DISCLAIMER: I claim whatever the DC Universe doesn't….

11. Ultimate Warning

Avalon, Mann'ahoia

Khyrran sat back in her throne as the Council of Queens continued their debate. Ferinia of course, was opposing additional security measures to Mann'ahoia. Mera, the Queen of Sinalta, was going toe-to-toe with her. For every objection Ferinia threw out, Mera shot it down. Slowly she was winning the majority of the Queens over to her side. Mera's voice brought Khyrran out of her wandering thoughts.

"Ferinia, the people of Earth are getting more and more technicologically advanced. One of these days they are going to launch a rocket or a…" she looked to Khyrran. "What is the little thing that just does basic searches?"

Khyrran smiled, "A probe."

"Thank you. Or a probe and it is going to hit this planet. And there is no amount of magic that is going to be able to help us at that point."

"The protection around Mann'ahoia has been in place for over five thousand years!" She turned to Khyrran. "You swore when you took the throne that you weren't going to change the traditions on this planet. So far you have eliminated the council that has ruled for a hundred and fifty years, increased the army of Avalon and now you want us to adopt human technology to protect our planet."

"Ferinia, if Earth discovers the existence of Mann'ahoia, the traditions you are so fond of protecting are going to disappear. You will be a freak, used for their entertainment. They will monopolize and commercialize our world until there is nothing left. Assuming, they don't see us as a threat and bomb the planet before we can establish that we aren't," Khyrran said. "But this is your call."

Mera picked up there, "We have an obligation to protect our people."

"We have a right to preserve our planet as it is!" Ferinia shot back.

Before the two women could take the argument to another level, Khyrran dismissed the meeting with, "Ladies, we are arguing in circles. We'll meet sometime next week."

They left the throne room chattering like school girls. Mera lingered behind and left the room with Khyrran. "She is determined to make this difficult."

"No kidding. You'd think having an Overseer tell you to lay off would deter her behavior. But no, she has to have the drama." Mera chuckled. "Anyway, different subject. How's Arthur doing in the romantic category?"

"He's not. I don't think he's real happy about this arranged marriage thing."

"I can't change that. The contract was written up by your parents and approved by the council."

"I know that and so does he. That doesn't mean he has to be happy about it."

"That's Arthur for you. Can I pry and ask how you feel about it?"

"Sure. It's not like it's a big secret or anything. I've been in love with him since I was a girl. He was very sweet when he was younger but I think the death of his mother, his father's second marriage and the hardships Atlantis has experienced lately has made him bitter.

"Is that what you call it? I would have said it was arrogance."

"Khyrran!"

"The man trained me. It's true!"

They continued down the hall, laughing, unaware of the eyes that followed their every move.

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Ding-dong!

"Will somebody please get the freakin' door?" Khyrran cried from the library.

Ding-dong!

"Why can't you get it?" Devlin yelled back.

Ding-dong!

"I'm currently not in a position to!"

Ding-dong!

"Well, I'm busy too!"

Ding-dong!

"Just get the door!"

Ding-dong!

"No!"

Ding-dong!

"DEVLIN HUNTER SHERIDAN, ANSWER THE DAMN DOOR! IT'S FOR YOU!"

Ding-dong!

"Fine." Devlin answered the door. A red-headed boy about Khyrran's age or slightly older, stood there ready to ring the bell again. "Can I help you?" he asked, slightly irritated.

"I'm looking for Devlin?"

"That would be me."
"Hi. My name's Wally."

Khyrran came up behind Devlin. "See I told you. Hey Wally, come on in. That is if Dev plans on moving out of the doorway."

"What? Uh, yeah, come in." Devlin said as he moved and let his brother in.

Khyrran stood there as Devlin stared at Wally. She rolled her eyes and said, "Did you find the place ok?"

"Yeah. It's HUGE! You forgot to tell me that."
"I don't notice it anymore." She glanced at Devlin out of the corner of her eye. He still had a dumbfounded look on his face. She elbowed him in the ribs. "So manners went bye-bye. Devlin this is Wally. Wally, Devlin. Now go make with the small talk and for the love of Mann'ahoia, close your mouth. Laters," she said to Wally. He grinned as she walked away muttering about intelligence being a joke.

"Sorry about that. She's a handful."
"I could tell, she nearly brought down the house yelling at you," he laughed. "So, got any silver I can steal?"

Devlin started to laugh. "You are going to fit right in. Want the tour?"

"Does it come with an in-flight movie?"

"Sure and popcorn, too." The brothers laughed as they left the foyer. 'Thank you,' he mouthed at Khyrran, who was standing at the top of the stairs.

She just nodded and winked at him. This was definitely one of her better ideas.

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'Evil exists everywhere. But be careful of beings from other worlds or dimensions. What you may consider acts of evil, they may consider mischief. Take care in dealing with these other beings. Interdemensional wars are a threat to universal existence…" from the book of Illyera

"Interdemensional wars be damned!" Khyrran said as she chased the little bald man. "I'm going to KILL him!"

Clark chuckled as he looked at his invisified sister. "Weren't you the one who said that he was just having fun?"

"Weren't you the one he caused to break Rodan's "Thinker" while it was on loan from the Louve?"

"Feel free to stop talking at any point," Clark interrupted.

Khyrran sighed. This was not her idea of fun. The Overseers were tired of this fifth dimensional nutcase messing up the balance. Of course his draw to the third dimension… Superman. This was his fourth trip. He'd been popping in every three months for a year. And now that Khyrran had a handle on things, the 'Omnipotent Ones' felt she could tackle this, hands down. Yeah. Right.

"Why don't you just ask him if there is a challenge that you can take that will make him go away for good?"

"That isn't going to work, Jinx."

"How do you know? Have you tried? Of course not. Try it. I have other things to do besides chase some stupid little imp!"

Clark rolled his eyes but when he caught up to Mr. Mxyzptlk, he followed Khyrran's suggestion. Much to his surprise it actually worked. Mxyzptlk's ego was amazingly huge and a chance to beat Superman once and for all was just too much of a temptation to pass up. They made a deal; if Superman could get him to spell say or put his name together, backwards, twice, he would leave for good. The Man of Steel agreed and took off before the imp could breathe. Khyrran watched as Clark lead the irritation on a speed trip through the skies of Metropolis.

"Ha, I caught you," Mxyzptlk said.

"Did you?" Superman asked, nodding toward the sky. There written in puffy cloud letters was Kltpzxym, times two. "Darn it!" He began swearing in a foreign language as his body disappeared part by part.

"Thank goodness," Superman said. And the next thing he knew he was sitting at his desk in the Daily Planet building. Lois was across the isle, eating a carrot.

"I'm telling you, Kent, nothing exciting happens around here anymore…"

Clark smiled and leaned back in his chair. That was just fine with him.

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"Ok, who called the meeting?" Khyrran asked walking into her private conference room. The council of queens was in attendance and apparently just as confused as she was.

"We thought you did," Mera said.

"I did," Ferinia said, standing up.

"You don't have the authority to do so," Mera shot back at her.

"Of course she does," Khyrran said. She sat in her chair, indicating that she was taking control of the meeting. "In fact you all do. I told you that when you became the council. Now, Ferinia, I am assuming that this is of some importance, so you have the floor."

The Queen of Elandic stood, giving Khyrran a 'Look', who simply raised an eyebrow in return. "I am making a motion to accept the empress's proposal that we implement the human's technology with our own and establish a secure perimeter around Mann'ahoia."

The others looked at each other in complete astonishment. Khyrran snapped out of her stupor first. "Ladies, can I get a second to Ferinia's motion?" Every single person at the table shot a hand into the air. "So I guess that is seconded and everyone is in agreement?" They all nodded. "Okay meeting adjourned and we'll go over designs for a central command at our next scheduled meeting. Have a nice day ladies."

"I'm surprised you let me have the floor," Ferinia said to Khyrran. The room was empty and the queen felt that it was the perfect time to instill a little fear.

True to her nature Khyrran didn't even look up from the notes she was taking. "Why wouldn't I, Ferinia? You are a member of this council and your views have a right to be expressed whether I agree with them or not."

"So you don't agree with me?"

"I suggested it," Khyrran said, finally looking up at the queen. "All you did was further my agenda to secure Mann'ahoia. Why would I protest that?"

"Well, I must admit that it is something of a shock that you have your own agenda," she replied, changing topics.

Khyrran rolled her eyes and packed up her stuff. This was more than enough. "Alright Ferinia, what do you want?"

"I want you to advocate the location of central command to be on Elandic."

"That is not my decision. And besides, I wouldn't do that even if I could." Khyrran started for the door.

Ferinia's hand shot out and whipped Khyrran against the wall. "Listen here, you little bastard. I want the central command in my kingdom."

"And I want you to let the Empress go." A male voice answered. Khyrran looked over to Nickah, her captain of the Mages. "Now…your highness." His tone left no doubt as to how he truly felt about the woman. Ferinia let go of Khyrran and stormed out of the room in a huff.

"Thanks Nick. That could have gotten ugly."

"Your welcome, your majesty."

"How many times do we have to have this conversation? Call me Khyrran, Nick."

"That goes against everything I have ever been taught."

"And sometimes it's ok to break the rules."

"You say that like you have experience," the Azorian commented.

Khyrran laughed as they exited the conference room. "Ask Devlin, he has quite a few stories about the trouble I have managed to get into."

"Do you want me to document this in my report?" Nick asked as they approached his office.

"No, this was a fear tactic. She'll know better next time and my bet is that Kamara is going to handle it."

"As you wish, your maje… Khyrran," he corrected himself at her look.

She smiled. "Thank you. Anything of interest I need to be aware of?"

"Not that I know of. We are planning to set a trap for that guy in Neghetnoge who keeps trying to steal the all the goats."

"Sounds like you have it all under control. Keep up the good work. See you tomorrow."

He bowed. "Until then…Khyrran."

She acknowledged the bow with a slight motion of her head and left Mann'ahoia. The Overseers would want to know about Ferinia's behavior.

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Clark stared at Khyrran in disbelief. "Devlin has a brother?"

"Yeah, kinda freaky ain't it?" Khyrran asked as she made herself another root beer float. She loved the times that she could pop into Clark's place and they have time just to be themselves, no superhero interference and no planetary emergencies.

"Why didn't he say something before now?"

"Maybe because he didn't know?" Khyrran's sarcasm was missed as the Kryptonian continued to think out loud.

"So why are you telling me?"

"Ok, Mr. Reporter, this interview is over. And I am telling you so that you don't spill the beans about a certain planet that Dev and I happen to protect. Devlin wants to do that himself."

"I think I can manage that," Clark replied, in his I'm-not-stupid tone.

"Oh before I forget, the Overseers want to know what you did with tall, pasty and backwards."

"Who?"

"Your stunt double, genius."

"He's gone."

"Where?"

"Tell the Overseers that if they want to know, they can come ask me themselves.'

"Yeah let me get right on that one."

"Thanks, I appreciate that."

"You always miss the sarcasm, Clark."

"No I just refuse to encourage your smart mouth."

"You do realize that this means war!" she cried, flinging ice cream at him. Needless, to say Khyrran was late getting home.

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The entire next quarter left a lot of people extremely annoyed. The queens couldn't agree on a place for the central command of the security field. Each one wanted the post in her kingdom. Khyrran began to understand why Ferinia wanted her support. As it was, she was just letting them fight it out. One of them would come up with a solution and honestly if she was to get her planet under some sort of unification, it had to start here with these women.

"You haven't said anything," Mera said leaning in to talk to her.

"I don't have anything to say," Khyrran replied.

"Surely you do."

"Surely I don't."
"How can you not have anything to say? It was your idea."
By now the others in the room had ceased their argument to pay attention to the conversation at the head of the table.

"Mera, I don't have anything to say. Yes it was my idea, but this is a decision of the planet."

"This is something very serious, your majesty," the queen of Tir nan Og replied.

"Yes, I am aware of that Lady Ireland, but I don't feel that I should impose my views upon this council. That is how this planet had been run for centuries and I want to change that."

"For argument's sake, where would you put central command?"

"I fail to see how this will help any argument," Khyrran said.

"Your majesty…,"

"Avalon." Khyrran sighed.

"See," Ferinia said, gesturing towards the disgruntled Empress. "She wants it in her kingdom as well."

"Actually, I think of Avalon only because it is the neutral ground for the planet." She sat forward and rubbed her head. "I don't want control over it. But it is a planetary defense system. Something that is for all the people, not just that of one kingdom. And no offense to any of you, you are all partial to your kingdoms. If something were to happen, such as, heaven forbid, a civil war, I don't want whoever is in charge to think that the system is their's to use on another kingdom."

"And you don't think your precious Avalon won't use the weapon on another kingdom in a civil war?" Ferinia asked.

"When has Avalon ever gotten involved in a civil war?"

The queens looked at each other. The only time the island of Avalon ever got involved in civil wars was when the fighting looked as though it was going to spill out of either kingdoms' boarders or if innocent bystanders were getting caught in the middle.

"Ladies, I do NOT want a repeat of Cyrano and Garron. I cannot decree it be built on Avalon. That is not the way this council will work. I refuse to become a dictator. If this council, meaning the twenty-two of you, have to make that decision. I am only here to make sure that we all understand that what we want doesn't matter. As long as the people of this planet are protected and safe, then I have done my job. Now I am withdrawing myself from this argument. Who was the last to speak?" Khyrran asked the minute keeper

"The Queen of Tobnawas," he answered.

Khyrran sat back in her chair. "Lady Magdalena, you have the floor."

The portly matron stood and looked Khyrran right in the eye. "I do believe that I am withdrawing Tobnawas from the list. My nomination is now for Avalon."

"I can't believe that you fell for that poppy cock nonsense that she's spouting," Ferinia said.

"And I can't believe that as a member of this council and as a queen yourself that you would continue this petty argument after the poppy cock truth that she just spouted. I say we put this to a vote now. Majority wins," she replied.

"I second that motion," Mera said.

"It has been recommended and seconded that we take an immediate vote on the issue of the location of the central headquarters of the defense system. I will read off each kingdom and by show of hands cast your vote. Anihc; Avalon; Bebizwan; Camelot; Cerege; Chuma Chupic; Cyrano; Elandic; Garron; Laritasua; Loctdans; Myonlus Poumt; Nacfra; Neghetnoge;Nitagira; Noveage; Riegian; Sarcagamad; Sitnalta; Tir nan Og; Tobnawas; Typge; Yanrow; and Zeannaldew." Khyrran looked down at the notes she had made as she read off the names. "Fine that's one vote for Elandic, one vote for Myonlus Poumt, and twenty for Avalon. Majority rules, the headquarters will be housed on Avalon. Next item."

The rest of the meeting was spent arguing over the size, the location on Avalon, and who had rights to build it. Eventually they came to agreements on all of them. The headquarters would be stationed on the northern tip of Avalon, would be two-storied and the size of a football field. Each country would submit a plan to the council and a vote would be taken as to which seemed the most beneficial to what was being done there.

Khyrran was pleased that that particular suggestion had come from the Queen of Tir nan Og. After Ferinia, she was Khyrran's biggest threat. The fairie folk still had followers on Earth due to some miss hap when the magical creatures were transported to Mann'ahoia by the Overseers all those centuries ago. Despite her best efforts, the Fairie Queen had alienated Khyrran almost from the beginning.

She looked up from her meeting notes. The room was empty or so she thought. Kamara took Mera's seat to Khyrran's left. "That went well."

"From who's stand point?"

"Mine."

"You're on crack if you thought that went well."

"Lady Ireland is finally starting to warm up to you."

"I know and don't get me wrong, I want this planet to be united, but at this point in time I want is a hot shower and to sleep."

"That's why I'm here. That shower and sleep is going to have to wait. We need to talk."

"Lovely. So talk."

"Such disrespect."

"Like you don't expect it."

"At this point I do. But we aren't having this discussion here."

Khyrran sighed as she gathered the rest of her notes. She really didn't want to go to Mankato. But if were important enough for Kamara to personally come and get her… well that in itself spoke volumes.

They arrived in the Great Hall amid chaos. There was really no other word to describe the insanity before her. Anthanasuis and Theodora were talking to a group of little blue men in the communication device on the wall. Elvind, Mahala, Idan, and Nixi were bustling about looking through old diaries of past Guardians, flipping through star charts and basically causing mayhem. Devlin, Arthur, Kent and Jason were standing not five feet from Khyrran and Kamara. None of them had even noticed their arrival. They were staring for perhaps the first time at the Overseers inability to cope with some massive problem. Kamara cleared her throat and the melee of voices died abruptly.

"Good you're back," Anthanasuis said He gestured to the United Federation of Galaxies standard communication device. "They want to talk to you."

She nodded. "Idan inform the Guardians as to the current situation."

"Come here, please," Idan beckoned them toward the dais which was covered in books, papers, writing utensils and other various research materials. "Khyrran, we are very happy with the fact that you have pushed the creation of the defense system through, but I don't think it was in time."

"What do you mean, it wasn't in time? In time for what?" she asked.

"When we were called to the first meeting of the UFG, they believed that we were representing only one planet. After the meeting we corrected the mistake. Since not many species go back and read corrections to the records of old meetings, not many of the federation knew that Mann'ahoia existed. Well, someone found out and they brought it up at the last meeting."

"And that has to do with this in what way?" Devlin asked.

"Weren't you there?" Jason asked on the heels of Devlin's question.

"No, we were not. The last full meeting of the UFG was on the eve of Khyrran's coronation. They were informed long before hand that we would not be there. Unfortunately it was not foreseen that the very existence of either planet would become a major topic for discussion. Anyway, all seven of us have been called to Ajuris 5 to stand trial for charges against us."

"WHAT?" All five of the Guardians looked as though Idan had sprouted a second head.

"All of you can't leave, Idan. That isn't….I don't know but that is NOT A GOOD IDEA!" Khyrran cried.

"We are trying to fight it, but we can't do that from here," he explained.

"So what, if you're convicted we're screwed?" Devlin asked.

"No. The charges are something that can be dealt with in a matter of hours and we can be back in less than a week. So you will only be temporarily "screwed" as you put it."

"Oh that's reassuring," Khyrran muttered as she left the guys to argue with Idan. She wandered over to where Kamara was still talking with the little blue skinned beings.

"Of course we will keep an eye on Earth. We have had several green lanterns from that planet and they are exemplary. At some point though we would like to renew the old alliance with Mann'ahoia," the main blue guy said.

"We may be able to do something about that later on. Right now we need to get these charges cleared."

"Agreed. Should we send back-up?"

"Not unless the Guardians come up against something they can't handle and that would have to be out of this world," Kamara answered.

The little blue man looked at his companions. They all nodded and he agreed with Kamara's terms. "Good luck to you all."

"Thank you." The screen went blank. Kamara sighed and turned to Khyrran. "The Guardians of the Universe will be on call should you need their help. Ajuris 5 is in the Oonari system. And…"

"Kamara, I think between the five of us, we can handle Earth and Mann'ahoia for a week. Just get this taken care of okay?" Khyrran said.

The Overseer visibly relaxed at Khyrran's statement. The girl was sixteen, had nine years of training, and a year of ruling experience on her resume. But despite all the reassurances, she felt as if she were leaving the back door available for attack.

"We're leaving then. If anything, and I mean anything at all comes up that might be too much…"

"…call Oa," Khyrran finished. "Like I don't have them backing me up right?" She flung her thumb over her shoulder at the other Guardians.

Nixi walked up to the group. "The Manhunters are here."

The tall humanoid looking androids were filing into the Great Hall with military precision. There were fifteen in all. Their red uniforms stood out against the ancient gray walls of the Overseer stronghold. Khyrran looked into the face of one of them and got goose bumps from the soulless yet evil glare emitting from its eyes. Each one held an energy rod that seemed harmless from where she stood but knew that it was capable of taking down Clark if need be. The metal men moved in to surround the Overseers.

"You will come quietly," the apparent leader said.

"Of course," Kamara replied.

"No man escapes the Manhunters!" With their 'battle cry' the Manhunters escorted the Overseers out of the Great Hall and into the vacuum of space.

A/N: Credit where credit is due… I know that technically I'm still in the Superman series but I kidnapped the Manhunters 'battle cry' from the Justice League Episode "In Blackest Night" written by Stan Berkowitz and directed by Butch Lukic. I promise that the charge thing will be explained in the next chapter. Things are definitely going to get interesting…