectantly before them. Kronor looked at him with a raised brow."What is it?"

"You hinted to make me viceroy of Almerac."

"Did I?"

"Yes, wouldn't it be the time to do so now?''

He stroked his beard."Mmm, yes it would be time to give you your just reward."

To the horror of all, he gave Meric a back-handed slap and sneered, "That is what you deserve, cretin!"

Meric fell down the steps and landed at Diana's feet. She tried to help him up. He pushed her off and touched his split lip and whined, "You promised!"

Kronor said icily, "My promises are like yours. Not worth anything. If you could betray the woman you loved, you could betray me." He shouted, "Hagar!"

His moody looking general appeared at the doorway. He bowed."My lord?"

"You are in charge of this planet's security and you will make certain no one leaves without my permission."

"As you wish, sire."

He folded his arms."Now, I think I will select a few choice slaves for my household."

His eyes fell on Diana."You. You will come with me."

Superman exclaimed, "You cannot take her! She is a member of the Justice League :she is part of the peace delegation!"

"Did I give you permission to speak? Come here, woman."

Diana stood her ground and said coldly, "My name is Diana, Princess of Themysira. I will be no man's slave."

He walked down to her, looking at her from head to foot."You should have thought about that before wearing such a fetching outfit. It does your wares credit."He smacked her rump hard.

Diana's eyes flashed and she gave him a resounding slap. He let out an audible grunt but recovered to give her a backslap to the cheek that sent her sprawling to the floor.

Superman's eyes glowed red and he flew at him. He knocked him flat and had him at the throat. Kronor's eyes seemed to bulge from its sockets. Superman could hear Diana's voice in the distance."Kal!No!"

Kronor face was turning blue; Superman heard a dozen clicks around him. Laser-guns were pointed at Diana."Stop or we kill her."

The red haze cleared from his eyes. He immediately let go of the spluttering warlord. Their weapons were turned on him. He backed away, hands in the air.

Kronor sat up, coughing; he rasped, as his men looked to shoot, "Don't kill him!".

They obeyed, keeping their guns pointed at the Kryptonian. Kronor scrambled to his feet. He looked at Superman with derision and took the blaster from his holster. He set it to stun and shot at him. Superman fell unconscious to the floor.

Wonder Woman cried in dismay, "Kal!"

She would have gone to him, but for Kronor grasping her by the arm.

"Oh, no you don't, princess. You are mine now. And if you get any stupid ideas to defy me again, I will see to it your friend's flesh is peeled from his bones and you are there to see it!"

He ordered to his men." Take the Kryptonian away!"