Chapter Nine: Helspont Revealed
The Watchtower. Usually it was only the Justice League that occupied this great satellite. It almost felt like overkill to have such a large craft, but people didn't always realise that large parts of it were actually built to sustain the satellite and crew on it. But this time, they had three guests. The young boy was with Shazam, who was trying to help him recover a little. The good thing about Shazam was that he knew how to act with kids. After all, he is one. Poison Ivy was in the cells, undergoing scans that Cyborg was running. Emmet was amongst the heroes, but all knew what he had done. What he was capable of doing.
"He has more control over his powers than you do," said Batman to Superman. They were in a ship inside the ship's bay under closed doors and locked comms. This was as private as they could make it. It would do, Batman was certain of it. All of it was lined with lead and the vibrations wouldn't be able to transfer so far. This will do.
"I figured that one out when I saw what he can do. But is he such a risk?"
"Absolutely," said Batman, his voice unwavering. He didn't even pause for thought.
"So what do we do?"
"I'm not sure. For the moment, we have a common enemy."
"I don't think he's a bad guy, just a little undisciplined. Much like we were at first."
"We weren't that violent."
"You are, just not with that amount of power."
Batman grunted. It wasn't true. But it was also true. How do you reply to that?
"I may have to do some unpleasant things to extract information, but I don't maim someone like that," Batman's turned his head slightly to the side, almost imperceptibly. Almost.
"Yes you do. He tore an arm off and you break arms to the point they may never heal," said Superman, his voice was accusatory and harsh. Checking himself quickly, at a speed that Batman was not aware of the process, though he noted the change, Superman continued, "putting that aside for the moment, what do we do with him?"
"We use him to help us beat Helspont. Then we'll see what we do next."
Superman nodded and they left the ship. In front of them was Emmet.
"You really should've left the hanger if you didn't want me to find you. The rest have assembled."
Batman scowled, his small white eyes were staring at the man in front of him. Angry. This was a test, a desire to show strength and ability. He was trying to lure Batman out. Why? Batman walked off towards the bridge, closing the hanger door behind him.
"What the hell is the matter with you?" asked Superman.
"I enjoy our little talks, Superman, but I cannot understand your anger."
"You were trying to make Batman hit you. Why?"
"I was not doing any such thing, though I can understand the alluring prospect of getting under his skin. He will lose, he is doomed to do so."
"What?"
"Have you not figured it out yet? His mission is doomed to fail, whether he dies or not."
"What makes you say that?"
"His tactic is based on two things: being smarter and therefore more tactful than his opponent, and instilling fear within his opponents. The first has already proven to not always be the case, like with the Riddler and the Joker. Even Hush outsmarted him once or twice. The second part, people know he will not kill, and that he is only human. You cannot be afraid forever. Eventually the criminals become enlightened and are no longer scared. For example Penguin and Two-Face."
"That just means he has to deal with the toughest people there are. I don't see how his mission fails because of that."
"It fails, Superman, because he has not got what you have got: hope. He does not inspire hope, he inspires fear. Criminals hate you, but the civilians see you as a beacon of light. A hope. You are a reward: do well and you will be able to be as great as Superman. Batman is not that. He inspires fear in both criminals and civilians. All are afraid of him, even if they trust him not to hurt innocents. He is a man of punishment and revenge: do badly and he will come. The good do not receive anything. It is not a better place he inspires, but a fearful people. He will become a tyrant. Or die."
"He has to fight the darkest fights against the darkest people. That means that sometimes he has to become darkness, but he's a man. He deals with it as a man. That inspires hope. Hope that each man can embrace the darkness inside him and vent it for good."
"You are naive. That does not happen, only in stories. Not in reality. He is only waiting for vengeance. He will never be satisfied. He wants people to fear him and respect him, the way he was not respected and feared on that fateful night."
"How do you know about that?!" Superman was alert, angry and wary. How could he know all of that?
"I did my research. I think we had better get going. They are starting the meeting now."
They both flew at super speed.
Superman was stumped. Even Darkseid, with all his powers and agents, didn't figure out who Batman was.
Or did he just never try?
They got to the Watchtower's main meeting room. All the members were sitting there, all but Superman and Shazam.
"Where's Shazam?" asked Flash, looking at everyone for an answer. Not because he was anxious, but because he was just so restless.
"Here," said Shazam, rushing through the doors from the kitchen, "just made sure James had something nice to eat."
"Thank you, Shazam," said Wonder Woman. She had been with James as well for quite a bit. She loved children, their innocence was a great source of motivation for her when she fought. They were to be protected. And James was just a young child whose innocence had been ripped out. And she knew where that could lead. There was only a need for one Batman in this world.
"Alright, what's he doing here?" asked Green Lantern, pointing at Emmet.
"You need me," was his reply. His arms were folded and he stood between the exit door and the table. Superman was by now seated in his chair.
"I disagree," said Green Lantern, and his suit pulsated with a bit more energy.
"I hate to say it, but Emmet has important information for us. He could be useful," said Batman, but his scowl was a lot deeper and his tone more menacing than before.
"So what happened? We were all attacked by machines?" asked Aquaman, he was very eager to learn who could invade his domain so easily. His kingdom was attacked, of that he had no illusions.
"Yes, both Wonder Woman's team and you were hit by machines. James was scared by a monster that worked for Helspont, so was Poison Ivy."
On the table was a holographic projection of a globe. It pointed out where the attacks were, with a small picture of the cause, as well as a projection of a profile about each person they encountered. Batman came prepared, thought Wonder Woman, as he always does.
"It's confirmed that the machines are of Daemonite origin," said Green Lantern, "the craftsmanship is definitely theirs, but advanced. It was actually catalogued by the Guardians only a little while ago."
"The fact that they sent all of this after we already fought them means that this isn't over. My guess is that the invasion was a diversion for these attacks. But why?" asked Batman, looking at the people around him, "here is what we know: They have new technology, and that's on top of their other powers. Last time they were here a few Daemonite soldiers took out Carter Hall and Starfire as well as J'onn J'onzz. Not to mention that Helspont himself was able to take out Superman," said Batman, and they all avoided looking at Superman. He was slightly shaking, whether in fear or anger, only Batman could guess correctly.
"I have defeated him before. It is not easy, but it can be done," said Emmet.
That didn't help.
"How?" asked Batman, a slight tone of disbelief in his voice.
"At a great cost. But Superman and I can defeat him. I just needed some extra help to finish this monster."
"The key to defeating an enemy is knowing what he wants, and taking it away," said Wonder Woman, "so what does Helspont want?"
"He already has control of the Daemonites, so it can't be that," said Green Lantern.
"Last time he came here, Helspont wanted control of the Daemonite empire, but he also wanted to protect it from genetic degeneration. That's why he wanted Earth: to protect it and use the people here as a cure for their genetic degeneration," said Superman.
"Then why didn't he take Earth last time?" asked Flash.
"He wasn't ready, nor was Earth. He said he's trying to guide human mutation in order to make it right for his species," said Superman, "so what changed?"
"Technology," said Batman. "Poison Ivy said that the soldier that made her stronger also wanted to take her for, as she recalls, harvesting."
"What do you think that means?" said Flash, starting to vibrate a little more noticeably.
"I'm not sure. But the fact that these machines and the monsters showed up means they're looking for someone, maybe?" asked Aquaman.
"It's possible. But who, and why?" asked Batman, and his scowl deepened. He hated not knowing, and they had so little data right now.
"What if we try talking to Helspont? He surely didn't give up the fight quite yet," said Green Lantern, "I can go aboard his ship as the emissary of the Green Lanterns, and Superman can come with me as a dignitary of this world."
"That, GL, isn't a bad idea. Do you have the authority?" asked Batman, he didn't think of it, but hid that from his voice.
"Yeah, bats, I do. Part of being a space cowboy."
"Alright, get going. Superman, you're going with him. And Shazam as well, I don't want you without a good amount of back up. I suggest we talk to the UN immediately. Wonder Woman, that should be you."
"Agreed. I'll notify Steve Trevor immediately."
"Flash, you go with her. I don't want her going there on her own, even if Trevor is with her. Cyborg and I will man the Watchtower. Aquaman, I think it'll be wise for you to get to Atlantis and prepare your warriors, we may need them."
"I'll go see what I can do," said Aquaman.
"I shall go with Superman," said Emmet.
"You're staying here." There was malice in Batman's voice. He was not a forgiving person. Not one bit.
"Fine. I shall stay here as you request."
"Move out people, GL's team, wait until Wonder Woman has finished her assignment. We don't want to risk the world going against us while you're away."
They all left for different places. Superman and Wonder Woman left together to the teleportation device, Flash had already raced off to notify Steve Trevor from the Communication Room.
"I don't like this intruder," said Wonder Woman.
"Neither do I," said Superman.
"Have you learnt anything from him of his origin?"
"Not really, but I doubt that I will until this Helspont thing unfolds. One thing is certain: he hates Helspont. And no one leaves their world for no reason, and I doubt he was that curious about me."
"Just be careful there, Helspont will probably try and set a trap for you,"
"I will. I'll see you when it's all over."
"Ladies and gentlemen of the United Nations" said Wonder Woman, "I come before you both as a citizen of this world and as a member of the Justice League. There have been several disturbances that have raged from the Pacific to Denmark, incidents that are not unlinked. The Justice League has investigated and found that all these disturbances were nothing less than an attack, an attack made by a powerful alien race. The same race that attacked the United States a few days ago."
A large amount of murmuring rose to this around Wonder Woman, flanked by Steve Trevor and the Flash. The one a human spokesman for the League, the other probably the most human, probably the best face for the League, if he was to show his face.
"Please, settle down," continued Wonder Woman, "at this time we are unsure of the plans this being, Helspont, has in place. A team of the League will travel to the alien to try and understand exactly that: his plans and demands."
"Who are you to negotiate with the alien? You do not represent us!" yelled the dignitary of England. From that rose a great amount of bustle and shouting. This is going as expected, thought Steve Trevor.
"We are not taking your places," called Wonder Woman, raising her hands for silence. Though her demeanour was calm, her eyes sparkled with the warrior within, the dignitaries quickly remembered who she was. They settled down once again.
"We are not going to negotiate. No one is, we are going solely to understand our opponent. This world will not be subjected to any vice nor subjugated by any conqueror. That is what the Justice League is doing, has done for several years now. We are not here to steal your place, we are here to protect this world from threats greater than any of us."
The room was silent.
"Steve Trevor will stay here and make sure that you have all the information as soon as it is gathered."
"Should we not vote on the team that should go?" called the dignitary of France.
"We demand that a member of the Justice League United shall go with this team of yours!" called another.
"This isn't up for negotiation," said Wonder Woman, "this call was a courtesy to you, we do what we need to do in order to save this planet, and we do so in the light of day: no secrets, no hidden agendas. We are here to help. Let us do our job so that you all may be able to sleep peacefully at night. You know who we are, you know our parameters. Please trust us, the way you've trusted us this long, to continue to do our job. Steve Trevor will update you with anything new that we receive."
Then the Flash and Wonder Woman teleported away, leaving Steve Trevor there alone with all of the dignitaries of the United Nations on their feet, calling to him and asking questions he could not answer. He left for his little office in the building of the United Nations. He hated it when they just disappeared. As if they were gods: decreeing their will and decision, then leaving the people to find out what their place is anew.
"That could've gone better," said Green Lantern, "then again, it could've gone a lot worse."
"Come on, we're up," said Shazam, somehow he was always eager to go on his missions, is it because he's eager for the thrill, like Dick, or eager for the fight like Jason?, thought Batman, or maybe it's to mask his true feelings.
"Alright GL, let's go," said Superman. They left the watch room on the bridge and went towards the nearest airlock.
"It's best if you let me do all the talking," said GL, "it's mainly me that has the jurisdiction in this thing."
They reached the airlock and exited.
"In order to make this look more official, we should go surrounded by my Green Lantern light," said GL.
"Don't push it," said Superman, "besides, we don't know where they are."
"Correction, you don't know where they are. I do."
"After you, then."
"So what else is new?"
Hal could never be the one to have the second to last word, always had something to say, though a lot less now than a few years ago. He'd matured, or suffered a lot. Superman hoped it was the first. But they were heroes, they all suffer, or have suffered, at some stage.
"You OK, Billy?" asked Superman. Shazam was slightly shivering, he was worried, maybe even scared. This Isn't an invading army. These aren't thugs. This is a diplomatic mission, a mission into the heart of a ship of a person that knocked Superman into the moon. Somehow, Shazam always felt like a sidekick to Superman, but he knew he was just as powerful as him. But that means that he would also be beaten by this guy. That sucks.
They flew towards Saturn, the trip took only a few minutes. There was the great ship, one could almost mistake it for a large comet. It was so large, so powerful. What power could they wield that could destroy that? My fists! Shazam answered in his head, and with that came his resolve and courage once more. He may be mortal, but he's the mightiest mortal.
They flew over to the ship, correcting their stance so that they were in line with it.
"This is Hal Jordan of the Green Lantern corps. Lower your shields and allow us access to your ship. These here are the representatives of Earth. You will allow us all safe passage. Now, open an airlock," demanded Hal Jordan, he knew it was transmitted to the bridge, they saw it. They had to obey his demand if they wanted to keep the Lanterns away.
"Incoming communication," said Hal Jordan's ring.
"Hal Jordan, your request is accepted. You and the emissaries will be granted safe entrance and exit, as long as you do not disobey the protocols for such meetings," came a voice, and a face was speaking it which was formed into a hologram by GL's ring. It was a face of fire, with the bottom half of a meteoric metal. The fire flickered, danced around the eyes, the eyes of a daemon. Superman's blood ran cold. He remembered all too well that face, those features. Anger welled up in his veins and flowed through him. It took him a moment to regain control.
An airlock on the right side of the ship was opened, and the three flew towards it and entered. Inside were robots holding open the door, while along the corridor stood the same kind of robots in a salute. It felt very much staged, and though the robots were not really a threat, they were an ominous presence. They were led by a minotaur-esque monster through winding corridors. Using his heightened senses, Superman realised that they were being taken deep into the ship. It'll make it very difficult to leave, though Helspont should know that all three of them have the capacity to break through the ship. He remembered the last time he was on this type of vessel. Helspont had surprised him by being the power source of the ship. He'd even mentioned his father, his people. It was not a pleasant thought to think about being defeated by him. Being humiliated.
They reached a large set of doors at the end of the journey. The minotaur opened the doors and stood to the side, allowing them to enter. The room had a tall ceiling and was quite wide. The room was a silver colour and reeked of metal, and the room seemed to seep emotions out, leaving the room hollow and menacing at the same time. It was plain and yet glorious. It made the inhabitant even grander. He was sitting there on a throne, a tall throne that seemed to be a part of the ship. As if it were excavated from the ship itself. And there he sat, gold and black metallic armour. Face of flame flickering in the small basin-like part that was the lower part of his face.
"So, Lantern, what business do you have here? You cannot interfere in every matter."
"The entire universe is my sector, Daemonite. I can intervene in whatever matter I deem worthy of intervening in. And you have invaded a planet, I hold you accountable to that."
"Guilty as I may be, I do have my reasons."
"And what are those?"
"I seek a few people to take."
"You said last time that Earth wasn't ready for that," said Superman, "what changed?"
"Technology. Genetical splicing and restoration, to be exact. I have found a way to make it possible for us to repair our genome, even enhance it. I just need a few samples of your people."
"What do you mean by samples?" asked Shazam, fearing that the answer was all too obvious.
"I will take a few of your people for harvesting."
"You're talking about us giving up our own people!" said Shazam, lightning coming to his eyes. If there's one thing Shazam hates, it was a bully. Bullies always take whatever they want.
"A child, a criminal, a hero and a young hero. Hardly that many," replied Helspont. He was sitting on his throne, leaning back with a hand clenched into a fist and enveloped by the other hand. He looked in control. He probably felt in control. But something wasn't adding up.
"Why invade us?" asked Superman.
"To plant my devices. I have come to understand that you will not give me this planet willingly, yet my plan is not for its destruction. I want it to prosper, for mutation to prosper. When the time is ripe once more I will come to collect what I need."
"And what do you need?"
"People. I need people to help my people. You will be coupled with us, used by us to help save our species. I told you this before."
"Then why not conquer Earth now?"
"I could, but it'll be unnecessary. Your general population is not ready… yet. But I needed to speed up my timetable and new technology has allowed me to do just that."
"You aren't getting anyone," said Green Lantern, "Helspont, you have broken the intergalactic and universal laws as decreed by the Guardians since the dawn of time. You have one chance, now, to retreat and leave this planet alone. Refuse, and you will be held accountable and punishable to the full extent of said law. You have twelve hours to decide."
It was strange to hear such authority, or language, coming from Green Lantern. It's inspiring, thought Superman.
The three turned to leave the ship and found, to their surprise, that they were unopposed. Helspont knew better than to violate an agreement, definitely now. But then again, why? He could try and kill them here and now.
He doesn't want us dead, he wants us to work for him, thought Superman. He didn't know that Batman knew it as well. He was listening to it all.
They left the ship through the airlock they'd entered from and flew back to the watch tower. The flight was a silent one. They all knew that Helspont would not listen. They all knew that war was about to commence.
They reached the vicinity of the Watchtower after a few minutes, Superman had to hold his speed back a little in order to stay in stride with the other two members. Superman looked to the left; there was the source of all his power: the sun. The heat of the great fireball caressed his cheeks, warming him up and soothing him. He felt relaxed, rejuvenated. Then he saw a shadow. It was small, he almost missed it. It was the figure of a man. Telescopic vision revealed the shadow: Emmet. He was standing there, or rather hovering, arms spread out and head tilted slightly back.
"Batman, how long has Emmet been outside of the Watchtower?" asked Superman.
"About an hour," was Batman's reply.
"Why did you let him go?" asked Green Lantern.
"Should we bring him in?" asked Shazam, lightning once more bouncing off of him.
"I let him out because I wanted to see what he'd do. Superman, bring him in," said Batman.
Superman flew over to him.
"Ah, Kal-El," said Emmet, "was the peace negotiation profitable?"
"What're you doing here?" asked Superman, Emmet was in the same position, while Superman hovered with his arms folded, he did not like this. Why would Emmet come here?
"What do you think I am doing? I am charging, allowing myself to have more energy. Our cells are probably the best batteries in the universe. They can store a huge amount of energy. That also allows you to use more power from them."
"So you're just trying to get stronger?"
"Yes. The more often I do it, the better my cells are at storing and using the energy. A habit you should start practicing. It may prove to be of service." Emmet's skin was gleaming, his slightly tanned skin making the whole appearance of his ritual look majestic.
"I don't think that being power hungry is a good habit."
"Naive and pathetic. You do not understand, do you? You are the most powerful being on the planet, and yet you have enemies that can defeat you. You do not train, you do not investigate your powers and their limits. This is both disrespectful to your powers and endangering to those around you. Wonder Woman is very powerful, yet she trains every day to make sure she is always at her best. The Flash and Green Lantern both train and test the limits of their power as well as investigate how to make themselves better. You, brother, just assume nothing can hurt you."
"I don't look for power. You want to be have enough power to subjugate others, to never be defeated. Your arrogance makes you think you're infallible. It needs to be possible for us to be stopped, otherwise if we lose control we are a liability to the safety of the planet."
"You always are a liability. It is best to know your limits, and how to move past them."
"I don't go looking for power, it's not something I desire."
"You are too scared. You are scared of your power, of losing control and becoming a force for evil. You are afraid."
"Maybe, but it's better than acting the way you are. Being a dictator and craving power."
"Hah. If that is how you see things, then so be it."
He finally moved. He lowered his hands and head, and with his arms to the side he looked at Superman. A look passed, a look saying that they both understood one another, Superman knew then, no matter how similar their genes, he knew that they were nothing alike. And Emmet would be a very possible enemy in the future.
Why is he here?
"Shall we?" asked Emmet, and flew off to the Watchtower. Superman flew right by him, the trip lasted less than a second, but Superman knew that he was outgunned here, Emmet knew more about their powers and the source of these powers than Superman. Emmet was the one that was better prepared.
They entered through an airlock and moved into the Watchtower's communications room. It was a room with many screens and dashboards. Batman and Cyborg were the main ones to use it, they used it for surveillance as well as for transmitting information to different places. In the middle was a holographic projector inside a circular table that was hollow: it was a thin piece of metal that served everyone as a desk, it went around in a loop, creating a space inside the circumference. Chairs were set there as well; there wasn't a chair for Emmet.
Everyone but Emmet sat down at the table, he was out of view so that no camera was facing him. On the desks were small cameras that were aimed at the face of the person sitting opposite them, the cameras had a sensor so they could adjust themselves automatically to different people's height and movements. In the centre was a holographic projection of Steve Trevor's face. He looked tired and annoyed. Probably because he knew that he was not going to like what he was about to hear from these heroes.
"Any news?" asked Trevor.
"How's the United Nations taken this bulletin?" asked Batman, always thinking of himself as top priority. If asked, he'd probably be able to justify that.
"They're angry. Angry at you guys for declaring this journey of yours to the alien ship. Why do that?"
"Because we needed to make sure they are in the fold, so that they will be ready when we tell them that a fight is inevitable."
"Is it?"
"Yes, it is."
"What were his demands?"
"He wanted us to surrender people to him for harvesting. He will use their genome to repair his people's."
"Who?" asked Steve Trevor, a slight quiver in his voice.
"I can venture an accurate guess, but he didn't give us the actual names," said Batman, interlocking his fingers and, resting his elbows on the desk, put his hands near his mouth.
"Alright, so what do we tell the United Nations?"
"Exactly that: he wants us to give him people from this planet, and he will come to collect us all at a later time if we don't stop him. Those are the facts."
"I'll go tell that to the assembly right now."
"Good."
Steve Trevor took his leave, and the holographic projection shut down.
"How do we fight him, Emmet?" asked Batman, his eyes small slits of white from his mask. He wasn't even looking at Emmet, who was standing at the far side of the room.
"With a lot of force. Me and Superman can defeat him."
"Why not fight him using the entire League?" asked the Flash.
"Too many people works to his advantage. His telekinetic powers will allow him to control many things, such as Green Lantern's energy constructs and could possibly even slow the Flash down. Besides, if I know his tactics, and I believe I do, he will launch a full scale attack on this planet."
"Is that what he did to your planet?" asked the Flash, almost sympathising with Emmet. Almost.
"Yes." It was a croaking, half whisper of an answer. For the first time Emmet showed emotion: sadness. The entire room felt a pang in their hearts. All but one: Batman. He didn't fall for such tricks, even if they weren't tricks.
"You said you beat him alone. How?" asked Batman.
"At the cost of many lives. It was not a true victory, I guess."
"Why is he still alive? You clearly have no problem with killing."
"I am not a murderer. I do not solve my problems with murder, I protect my people. Just like you do. In any case, he left. He ran away. I did not see the need to pursue him and kill him. Would you?"
Silence. They all knew he was right. But they all knew he was lying. Something had happened. Something more.
"Batman," said Cyborg, he was concerned, "it's Helspont. He's sending a message to the UN."
"Get it on the projector," replied Batman, his voice unchanged, his composure completely intact.
The projector flicked on and there was Steve Trevor, facing the assembly of the United Nations. They were all staring at a figure in the middle. He was standing in front of Steve Trevor. The figure was not Helapont, it was one of his minion. Another minotaur-esque monster. This one had red skin and its horns were like those of a ram, but black as night. Its eyes seemed to glow as if a fire was behind them. He was huge. He towered above everyone there. How could he have gotten there so quickly? Teleportation?
"People of this planet," said the monster, "I am Rabarik. I have been sent here by my master, the great Lord of the Daemonites, Helspont. It is he who has brought these destructive forces of nature upon your planet. It was his great power that made these things happen. But he is not a mad Titan. Not a dictator. Barely a conqueror. This planet has something that he needs. He needs this planet for its ability to evolve, to mutate. He wants only to save his people. He does not desire to conquer this planet. He does not desire your death. He merely desires to do something very noble: save his people.
"For that he needs your help. He needs a select group of individuals to help him in doing so. Not many. Surrender them, and Helspont will be forever your friend."
"And should we refuse?" asked a delegate.
"Then Helspont will have no choice but to conquer this world and take them himself."
"What guarantee do we have that Helspont will not return later? Or that he won't invade us no matter what we do?" asked the delegate of the United States.
"Let me make this clearer: this is not a negotiation. You are asking for assurances from a god! Helspont can do as he pleases, and not even your beloved Justice League can stop him. If he says that he will not invade you, then he will not do so. If he changes his mind then it is of little consequence to you. You have no say in the matter. You can either hope that he will honour his word for a long time and surrender those he desires, or not and make the invasion an inevitable near future scenario. It is your choice."
"Who would you have us surrender?" asked the Australian delegate.
"Aquaman, Poison Ivy, Superboy and James Martin. No one else."
"Who is James Martin?" asked the English delegate.
"He is a boy that the Justice League have in their watchtower, a boy that was responsible for the latest hurricane. You need only surrender these people to us. Allow us to take them. We will hunt them and take them ourselves. Merely allow us to do so, and you will be spared."
"I may not speak for the world," came a woman's voice from an unknown location, "but I do believe that we will agree that this is the right answer!"
A flash of a sword, a clink, and the body of the minotaur fell to the floor of the hall. Decapitated. Blood oozed onto the floor and created a great pool of red. Behind it was the source of the voice: Wonder Woman, a bit of blood smeared on her armour, was standing on top of the corpse; sword in hand she looked from the body of the beast to the body of delegates.
"We do not surrender our own!" cried Wonder Woman, her voice loud and clear, "we do not intend to give up! This tyrant will return, no matter what we do! We will fight him! We will stop him! All of us, together!"
The hall was silent. Not quite what she was hoping.
Wonder Woman teleported there as soon as it'd been broadcasted to the Watchtower. There wasn't a moment of hesitation. She'd waited to hear what the monster had had to say, then she'd acted. Not out of anger alone, but out of necessity. Sometimes killing the messenger meant one less warrior on the battle field.
It was done. The Justice League had taken matters into their own hands. That was what was necessary, this was war. And they were the only ones capable of stopping this war from being lost.
"I know I had no right to do what I did in this democratic hall. I know this, the League knows this. But we also know that this is the second time Helspont has arrived on Earth, and this time he means to take people. Even if you allowed these people to be taken, we would not. We are here to protect the world, and everyone on it. And that means everyone. And we will protect them. We would welcome your cooperation."
She stood in the hall, the body of her defeated enemy at her feet. There was a primal feeling there, harkening to the primal instinct of the humans: respect the strongest. It almost felt like a clan meeting in order to choose the next leader, and Wonder Woman proved to be the most powerful of them all. It didn't feel right to Wonder Woman, but she knew that they all felt the same, only with a small pinch of the heart that says it is right. Despite all of their cultured upbringing, it was still somehow right. Somehow true.
Wonder Woman knew that no answer was going to come from such a shocked body of people.
"I will take this as a sign of consent. We will stop the invasion and we will not allow our own populace to be traded. I am sorry for such a display of brutality, but this is war. A war we will win."
She left the podium, and exited the hall. It stayed silent. As she left the building and flew off towards the Watchtower, the hall was still silent.
Their fate had been sealed.