Two
Journey to Earth Prime
Morning came as Cooper wakes up finds himself sleeping at the desk. "Again, I really need to get my sleep pattern back to normal once this is over. Phoebe, have you found anything new in those journals or the black box?" Cooper asked.
"Negative, I ran full spectrum analyse on all of the items and those scans wielded no results," Phoebe answered.
"Something's not right. Blake told me that Alonso is a smart man. Alonso must've left some clue to find the Empress." Cooper then notices something at the bottom. "What language is written on the bottom page?" he asked.
"Its Sumerian, I have translated it and it doesn't make any sense," Phoebe said.
"Wait, rearrange the letters and numbers." The letters and numbers were rearranged to form coordinates. "These are coordinates," he said.
"They don't match any known galaxy, planet or parallel Earth," Phoebe said.
"What if its not. Run an x-ray and gamma ray scan on the journals," he said.
"I have detected something in one of the journals. The one dated 1999 to 2000 seems to have something hidden underneath the hardback," Phoebe said.
Cooper gets a scalpel; he grabs the journal and cuts along the hardback. He finds a DVD insides, he puts into the player and plays it.
"If you find this disc. It means the Elder Ones have been set free. Time is on the essence. The more time they spend here, the more harm comes to everything multiverse. I have been gathering information regarding the Empress's movements and behaviour patterns. From what I learned, she tends to spend a lot of time on Earth Prime. In Elder One ideology, it's a holy site and she'll be in Argon City. In each journal, I have provided clues that should lead you or any hero to her location. The Star of Okath is the key, destroy it and it should destroy every Elder One, except for the Empress. Also in the journal dated 2000 to 2001, I've provided instructions to help modify the Universal Gate Network. It should help you get to Earth Prime. Good luck," Alonso said.
The footage finishes playing and Cooper smiles for the first time in months. "Tell Max and the others to gather in the command centre," he said.
He then rushes out of the room. "Of course," Phoebe said.
Sometime later, we gathered in the command centre and stood near the table. "Okay, is there a reason why you summoned us, Cooper?" I asked.
"I got some good news. I have found the coordinates to Earth Prime. It turns there were hidden messages in the journals. All of which were written in Sumerian," Cooper said.
"Based on the coordinates and the data I acquired from the black box and the Duke's Run main computer. I have determined Earth Prime's location," Phoebe said.
A holographic of the multiverse appears in the centre of the table. We noticed the highlighted planet in the centre. "There's no way that's Earth Prime," Gwen said.
"Both the Light and Dark Gods and the other two races have been to Earth Prime. It's hard to ignore," I said.
"It's a long shot," Max said.
"Wouldn't the Duke's Run universal drive get us to Earth Prime?" I asked.
"Unlikely, there's a chance the ship will be torn apart by the event horizon," Phoebe answered.
"We got the resources to build a Universal Gate. It'll take a dozen hours to complete," Cooper said.
"Also, we're going to need someone who knows Earth Prime in and out," I said.
The others arrived and Zak walks up to Ben. "I know the way and I've been to Earth Prime before," Zak said.
Everyone was shocked by Zak's presence. "How is this possible and does this defy the laws of reality?" Gwen asked.
"The laws became moot the moment the Elder Ones were set free. Superboy has volunteered to guard the mansion," Blake said.
"With data, we could get to Earth Prime. I'll get my science team together to design a Universal Gate," Trent said.
Sometime later, we gathered at the docks as a team of technicians and scientists assemble a Universal Gate. Time stood still as Aeon arrived.
"I take it you're here to say goodbye?" I asked.
"Hardly, that was a good call to time travel a few months later after the Elder Ones escaped. At least you prevented another collapse of the timeline," Aeon said.
"I have so many questions to ask regarding the outcome of this," I asked.
"It is not my place to say, Ben. Your entire timeline is a fixed point in time. If it's disrupted in anyway, the consequences will be catastrophic. It's been an honour fighting at your side and may I say good luck. You're going to need it," Aeon said.
Time resumed when Aeon left. Hours passed when we finished assembling the gate. "There, that should do it. If the calculations are correct, we should be able to punch a hole big enough to get the Duke's Run to Earth Prime," Blake said.
"Do we even have a plan?" Rex asked.
"We just make this stuff up as we go along. I don't like the fact we're flying in blind," Trent answered.
"Now then, let's go and save the multiverse." We got onboard the ship as Carter is about say his goodbyes. "Don't worry about me. I'll be back home before dinner and a victory party," he said
He gets onboard and heads up to the bridge. I took control of the joystick. I flew the ship into the air. "Okay, activating Universal Gate." The gate activates and a portal opens up. "It's holding steady. You're good to go," Cooper said.
"Roger that, Cooper," I said through the radio.
We then flew the ship into the hole. On the other side, we arrived at Earth Prime. We were amazed by the view. Zak looks slightly concerned. "Okay, they haven't gotten around to terra forming the planet," Zak said.
"In the future, it was full of life, wasn't it?" Dr. Nexus asked.
"Yeah and a part of it was a barren wasteland. We need to head left and keep on going straight. Also, it might be advisable to activate the cloaking device," Zak answered.
I activated the ship's cloak and made a left turn. "So, got any ideas what we might run into?" he asked.
Solaris then notices the Hyperion on the screen. "That," she said.
"I can sense them. The Hyperion contains over ten thousand troops. Comprising of X'Andi, androids and Elder Ones," Dr Nexus said.
"If that gets to our Earth, its over," Blake said.
"One of our priorities is to disable the Hyperion and take out the crew," Dania suggested.
"Agreed," I said.
Legion then gets a mine grain. "We're getting close. I can sense every Elder One in Argon City, including the Empress," Legion said.
"I don't suppose you know what they're doing?" Solaris asked.
"The Empress knows of the Seven Swordsmen of Umaga's failure. She's sending the Hyperion over to our Earth to eliminate it," he answered.
"Does she know we're here?" Blake asked.
"No, the cloaking device is preventing them from picking us on their radar," he answered.
"That's good to know," I said.
We arrived at Argon City. "I would never thought I would see the capital in person," he said.
"It must've been something back in its heyday," Dania said.
"The scanner is picking up two chronologic energy signatures. One of them is getting weaker, it must be where Paradox is," Blake said.
"Hmm, the scanner indicates the weaker reading is coming from that building there. Right next to the castle," Trent said.
"According to the display, the building is well fortified," Carter said.
"During the war, the building was used as a lab and still is," he said.
"I'm also detecting a huge power reading," Blake said.
"It must be powering the Star of Okath. It's time to come up with a plan. We got our priorities, defeat the Empress and end the Elder One threat. The Hyperion is heading to our Earth," I said.
"I'll volunteer to intercept the Hyperion, board the ship and take out the crew," Solaris said.
"Too risky, its like Legion said, there are ten thousand troops onboard," Carter said.
"I'll go with her," Dr. Nexus said.
"I don't like it, but come back safe. That leaves the castle and the lab," I said.
"We need someone with hacking capability to hack the systems to shut down the Star," Blake said.
"I'll volunteer, with Phoebe and the black box data. We should be able to hack into the computer systems and shut down the Star," Trent said.
"You better take Rex in case if you overload. His nanites should be able to shut down the Star," I said.
Dr. Nexus looks out the window. "It looks like they're fortifying the city. We better get moving," Dr. Nexus said.
"It won't take the Empress long to figure out we're here. I'm deactivating the cloak, we're going in," I said.
I deactivated the cloaking device. It didn't take the Elder Ones long to notice us. They opened fire on the ship. "Ben, I'm detecting multiple hull breaches. The shields on this thing weren't designed for direct fire. We need to abandon ship," Carter suggested.
"Everyone to your designated assignments. Time to send the Duke directly into the city," I said. I turned the autopilot on and we abandoned the ship. The ship crashes directly into the city wall. In the castle, an Elder One guards rushes into the throne room.
"My Empress, a ship has crashed into the city," the guard said.
Empress then senses us. "The Guardians, they must've survived. They mustn't be allowed to enter the castle. Send a patrol to find them and inform Eon and Seth as well," the Empress said.
Somewhere in the city, we arrived to find the place alive with Elder Ones. "Well, if the crash didn't get their attention. I don't know what will. Hmm, the castle and the lab must be in the centre of the city," Blake said.
"With Solaris and Dr. Nexus taking care of the Hyperion. I'll provide the distraction while the rest of you lot make a run for the centre," Carter said.
"I hate to interrupt, but you just became a dad. Did you sign your death warrant before we left? I'll back you," Dania said.
We rushed over to the castle as Dania and Carter distract the Elder Ones in the city centre. Trent morphs into the Mighty Rider. "The chronologic readings are getting weaker. We need to get moving," the Mighty Rider said.
We arrived at the castle only to be confronted by Eon. "I don't know how you survived, but frankly, I don't care," Eon said.
"Step aside, Eon. This doesn't concern you," I said.
"I'm going to enjoy this. Every bit of it," Eon said.
"I'll handle Eon. You lot better make a dash over to the lab and castle," the Mighty Rider said.
We made a run for the castle as the Mighty Rider begins to fight Eon. We made inside the castle and Rex uses his powers to shut the doors. "It won't hold them for long," Rex said.
"That's what worries me. The Empress is still in the castle," Legion said.
Blake gets his laptop out and powers it up. "We got a problem. Paradox's chronologic energy reading is heading below zero. We better get a move on," Blake said.
"Ben and I will handle the Empress and any resistance. The rest of you should make your way to the lab," he said.
"Well that's great and all. Once we set Paradox free, what then?" Rex asked.
"All in due time, just get going," he yelled.
We went off in separate directions. Rex and the others arrived at the lab and took the Elder Ones guarding it. "Zak, what're you doing here?" Alonso asked.
"We're rescuing you. Getting you and Paradox out is going to be a challenge," Zak answered.
"No kidding, the equipment here is sensitive to tampering. Touch one button and a squad will be alerted. But that won't be a problem since they're distracted," Alonso said.
"A few months ago, Paradox was fit as a fiddle, but now he's getting weaker," Blake said.
"They nearly drained Paradox of his chronologic energy just to make sure the Star is at full capacity. If you lot don't do something sooner, he'll die," Alonso said.
"Since you know a lot about the Star and the Arc Cube. How do we go about shutting both of them down?" Blake asked.
"It won't be easy. To do so, we need to restore Paradox back to normal. First, shut down the console over there. It's what keeps the Arc Cube going." Rex uses his powers to shut down the console. "Good, remove the Arc Cube, it should be fully charged and be careful. A slight accident or a drop will trigger an explosion that'll wipe out Argon City," Alonso answered.
"Okay, try not to drop the Cube. Got it," Rex said.
"What's next?" Blake asked.
"Cut the power that powers our cages and hand the Arc Cube over to Paradox. He'll know what to do," Alonso answered.
Blake turns the power off to the cages, Rex then hands Paradox the Arc Cube and he begins to heal. "I hope this works," Rex said.
Up in the sky, Solaris and Dr Nexus flew to intercept the Hyperion. Onboard the ship, the alarms go off as they intercept the ship. "What is happening down there?" the captain yelled.
"We got intruders in the hangar bay, sir!" one of the solders yelled through the intercom.
"Seal them in and don't let them near the bridge. Also, vent the room with gas just to be sure," the captain ordered.
In the hangar bay, the Elder Ones pumped gas into the room. Dr. Nexus meditates and puts a shield around him and Solaris. "Will that even work?" she asked.
"You'll never know unless you try. Besides, they got to vent the room sometime," Dr. Nexus answered.
Outside, a patrol is waiting to enter the hangar. "They must be dead by now. All right, vent the room and check for bodies," the patrol leader ordered.
He presses the button to vent the room and entered. They were ambushed and defeated. Dr. Nexus uses a teleportation spell to teleport themselves to the bridge. Solaris and Dr. Nexus make quick work of the bridge crew. "The bridge crew is taken care of. That leaves the rest of the crew," she said.
Dr. Nexus's cell phone rang. "Plug me into the console. I'll try and see if I can gain control of the ship," Phoebe said.
Dr. Nexus plugs his cell phone into the console and Phoebe gets to work hacking the controls. "Come on, Phoebe," she said.
"I've gained the control of the ship. I'm teleporting all of the enemy forces back to their respective parallel Earths," Phoebe said.
"I can no longer sense them onboard," Dr. Nexus said.
"Ben, we've captured the Hyperion," she said.
"That's great, we're going to need it if we're going to escape Earth Prime," I said over the radio.
"Until then, we stay put," she said.
At the castle, Legion and I were exploring the castle and noticed the portraits on the walls. "That doesn't look like Earth Prime?" I asked.
"That's because it isn't. It's the Elder One home world or was," Legion answered.
"What happened to their homeworld?" I asked.
"As you saw yourself, the Elder Ones are capable of using any technology. Before all of this, they entered a Industrial Revolution. Unfortunately, it backfired and it destroyed their homeworld. They wondered the stars as nomads until they stumbled onto Earth Prime and you know the rest," he answered.
"We must be getting close," I said.
"I wondered how're the others are doing?" he wondered.
Back outside, Dania and Carter were holding their own against the might of the Elder One armada. "Out of all the battles I've been involved, I prefer New York," Carter said.
"Why New York?" Dania asked.
"The odds back then weren't that grim. I'm running out of arrows," Carter answered.
"And I'm getting exhausted, suggestions?" Dania asked.
"We better fall back and regroup and." All of the sudden, Deviation shows up and teleports the entire army to another dimension. "Okay, I wasn't expecting that. Even from a android," he said.
"You know this person?" Dania asked.
"His name is Deviation, we fought on Galvan Prime," Carter answered.
"I know you have your reasons for not trusting me, but I'm here to help," Deviation said.
"All right, we're listening," he said.
On the other side of the city, Eon and the Mighty Rider were fighting it out when took a pause for a moment. "Giving up already? That is unlike you, Mason," Eon said.
"Do you really think that this'll end peacefully? When this is over, they'll have no use for you, your 'bride' and your android," the Mighty Rider said.
"Are you questioning my morals? If you are, then you're wasting your time. I've suffered long enough to know what grief does to you. You think we're alike?" Eon asked.
"No, but I do know they'll get rid of you when this is over." They resumed fighting when the Rider notices something. "What gives? Wait a minute, Phoebe, access the Special Projects database and bring up Eon's file." He reads the file and notices something. "That's it! Phoebe, begin hacking Eon's suit," the Mighty Rider said.
All the sudden, Eon begins to notice something is wrong. "What have you done?" Eon asked.
"There's something not right about you, Eon. According to your file, your powers were stripped the moment Ben last defeated you. Your powers were never restored, its all in the suit. And there's something unique about it, your suit uses the same algorithms as my armour and its what keeping you anchored to this timeline," the Mighty Rider answered.
"Undo those anchors and I cease to exist," Eon shouted.
"Let's give it a try." The Rider hacks Eon's suit, undo the anchors and Eon is erased from the timeline. "Well, that was easy than I though. Ben, Eon is down. I'm heading to the others to rescue Paradox and Alonso," the Mighty Rider said.
He flees the scene. Back at the lab. Paradox is fully healed and places the Arc Cube down. "Thank you for saving my life. I can no longer sense Eon," Paradox said.
"That's because he's dead. With him gone, we need to begin phase two of operation. Destroy the Star once and for all," Blake said.
"I've analysed the Star and I made a number of discoveries. The Star itself is a living database," Phoebe said.
"A what?" Superboy asked.
"A living database, its a database designed to input entries the moment after a living being is born," Blake answered.
"Correct, this Star contains the index of every known Elder One alive. Destroying it could erase them from existence," it said.
"Wait, if we do that, we'll be committing genocide," Rex said.
"That good-for-nothing, demigod. Legion knew all long what could happen if the Star is destroyed," Blake said.
"If I recall correctly, we didn't have a problem destroying a race. Remember what happened in New York when we destroyed the Dark Gods," Rex said.
Aeon then appears out of the blue. "The difference is those Dark Gods were loyal to Dark Sai. The Elder Ones are beyond redemption. They had their chance," Aeon said.
"Okay, who is that?" Zak asked.
"That's Aeon, a Light God. To find you here is quite alarming," Paradox said.
"Say what you will, Paradox. But I'm here to help," Aeon said.
They then felt a tremor. "We don't have time for a vote, I say we destroy them," Blake said.
"It could work. However, the blast radius will be limited," Phoebe said.
The Mighty Rider then arrives. "What do you mean limited?" he asked.
"The blast radius will only cover Earth Prime and that's it," Phoebe answered.
"There's got to be a way to broadcast the blast throughout every known multiverse." Alonso then hits upon a idea. "The Universal Gate network. If my physics knowledge is correct, it's possible to open a prime portal. By using a prime portal, it'll transmit the blast through every accessible Universal Gate and every known multiverse," Alonso said.
"One problem, we don't have time, let alone the resources to create a Universal Gate. What you're suggesting is impossible," Blake said.
"It might work. This lab has got everything we need. We better hurry," Paradox said.
Over at the throne room, I and Legion burst into the room to it empty. "Something's not right. The Empress should be here," Legion said.
"Or it could be trap," I said.
"There's that," Legion said.
On the contrary, blasphemer," she said.
The room lit up and we were surrounded.