Patterns of Justice
By Rob Morris

Kirk stated it flatly to his loyal crew.

"Before the Klingon intervention, Ekos was merely a threat to itself and to neighboring Zeon. Now, they've thrown off and conquered their sponsors. The reports coming from Q'onos are not pretty. People, we face the very real prospect of a full-scale Nazi takeover of this quadrant. John Gill's mistake has us all up against the wall. Many worlds are surrendering to Melakon without a fight. I'm taking suggestions--anything."

It was Chekov who raised his hand.

"Yes, Ensign?"

"Kyptin, as you know, The History Of The Cold War on Earth ees a favorite subject of mine. After World War Two, a group of true American heroes vwere labeled 'Red Communists' by McCarthy and HUAC. Once America's wery greatest, they retired in 1951 in utter disgrace---and then they vwere never heard from again. It was they who defeated The Fascists. The part of Russia I grew up in was saved by their efforts, during The Patriotic Campaigns. Sir, ve need such men and women now."

"Spock?"

"Indeed, Captain. Ensign Chekov is correct. They were not allowed to make any further contribution to history."

Kirk saw assent for the wild scheme in the eyes of his friends.

"Mister Scott--Once around the nearest star!"

1951

The man in the Hermes-looking metal helmet shook his head. The man in the green mask and cape next to him looked only slightly more receptive.

"Captain, we all lost our spouses and families to the war. Now our good names are gone, too."

"Jay's right, Kirk. What could we possibly do in your future?"

"Alan, Jay, Shiera--you could make a difference."

Wearing her warrior's Hawk-like costume, the widowed Shiera Hall nodded.

"Jim, that sounds a lot like a plan to me."

The former Boxing Champ threw in his two cents.

"Fellas, there are Space Ratzis waiting to be shown the gate. Lets beam on up!"

The man called Jay looked over at the shadowed corner.

"Fate died stopping Hitler's last maneuver with The Spear of Destiny. Are you still with us?"

A voice that clearly unnerved even Spock echoed through infinity.

"In whatever time--Evil Is Evil. Judgment awaits."

Alan Randolph Scott stood up, and held out a battery.

"And I shall shed my light O'er Dark Evil; For Dark Things, It Is Known, Wither To Nothing In The Light Of Green Lantern!"

Then they were all gone.

2268

"More news today from The Ekosian front. A group of Klingon warriors, led by Wildcat, have reclaimed Q'onos City. Jay Garrick - The Flash – personally liberated the Remus 'Rihannsu cleansing' facility, aided by Captain Spock. Hawkwoman braved enemy lines to make sure the sophisticated Ekosian Comm Relay System went down for good, using plans designed by Captains Scott and Uhura. Lastly, Green Lantern has found a way around The Ekosians so-called 'Forest Defense' for their bases. Captain James T. Kirk still is awaiting trial for quote: "Massive violations of The Temporal Corollary To The Prime Directive". Unquote. But to many people, that trial is irrelevant. For Kirk has restored hope to a galaxy under vicious siege by an undead historical foe. Captain Kirk brought back to us all The Justice Society Of America."

EKOS

Melakon had just had yet another officer shot for suggesting surrender.

"We stand firm, or we do not deserve to stand!"

With that, he kicked the man in the teeth before he was dragged off. Melakon then mumbled to himself, as was his wont.

"Fools and traitors! I learned your lessons too well, Herr Gill! I learned all the lessons of that great, Ancient Reich."

A voice that could shake the scales off a dragon then spoke to Melakon.

"No. Not All The Lessons. Learn The Last One Now."

Melakon saw a green-and-white apparition emerge from his own huge portrait.

"Who--what are you?"

"In life, I was called Corrigan. You may call me The Spectre. Go now, and seek your last lesson. See the true power of that you worship."

Melakon smiled.

"Yes, yes! I must see it all!"

The Spectre gestured, and Melakon found himself in the real Nazi Germany. At first, he was delighted. But his fervent pleas to see and warn the original Fuehrer went unheeded. More, when he was captured, his blood was analyzed. He awoke to find portions of his skin cut away. An officer with a scalpel stood over him. Worse, the absent Spectre had disabled his ability to speak John Gill's English.

"What are you, Mein Freund? Your jabber is indiscernible to me. No matter--I shall find out, somehow. When they speak of me, they always say, 'Herr Doctor Mengele is nothing if not thorough."

And as an avatar of the true power of the Regime he revered cut him to pieces, Melakon found that his own screaming disturbed him most of all. Stored in Dresden, the body was destroyed during a massive Allied firebomb campaign. The debris itself was later dispersed after the war—by The Green Lantern and The Justice Society Of America.

In 2268, The Spectre placed the Melakon's own broken skull on the dictator's desk. He left with two words that were more of a hope than a promise.

"Nicht Wahr."