Quick question, should I give the mystery character (some of you have guessed their identity) a real identity behind the mask, or keep them the way they are without a face or name like their original appearance and keep the mystery, except for those in the story who know what they look like and their real name? Last time, it was voted to keep them without an identity, but I just want to now what everyone thinks. With the latter, I could go on and have them pop in and out without the reader noticing as a walk-in or to help, while certain characters aknowledge them with the secret still being kept to the reader. Just asking for thoughts.
Also, if anyone has expieriance with wattppad, PM me. I have some questions. I was thinking of posting my YJ stories on there as well.
Paragon Eight- Yeah, QB has black hair, but the cheaufer is blond.
Black Victor Cacaht- Warm fuzzies followed by spine chills are something I work on constantly in my stories like this. Haven't got a ship name for the Rae/Gar/Ter triangle going on, really don't know of any good ones either. And Supergirl would definitely have trauma walking in on Conner and M'gann at the wrong moment. Black Canary would have her hands full with that one.
The Reviewer- Thanks. Glad you're enjoying the story, plenty more to come with twists and turns I've been planning from the get go. While I haven't thought about writing for shows, I am trying to get my books published with one on Amazon right now. And while I've heard of Zachary, I don't know much about him right now.
The Darkman- Yeah, Kal's always the od man out. One thought I had was he was the one Raquel was marrying in season 2 but due to his deep cover mision, we never saw it on screen, that and they didn't do anything to hnt at it at the end. Also, Batman would have his mind reay to ignore QB's influance...Cause he's Batman.
Eric- Looking forward to Blackfire's beatdown, huh? You won't be dissapointed in what's in store with that.
missvisibleninja- Love me or hate me? Sounds like two of my ex's, JK. Thanks for the 'grats' BTW. Eric Te Looney's behind creating te tropes for my stories, something I greatly appreciate.
Guest- With her invlovement with Gar's mother's death and enthralling him to blackmail M'gann, I take it she would know Garfield anywhere, especially since his skin's green and The Light's allways working to beat the heroes.
anonymouse- Well thank you very much for your reading and enjoying them. I'm just glad so many people enjoy reading my seasons of YJ with all the work I put in. And get ready for the answer to your request later on in the episode. It's the main reason I had the 'mystery' character involved.
Now, on to Episode Twelve...
12. Women's Work
1.
Bioship
August 21
14:49 UTC
Exiting Earth's atmosphere, the crimson and blue Martian ship accelerated to its top speed. Had it been on Earth and subject to gravity, the otherworldly vehicle would cause tremendous amounts of damage in its wake. In space, its pilot and owner could open it up, making a trip to Mars in a single day. This time, the ship would be pushed to her limits as the new transporter acquired from reverse engineering Despero's hidden ship would add even more speed, making the living Martian vehicle the first to use such technology.
"Watchtower tower to Delta," Oracle's voice came from over the intercom system.
"Delta here, over." Manning the controls, M'gann passed her fingers swiftly over the control orbs to ready her ship for its first warp jump.
"Now, if my calculations are correct," Atom said as the occupiers for the mission listened carefully, "you should be arriving at Tameran in around three days, or sixty eight hours, if everything goes smoothly. You're going to have to keep a constant pace while the Boom tech we modified acts likes a line of sight teleporter, which will also increase its speed dramatically every time you arrive at a new should all be going around three to four times its top speed. Once at Tameran, you will then need to use the planet's gravitational pull to slowdown until you can land. Once you have the captives, just fly into space and activate the Boom Tube to appear where you are and come back home in no time using the remote integrated into your ship. It's already programmed with Watchtower's coordinates."
"Understood, Atom. Wish us luck."
Hearing the edge in Mrs. Martian's voice, the mass shifting hero could be head sighing over the com unit. "With whose with you on that ship of yours, and the reason you're going, I think it's better if I wish for something short of an intergalactic war with what's about to happen."
"And a war's what she's going to get." Cracking her knuckles, Wonder Girl was more than spoilin' for a fight.
"You'll get your chance, Cass," M'gann told her. "We'll both get our chances."
"Stressing the point," Oracle said after hearing the two heroines comments, "no intergalactic wars."
Leaning over to the female next to her, Kara placed her hand on Koriand'r's shoulder. "You okay? You look like you're in a daze."
"Apologies, Kara. But I still do not feel all that comfortable going on this journey." Slumping in her seat at the front of the Bioship's interior, the Tameran woman had her arms crossed with, until being brought back from her thoughts, a far away look in her eyes.
"Maybe it would help if you spoke about what we could expect once we arrive."
"Perhaps."
Turning her seat around, Koriand'r leaned forward and looked into the eyes of the other three women and Wolf as he lay curled near the Martian pilot. Instead of being in their mission gear, each wore casual clothing, jeans and t-shirts, since it would take time for them to arrive with the rear part of the ship shaped to double as a storage area and a bunk room with enough supplies to last at least a week.
Fiddling with her fingers, the orange skinned alien began to explain her planet for the others. "I have informed you all of how my people are a warrior culture. We have hardly any defenses where they can be seen, leaving potential invaders to perceive us as open to attack. This is a ploy to continuously sharpen our skills in battle so it would be wise to go undetected as long as we can."
"What type of defenses are we talking about?" M'gann asked.
"I believe Earthlings call it, anti-aircraft. They are designed to destroy any space-faring vehicle from leaving Tameran as opposed to arriving."
"You tend to fight to the absolute end. A lot," Cassie commented.
"That we do. Every battle we partake in, we must give our all to come out as the victor to become stronger for the next. If the fight was good, we say, En bassa del la fuenta. Shento u'n teq'ualla benta. Rest my worthy adversary. May your defeat and strength bring me continuing victory."
"What lies beyond that? The anti-aircraft canons," Kara asked.
"Once we get past the cannons, located on the orbiting moons, it would be wise to land close to the capitol city where I was born. There, we will have to get around the perimeter wall lined with guards, then make our way through the streets while staying out of sight unless we disguise ourselves as citizens all the while avoiding cameras, which would alert the soldiers to our position. Most likely, we should make our way to the palace first as the first stage of the preparation would take place there. It will not be until after the feast when they will be moved to the gladiatorial arena to do battle to decide who will be my sister's chosen mate and rule the planet along side her."
"Like that'll happen." Cracking her neck, Cassie was just itching to get to Tameran.
"Save it for when we get there, Cass." Moving her hands over the control orbs, M'gann had the new Boom Tube vortex form some distance from the ship. "Everyone face front and hold on tight. My ship has never gone this fast before and the initial G-force strain will have to be calibrated for the ship to make us comfortable as we travel from here on out."
With the others doing as she said, M'gann had her ship form several extra straps for each member of the party as well as have the seats reinforce themselves as they reached the same distance the moon was from Earth. Signing off from Watchtower, as their radios would be out of range, she began a countdown until they would be the first to attempt an interplanetary rescue operation with the new technology at their disposal.
"Wait a second," Kara said before they could make the jump. "If it takes us three months to get there at top speed, how did Blackfire get there and back so fast?"
"She most likely used planetary gravitational pull to slingshot her at faster speeds," Koriand'r answered. "It is something we practice at should we need to deep space travel."
Silence filled the cockpit as the other girls got an idea. Acting first, M'gann adjusted the coordinates to where the Boom Tube will appear with each exit as they traveled.
"Then we'll do the same," M'gann said as she prepared to make the jump. "And when we get there, Cassie and I will get first and last hits on Blackfire for what she did."
With the Bioship's engines kicking into it's top speed, the interplanetary vehicle shot forward, entering the Boom Tube portal and disappearing.
Happy Harbor
August 21
17:17 UTC
Arriving at the apartment complex he had chosen for Lilith, Kaldur found himself simply standing outside the Brazilian woman's door. Dressed in his civilian attire, the Atlantean tried his best to blend in with the few people making their way up and down the hallway. None paid him any attention as they went about their business with him providing nothing but an obstacle to get around.
Not wanting to intrude, since he had some apologizing to do, he saved his set of keys to the apartment and rang the doorbell first. What should have been an easy feat was hard as he went over what he should say, besides sorry, and was now searching for the right words to use once she opened the door.
His mind went back to when he saw how Conner was wanting to speak to M'gann shortly after their first meeting when he yelled at her for telepathically speaking in his head. It was obvious to him how the Martian felt about the young clone, and indeed, a simple 'sorry' was enough to make amends, but the transaction between him and Lilith required much more than words. He needed answers. He needed something other than guesses as to what they were potentially facing. And he got them.
It was Armageddon personified.
Everyone knew about what Lilith saw when he forced the bare skin of his hand to touch hers. It was obvious he had forced her into living a nightmare and immediately regretted doing so when it was all over. Now all there was, was to repair what was between them, even if Kaldur had no idea what that was. It was familiar yet different at the same time.
With Lilith not responding, Kaldur reached into his pocket and pulled out the set of keys he had for the apartment. Letting himself in, he was taken back by what he saw. Everything was clean, a sharp contrast to how the place was left when he last visited her where she was throwing whatever she could grab at him. Shattered glass and porcelain once lay on the floor but there was no sign of any of that, only cleaned hardwood. The lights were even on when they would normally be off with darkness encasing the apartment.
"Lilith?" Kaldur called out carefully as to not risking alarming her. "Lilith-"
Making him jump, a loud crash came from the back room. Pulling his weapons out, he had them form into swords as he quickly made his way down the hall. Nearing the bedroom, Kaldur was anticipating a fight when he saw Lilith on the floor hurriedly sweeping up a dropped glass. Looking up, she saw Kaldur brandishing his weapons and immediately scooted backwards.
Seeing what she did, the realization of what he must look like dawned on him and he immediately put his water bearers away. "Lilith, I-"
"Stay away!" Backing up even more, the Brazilian woman grabbed one of the larger pieces of glass and held it like a knife.
Seeing what she had done, Kaldur held his arms out to the side and backed up.
"I...I just want to live my life. I just want to have peace like I told the other man. Why do you have to make me relive the dreams?"
Lowering his arms, Kaldur felt a chill come over him. He had made her see him as someone attempting to hurt her when all he wanted was to help his team and friends. He knew what he had done when he lost his composure, not only with her, but with the young man he injured. It was ironic to him that what was happening was similar to what happened with M'gann and what it took to realize her mistakes.
Guilt washed over Kaldur as he saw the fear of him in her eyes. It was followed by shame at his actions. He never wanted to hurt her, it was the one thing he never wished to do, and yet, he did just that. With a remorseful look, he turned towards the door, his head hung low as he reached for the set of keys he carried and placed them on her dresser beside the bedroom entrance.
"Sorry," he quietly said before leaving the apartment.
No sooner had the door shut when a light breeze blew past one of the windows in the living area where Silver Banshee flew past after stopping to take a quick look in the apartment.
Deep Space
August 22
14:09 UTC
Appearing from a bright, star shaped light, a silver ship adorned with blue embellishments shot forward as the light it originated from faded out. Ahead of the vessel stood a large, orangish planet with splotches of purple and blue. White swirls, which could be seen as clouds, blocked some of the view the passengers had with six of seven moons visible around them.
Arching around the planet, the sleek, reflective ship slowed its speed to allow it to enter the planet's atmosphere. The natural barrier heated around the vehicle from the pressure and friction built up through the collision of gases and the solid craft. Flying through the grayish sky now, the ship approached a large stone wall with towers tall enough to cause a creak in the neck of anyone looking up at them from the bottom. Each one resembled a castle's defenses with triangular roofs housing openings for long metal cannons to peek through as guards patrolled the open area beneath them and walked along the great wall.
Upon passing by the defensive measures, the ship flew over the vast city. Tall buildings resembling those found in Earth metropolises were passed as those inside watched the craft make its way to a central building, the Tameran Palace. A few soldiers flew into the air acting as escorts and brought it in for a landing atop a large, flat area where even more soldiers came out to stand guard for the passengers once they exited.
With the last of the soldiers, all wearing tight, purple pants with silver plates on each thigh and knee high boots with small sharpened studs molded on their tops, heels, and foot tips, leaving the large purple building known for the royal family, he like the others took his position, forming a path by standing across from other soldiers where the ship landed and dropped its entry ramp. Long silver lined purple capes flapped in the wind as the engines were cut off, settling around their ankles. Spears they carried were not the only weapons at their disposal as short swords were strapped to the back of their midriff bearing leather vests with silver armor guarding their hearts. Shoulder accents were lined with small, sharpened studs like their boots, the same was true for their matching gloves with three studs aligned on each finger where their fists would connect when a punch was thrown. Helmets were non existent as the male soldiers wore purple headbands with various hair styles, such as long, back length hair, Mohawks, dreadlocks, and even a few had half of their heads shaved with long hair growing on the other side of their craniums.
Exiting the ship first, four helmeted royal guards stood at attention as the prisoners were forced out. The first down the ramp was Jaime, his armor was still not functioning and his shirt ripped off. He was also missing a shoe. It was a startling sight to be met with a number of orange skinned aliens watching him with murderous looks.
"Told you to watch the merchandise. Idiot." Came a voice from behind him.
Turning to see the mystery person he was imprisoned next to, Jaime laid eyes on a very familiar skull motif mask. Being shoved forward, Red X could be heard chuckling as an unconscious Tameran guard was carried by.
"What?" He asked the Hispanic teen once he noticed the look on his face. "Nobody removes my mask but me. No one can stand my 'electrifying' personality."
Letting out a moan, the guard was taken into the building as a disorientated Conner was brought out last. The Krypto-human looked sick and could not stand on his own feet without help. Like Jaime, his shirt was ripped off while his pants were still covered in dirt.
"Conner, hey," Jaime whispered, so Red X could not hear, once they were side by side. "You don't look too good. What happened to you?"
"(Groan) Feelsssss...like...Kryptonite."
"And who was the one responsible for using too much of the Slurf gas?" Coming out with several more guards behind her, blackfire descended the steps of the ship with her hips swaying, hair flicked back, and a sultry walk. Every guard meeting the ship instantly got to a single knee and bowed their heads.
"My queen," a guard said as he kneeled next to her. "I had no idea how much to use. The prisoner was incredibly strong and was causing the ship to shake with his very anger it seemed. I take full-GUAHHHAAAHHHHH!"
Slapping her hands clean after delivering a point blank starbolt to the guard's face, Blackfire sighed and checked her nails. "Let that be a lesson to you all. If any of my chosen mates are harmed, it's a bad thing. It angers me. Those who do so will be dealt with by me."
Looking down at the guard responsible for Conner's sickness, Blackfire added, "Fatally, just to be clear."
Making her way to the prisoners, she looked each one over, not so much as for inspection, but as if they were only pieces of meat.
Giggling darkly, Blackfire cupped Jaime's chin. "You are just so cute. I can't wait to see what a Reach soldier can do as my mate. Of course, when we reactivate your weaponry, you will be limited to only what I want you to do. Such a glorious conquest they were. Wish I was born to partake in that war."
Giving him a lingering kiss, despite Jaime's attempt to move his head, Blackfire moaned as if kissing a lover before turning away from him and muttering, "That will give you something to think about."
Arriving at Red X, Blackfire gave him a look over with her arms crossed and a sly smile. "I am most interested in seeing your face. I wonder, are your abilities natural or do they come from you armor?"
"Sweetness, I have abilities like no other, guaranteed to send you to the moon," Red X smoothly responded.
"Like that attitude, but we shall see. I break so many mates."
"But what a way to go. By the way, do you know someone named Korian-DUGHH!"
Falling to his knees, Red X coughed while also gasping for air from a hard punch to the gut.
"Aww, I'm sorry. But if you want to stay on my good side," she sweetly said before her voice grew dark, "never say my sister's name in or out of my presence. Understood?"
"Perfectly," Red X wheezed. His head was then tilted upwards for the alien queen to place a kiss where his lips would be.
Standing, she then made her way to the last of the captured males and ran her hands over Conner's exposed torso. "Strong arms, strong legs, muscles to die for, and enough stamina to actually keep up with me. I'm sorry, we did not know the Slurf gas would have that effect on you. But it seems you're recovering nicely. Of you three Earthlings, I do hope you survive. But in case you don't..."
Still being weak from the Gas's effect, Conner was not strong enough to resist and was forced to kiss Blackfire all over again. It was the same as before as she took great joy in pressing her lips to his.
"Okay, now I regret not removing my mask when I had the chance," Red X muttered while the alien woman all but swallowed Conner whole.
Separating, Blackfire grinned as she stayed close to Conner's face. "Sweet, just like the last time. Oh the things I would do to you. All of you actually."
Turning, Blackfire snapped her fingers, making the guards gather the captured heroes and anti-hero to follow her.
"Take them to the preparation chambers with the others. I want them to be cleansed of their former mate's stenches before the feast. We will have them combat each other in two days time instead of the usual several days from now. Tameran needs her King. And I need my fun."