Happy New Year Part 2: Revelations and Conspiracies
The Jefferson Hotel, Washington D.C: 4:47pm, January 3rd, 2016:
P.O.V: Blake 'Black Bolt' Burton
"Does he have anything better to do with his life then to complain and drone on and on about this?" I signed to my girlfriend, Raquel, as we get ready for our dinner date later tonight. "Think of it from his perspective. A big, pale alien lands on Earth unnoticed, raid one of the most secure and guarded headquarters on the planet, kills countless people and rips the Secretary General in half, revealing to the robot to be a robot, operated by a smaller, uglier alien...I think you can cut him some slack for being a bit worried and afraid." Raquel answers back to me as I raise an eyebrow and turn the TV up. "You need to understand ladies and gentlemen...our UN Secretary General, one of the highest political positions in the world, is a fake robot being controlled by an invasive alien species. How long has he been a fake? How many others have been replaced by these fake robots and pilot aliens? Better question is...why hasn't the Justice League come forward and say something about it!? What are they keeping under wraps? Do they have information that they don't want to be public? Do they know who and what these aliens are and what they want? These are the questions that should be asked...no...demanded!" The subject of mine and Raquel's discussion, G. Gordon Godfrey, states on the news. I turn the TV off and turn to Raquel, a raised eyebrow and smug smile etched on my face. Raquel sighs in defeat before nodding her head. "Ok, ok...it's a little much and very annoying. But this is the reality of our work, Blake. Not everyone is going to agree with what we do, and what we keep away. And he'll continue to criticise us until he is either proven hundred percent right or wrong. There is no middle ground with guys like Godfrey." She says to me as she puts on her backless, red dress. I nod at her reasoning and throw the remote away, onto the hotel bed. "I don't have a problem with his opinion, it's his own and whatnot...but there has got to be a limit of how much he can go on and on and repeat the same thing again and again. It's getting old and getting more annoying by the day, doesn't help that what he says hurts deep down. We do a lot good...we have been doing good for years and yet, he has a problem with it. It's a little upsetting, that's all." I sign back as I back the last of my bags, and put my two piece suit on. Raquel chuckles when she sees me struggling with my tie. "Here. Let me." She says as she helps me with my tie. As she is trying, I gaze lovingly at the woman in front of me. I'll admit, first time I saw her...I was smitten. I thought she was the most beautiful woman that I had ever seen...I still remember the embarrassing side eyes and jokes that Dick, Wally and Matt would tease me with. When she joined the Team, I was so looking forward to working with her as a teammate and getting to know her as a friend...hoping that maybe...we could be something more. New Year's might have started out as a nightmare but when that clock struck midnight and she kissed me on the cheek...that hope became even more prevalent. The years since we met have been a wild ride of ups and downs, arguments and wild make ups but we always managed to make it work. I can happily say that I am happy with my life and...tonight, at dinner...I plan to ask her. Ask her to marry me.
"Not everyone will agree with us, Blake. But we have to take the good with the bad and keep moving forward. The people deserve to have someone to be there and protect them. And that's is, that's what we do. If someone has a problem with that then tough...we are here to stay and to defend. That's the job and I am more than happy to listen to him moan about it then to be deterred by it." She says, bringing me back into our prior conversation but all thoughts of the conversation have exited my mind...only Raquel will ever, ever, have that effect on me. She fixes my tie as she looks up at me, my eyes conveying love and affection for her and my smile begins to stretch across my face. "What?" She chuckles in confusion as I wrap my hand around her bare back and pull her closer to me, she yelps in surprise as I crash my lips against her. She quickly gets with the program and returns the kiss tenfold, her arms reaching up and wrapping around my neck. We break apart and lean our heads against each other. "What was that for?" She whispers to me as I pull my feet hand up. "You look so beautiful. And it was for you...for being in my life. I love you, Raquel...with all my heart." I sign as her eyes start teary up. "Oh baby. I love you, too." She says as I lightly kiss her again. She moans softly as I get a bit daring and lower my hand a little bit lower. Raquel chuckles as she pulls away with a laugh. "None of that now. We have a dinner reservation to get to...but maybe later...we can continue with this." She says suggestively as I smile and peck her lips one last time before we break apart and exit the hotel room.
"Do you think that Like will be ok at Matt and Jade's?" Raquel asks me as I nod my head. Ever since Luna was born, Jade an Raquel have agreed with having play dates for the two kids but it was mostly with both of them present. Luke has never really been alone with someone other than the two of us, Crystal or with Icon. While Jade and Raquel had a tough start in their relationship...with Jade being an ex assassin and Raquel with the hero mentality...but after a lot of talks, mainly from me and Matt...the two women came to an agreement and put their differences and distrust aside...and now, five years later...they are sisters in all but blood. Which is exactly why I trust her and Matt with Luke, especially now, since they have had Luna...gives Luke someone around his age that he can play and grow with. "Of course. Jade was the one that suggested that he stay with them and that we go out. He'll be fine, honey." I sign and hug her closely, she hums in understanding and leans into my embrace. "What would I do without your logic?" She says jokingly as I silently Huff and gaze at her. "Just my logic, huh?" I sign, causing her to laugh and peck my cheek. "Amongst other things." She says as I shake my head with mirth and hug her closer to me. We were about to press the button for the lift, when we got a ring from our league earpiece. We look at each other and quickly make our way back to our room, locking all the doors, shutting all the windows and curtains.
Raquel presses her earpiece. "Rocket and Black Bolt reporting." She says in all seriousness as I press my earpiece. "Rocket, Black Bolt...this is Caption Atom reporting from the Watchtower. Green Lantern has returned from Oa, he has confirmation on our alien subjects. Rendezvous with Zatanna at the Hall of Justice and report to the Watchtower for debriefing." Captain Atom speaks through the comm as Raquel inhales deeply and nods her head. "Affirmative. Rocket and Black Bolt, out." She says in a slightly dejected tone as the Captain signs off. I drop my hand and see Raquel sighing heavily, her shoulders slump and her head hang low. I walk over and pull her into a hug. "I'm sorry, Blake...I know you were looking forward to tonight." She says apologetically. She is right, I had been looking forward to this...it's been about 2 and a half months since we last went out, just for ourselves. Of course, having Luke has taken up most of our time but we always managed. While it is a bummer that we can't go out...there is always going to be another night. I tap her on her shoulder blade, which catches her attention and makes her look up at me. "It's ok...there will always be a next time." I sign with a comforting smile as she nods and hugs me tightly. I kiss her on her brow and break away softly. "Come on, let's not keep Zatanna waiting." I sign as I begin removing my suit, Raquel nods and does the same with her dress. With our backs to each other, I grab the small box from my inside pocket and open it, gazing sadly at the beautiful diamond ring...I breathe softly in a silent sigh as I close the box and tuck it away in one of my bags. Tonight might be over for Blake Burton, but he has a job to do and Black Bolt needs to be prepared for everything and anything. I pulled out my new and improved armoured suit. With some help from Dick and Batman, my suit has seen some modifications over the years. I first started out, on the Team, with a general idea of a suit, with an insignia to now a full fledged superhero, armoured suit. The suit has extra padding around my joints like my elbows and knees for added protection and for maximum damage from strikes. My torso is more insulated and protected to withstand my super sonic speeds and to protect my vital organs from knives and gunfire. My wings are made from a thin titanium and carbon alloy, allowing them to be lighter and maneuverable in flight, as well as strong to withstand damage and the G's. The lightning 'V' insignia hasn't changed much but it now branches off through the suit and is made from the same titanium carbon alloy as the wings, offering a bit more protection against knives, blunt objects and gunfire. The lightning 'V' insignia hasn't changed much but it now branches off through the suit and is made from the same titanium carbon alloy as the wings, offering a bit more protection against knives, blunt objects and gunfire.
"Ready?" Raquel asks as I turn and see her in her usual get up that she still had from five years ago. A formfitting blue shirt and partial hood, with a half-zipped jumpsuit over the top. Her iconic and technological advance belt wraps around her waist, completing the look. It's not exactly the same as it was five years ago, only a few small changes here and there, like the added elbow and knee pads, as well as the knuckle padded gloves and combat boots. It's not exactly the same as it was five years ago, only a few small changes here and there, like the added elbow and knee pads, as well as the knuckle padded gloves and combat boots.
I nod silently at her question as we make our way to the window and fly out. My fork glows slightly as I focus my abilities on flight, Raquel uses the belt to create a dark pink aura around herself, allowing her to hover and project flight. We speed over to the Hall of Justice, I tap Raquel on the shoulder, catching her attention. I point to the ground and see a crowd of people, most likely need reporters if judging by all the cameras and news vans...but our focus is drawn away when we spot Zatanna walking along a path up to the Hall. We fly down and intercept her, catching her by surprise. "Raq-sorry...Rocket, Black Bolt...good to see you guys. You get Captain Atom's alert?" Zatanna almost states Raquel's name but she quickly catches herself. Even after all these years, she still can sometimes stumble about with her words...adds to her character, many would say. "Hey Zatanna, good to see you too and yeah, we did." Raquel says with a hint of dejection but not as much as before. Zatanna raises an eyebrow, hearing the dejection in Raquel's voice as I step in. "Date night." I sign to Zatanna whose eyes widened in realisation. "Oh! Oh, I'm sorry, guys." She says apologetically but we wave her off. "Nah, don't be sorry. This is the job after all. Though...Blake did promise that we would have another night...soon, I hope." Raquel says before whispering to Zatanna...she knows that I can hear her and she doesn't even try to hide her amusement. Zatanna chuckles and pats me on the back. "You are such a good boyfriend, Blake. Maybe I should get one like you...the tall, strong, stoic and silent type." Zatanna says jokingly as she and Raquel laugh at her joke and my embarrassment. I shake my head at their humor but secretly but silently, laugh to myself about the joke. "Well...let's get a move on, I think we might be late as it is." Zatanna states as we hurry our pace and soon come to the front doors of the hall.
"Thanks, Gordon. This is Cat Grant reporting live from the Hall of Justice." I hear one of the reporters, the infamous Cat Grant, state as the three of us roll up to the double doors. Why is it...that every time the League is getting asked for questions that pertain to our credibility, she is the one that asks the questions? I get it, she is just a reporter, trying to earn a living...but it's too much to just be a coincidence. Like, she was at Taipei for the Peace Summit, five years ago and just earlier this year...she was in San Francisco, doing a story on the metahuman community there. When I saw and heard that report and the number of subtle hints of meta discrimination that was said had left me fuming...it was only Raquel's words that kept me from flying to San Francisco and doing something drastic. "I'm going to try and get a statement from three of the League's newest members, Zatanna, Rocket and Black Bolt." Grant says a she offers her microphone to us but we stroll right past her, though Zatanna does turn to address Grant. "No comment." She says kindly as the doors open, revealing the League's public affairs officer and spokesperson, Catherine Cobert. "Ms Grant, I told you. The League will issue a statement soon." Cobert states to Grant before closing the doors behind us. I can only imagine what Grant is thinking and the rant that Gordon is going to unleash with our unspoken actions...oh well, add to the list of problems that we deal with on a daily basis.
"I'm sorry about that. I've told those reporters dozens of times that the League will issue a statement soon but they seem to keep badgering me for more. I apologize for that." Cobert apologizes to us but I wave her off. "There's nothing to forgive, Ms. Cobert." I sign to her for which Raquel translates to Cobert who nods her head gratefully at me. We enter the secret Zeta platform and co-ordinate to the Watchtower.
Watchtower: 5:08pm, January 3rd, 2016:
"Recognize. Zatanna. 25. Rocket. 26. Black Bolt. 27." The computer states as we step out of the Zeta, into the main arrival room where Batman, Captain Atom, John Stewart Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter are...and to our surprise...Dick, Connor and M'gann are also here. As we make our way down to the floor to meet with the group, my eyes trail to the other occupant in the room...someone I don't recognize, a blonder hair man with a lab coat on. "Big guy's Lobo. He's an intergalactic bounty hunter." Lantern's report brings me out of my thoughts as I trunk my focus back to him and the screen above him, showing the two unknown aliens. I stand next to Raquel as Dick, M'gann and Connor turn to the three of us and nod their greetings, happy smiles on their faces, as we return our own greetings in kind. "Extremely dangerous but not likely to not return. The little guy is another story. That's a Krolotean. And Kroloteans, always travel in packs." Lantern tells in a foreboding tone...I assume that these Kroloteans don't have the most credible reputation out there...good to know. "Meaning more of them are on Earth." Batman states as he turns to the rest of us. "How is that a group of Kroloteans are able to get on Earth to begin with, let alone impersonate the Secretary General?" I sign to the group as Raquel translates for those who don't know sign. "Black Bolt is right in his inquiry. Though I believe my friend, may have the answers and vital information that should shred a light on these events." Manhunter states, turning to the unknown man...who steps forward and waves awkwardly to everyone. "Some of you have not met Adam Strange of Star Lab's O'Dell Initiative. He is the scientist responsible for maintaining the Zeta beam technology that we use for teleportation." Manhunter states as I cross my arms and nod in understanding. Guess that's why he was allowed up here. "I was wondering why a stranger was allowed on the top-secret Watchtower." Connor mentally and sarcastically states as we turn to him. I nod at literally what I just thought about...Connor spoke the words right out of my head. "And he has a story to tell." Manhunter continues and finishes as he lets Strange address the room.
"Uh, it's a little involved. Ah, I wish I had some visual aids or something." Strange says as he looks around the room for something that could aid him. "I can assist you." Manhunter says as his eyes glow red, Strange grabs his head as if he is having a migraine or headache. "We are all linked, Adam. What you remember, we will see." Manhunter mentally states as Strange's eyes widen at hearing Manhunter's voice in his head. We wait for Strange as he comes down from his bewilderment. "Uh...great?" He says confusingly before breathing in deeply. "Well, I was performing a routine Zeta two upgrade...when something went wrong." Stange mentally says as we all see his memory, of him during repairs and maintenance on a Zeta tube, before it powers up and teleports Strange away. "And I found myself transported halfway across the galaxy to a planet called Rann." Strange continues as we see the memory Strange on an unknown and very peculiar world known as Rann. The image changes, the memory Strange is frightened by a humanoid individual in a sort of lab coat. "There was a scientist there. Sardath, he was conducting his own experiments in enhanced, very enhanced, Zeta beam technology." Strange explains as more images are shown, of memory Strange and the alien scientist, Sardath. "It took weeks to even establish basic communication, but Sardath eventually made me understand that some of his Zeta tech was stolen."
Strange finishes as Manhunter cuts the mental images and connection. "Fits the Krolotean M.O. Their entire culture revolves around stolen tech." Lantern explains as I connect the dots. The Kroloteans were able to infiltrate Earth with stolen Zeta tech from a planet called Rann, from a scientist called Sardath. With the stolen tech, they were able to infiltrate Earth without detecting the League to their presence. But what I don't get is why they decided to impersonate the Secretary General. Is it an invasion strategy? A further way to get access to technology? What's the end game with these Kroloteans? My thoughts are broken when Strange speaks up. "Sardath detected transmissions between a single location on Rann and multiple locations on Earth. He was attempting to trace those when he teleported me to Rann. He gave me this, though. It detects traces of radiation, specifically Zeta beam radiation." Strange says as he pulls an alien device out of his pocket, the device beeps to life, showing a yellow hologram of Earth with red dots...possibly where the Kroloteans are hidden.
"This device can pinpoint all the locations where the Kroloteans have beamed to Earth." Strange finishes as Atom uncrosses his arms. "Then I'm ordering a two-pronged attack. We'll stage simultaneous raids on every Krolotean target on Earth while a small team of Leaguers travels to Rann with Strange to cut off the Kroloteans at the source." Atom orders as he stands Strange, who clears his throat. "Ahem, that might be a bit of a problem with that second prong." Strange says as he fiddles with the device. We all stand confused at his worry and concern about the second prong, the device opens up slightly, showing a dim yellow glow. "Not entirely sure on the why, but Earthlings are persona non grata in Rann's corner of the galaxy." Strange says as the device shows images of Leaguers...all of them in an aggressive manner, like they are attacking or destroying something. "And these six Leaguers are wanted criminals." Strange says softly as our eyes widen at seeing the six Leaguers being, Batman, Superman, Manhunter, Lantern, Hawkwoman and Wonder Woman. My eyes widen at recognizing them as the missing Leaguers from five years ago, during Savage's raid and takeover of the Watchtower and the League.
"What?!" Lantern says in shock as Dick steps forward, turning to Batman. "Batman, it's the missing sixteen hours!" Dick exclaims as Strange raises an eyebrow. "The what?" He questions as Batman speaks up. "Five years ago, Vandal Savage took complete mental control of every member of the League. These exact Leaguers went missing for a full sixteen hours." Batman states as Lantern follows up, his eyes trailing on his image on Strange's device. "It never occurred to us that Savage might have sent us into space. I'll alert Hal...he and Guy are back on Oa...I'll need to return and try and understand the situation from the Guardians." Lantern states as Atom steps forward. "Meanwhile, we have 15 other active Leaguers to send to Rann to investigate." Strange steps forward before anything else can be said.
"You're not understanding how serious the situation is. There's a planetary watch alert for every member of the League. No Leaguer will ever get on Rann." Strange says as he holds up the device, revealing the images of other League members including myself, Raquel, Zatanna, Hawkman, Fate etc. "But not all of us are Leaguers." Dick says as he interjects. "I can send a squad to handle the Rann end of things and maybe find out more about the sixteen hours. Meanwhile, the rest of us will deal with the Kroloteans still on Earth." Dick states logically as Atom nods. "Do it." He orders as Dick nods as he, M'gann and Connor walk over to us. I do notice that Strange calls out to Connor. "Uh, if you're going...you might want to change your shirt." He says as Connor looks at his trademark shirt and raises an eyebrow at Strange before walking away.
"You know the thing about you not being Leaguers...you three still have an open invitation to-." Zatanna mentally offers to the three of them, but their happy smiles and thankful gazes cuts her off. "We know, Zee." Dick says as M'gann follows up. "But we're all pretty happy..." Connor finishes M'gann's sentence. "...where we are." He says as we nod at their reasoning. "Still, there offer is there. Good luck." I sign to them as they nod and head towards the Zeta.
Mount Justice: 8:00pm, January 4th, 2016:
P.O.V Change: Tim 'Robin' Drake
The whole team is called and gathered in the main operations room of the Cave as Dick takes centre stage, a large hologram map of the Earth is projected behind him...with over a dozen red dots shown on the map. Before the Team was gathered, Dick gave everyone a rundown version on what happened on the Watchtower...everyone was very shocked and surprised that the League were on a planetary watch alert across the galaxy, while six of them were considered wanted criminals, not to mention the amount of bases that these Kroloteans have set up across the globe. Safe to say, everyone was a little bit on edge with the whole situation. I stand next to La'gaan as Dick begins his debrief. "It's all hands on deck. The League and the Team will hit all 14 Krolotean Zeta locations simultaneously. Your properties are to destroy all Zeta tribes and, or platforms...and search for any humans the aliens may have abducted. As always, Mal is operations manager, coordinating comms from here." Dick says as I hear La'gaan start to mumble to himself. "Come on, Alpha. Come on, Alpha." I smirk at his wishing...I know for a fact that Crystal is already going to be one with Alpha...guess sleeping with the Team leader has its perks. Not saying it's right, just saying its going to happen.
"Wonder Girl, Crystal. You two and I will be Alpha." Dick says which makes Cassie cheer. "Yes!" She tells quietly as she fist bumps...La'gaan groans and swings his head back in exasperation. "Neptune's Beard!" He complains quietly as I laugh silently and glance at Crystal. She doesn't give any outward reaction to the news, only nod her head with her usual seriousness...seriousness that she for sure got with her brother...I shudder slightly at remembering how that guy stares at you...like you're a very annoying pest that he can't wait to grab onto, tear apart and throw away into the garbage...before blasting it into oblivion. And I thought Batman was unnerving and intimidating...Black Bolt is a different breed of intimidation. "Assignment, Philadelphia." Dick's voice breaks me from my thoughts, allowing me to hear La'gann's mumbling. "Ok. Ok. Give me Beta." He whispers with crossed fingers, but Dick turns to Barbara. "Batgirl, Bumblebee, Raven. You three and Wolf are Beta." He says, causing La'gaan to grit in frustration and disappointment. "Assignment, Vlatavastok." Dick continues as the three heroines nod at their assignment...Wolf simply snorts and lays down...going to sleep almost immediately. How Wolf, pumped full of Kobra Venom in his system and his metabolism allows him to sleep at any time, anywhere...I'll never know. How Superboy deals with him...I'll never know either.
Dick turns to me, La'gaan and Beetle. "Robin, La'gann, Beetle...you guys are Gamma. Prep the Bio Ship, you're headed to New Orleans." He says as Beetle nods and heads towards the hanger as La'gaan follows him, moaning in disappointment. "Gamma always get the soft gigs." He says as I chuckle and go to follow them but Dick pulls me back by my shoulder. "Tim...you'll be running Gamma." He tells me which makes my eyes widen ever so slightly. "What? But Dick...I've never led a squad before." I tell him...cursing myself for letting my secret insecurities come out. People have always told me that I'll be great, that I'm a natural born leader, fighter and thinker...I'll be great as a squad leader. But...I'm only the third Robin...the fourth protégé of the great and legendary Batman...they don't mean to but everyone has always compared me to him...to them. I know that it shouldn't get to me...but it does. "Making this a good opportunity to get your feet wet as a field leader." Dick reasons back but I take a deep breath and narrow my eyes at him. "Because it's Gamma and you're not expecting trouble, or because we're stretched thin and you have no choice?" I say with a hint of accusation in my voice...if this was any other mission...he would have chosen someone else as field leader. There's an assortment of who he could choose from...so why would he choose me for this? Oh, that's right...we're running low on good, capable and experienced leaders.
Dick looks away and sighs, before looking back at me. "Please...don't die." He says softly, a hint of sadness laced in his voice. My eyes widen when he says that. Jason was a brother to Dick. About a year after the Team's formation, Batman adopted Jason and trained as the next Robin. Dick and Jason had completely different personalities but from what I've been told, they always got along. A few fights and disagreements here and there...a few broken noses and fingers here as there. But they were, in all intents and purposes...brothers. When news came of what Harley Quinn did to Jason...how he died...Dick broke. He lost his birth parents to crime, he nearly lost his adoptive father to Savage and the Light and now his brother. Taken away, by a psychotic woman hell-bent on death and torture. Jason was in the wrong place at the wrong time...and Dick hated himself for it. I don't think he ever truly recovered from Jason's death. His relationship with Zatanna strained after Jason's death...they parted on good terms though, with Dick saying that he needs time to himself and Zatanna, being the supportive person that she is, said ok and broke it off with him. But she never stayed too far away, she always made time to help him out...even to his day, they are still very good friends. But the past year has been different for Dick...better, would be the right term. And that mainly has to do with Crystal. I internally shake my head from my thoughts and nod to Dick, a silent promise to be careful and to not die. "And no unnecessary risks to the squad. That's an order. I give one final nod and turn and run after La'gaan and Beetle...hoping that this mission goes smoothly and without anything too dangerous happening...why the hell did I just think that?
New Orleans: 9:59pm, January 4th:
The Bioship had flown us to the designated area where the Krolotean Zeta energy was coming from. La'gaan mentally commands the camouflaged ship over what appears to be an abandoned junkyard along the Bayou...but looks can be deceiving. I trace the longitude and latitude of the trace and pinpoint it to a toolshed within the junkyard. "That's where the Zeta energy is coming from." I say to La'gaan and Beetle who gaze at the shed. "A toolshed? It's barely enough room for one Zeta tube in there." La'gaan states as I shake my head and run the diagnostics and stats again. "There is no other explanation or location...it's down there." I say to him as he groans and leans back in the pilot seat. "I knew we got the soft gig." He says as Beetle scoffs and leans back in his own chair, a happy and content look on his face. "And yet, I'm ok with that, hermano. Yes I am...yes I am. Yes. I. Am!" Beetle starts off softly before his voice turns to one of frustration and annoyance...but what confuses the shit out of me and La'gaan is that fact that he seems to be arguing with someone...that someone being neither me or La'gaan. I shut my open mouth and narrow my eyes, I press my 'R' insignia and communicate with Mal. "Gamma Squad to Cave. We're in position." I say as I hear Mal's voice come back through. Very good, Gamma. All Team and Justice League units are in place and ready. Go time." He says as I nod to the other two. They nod back and head to the rear end of the ship. The Bioship opens a door for us as we drop down, I open my cape so I can slow my fall...Beetle powers his jet thrusters and wings to a low but powerful setting as not to cause any strenuous sound. La'gaan simply drops and rolls forward to carry his momentum...causing little to no sound as well.
We hide behind some wrecked cars, gazing at the toolshed. I nod to Beetle who forms a sonic cannon on his arm, he unleashes a controlled sonic wave at the shed which obliterates it...leaving shards of wood, metal and a large dirt trench in the wake of its destruction. La'gaan drops down and inspects the destroyed shed, even from back here...I don't see any kind of tech that resembles a Zeta tube or platform. "Congratulations, Blue. You took out an actual toolshed." La'gaan quips as he shows us a half-destroyed toolbox before throwing it away. I frown my brows in confusion as I alert the cave. "Gamma to Cave. There's no Zeta tube or platform here. No Kroloteans, no hidden entrance. Nothing." I say as I await Mal's reply. "Hmm, Watchtower is still receiving trace Zeta radiation from the site." He says as I pull open my hologram computer and pinpoint the radiation...it says it where the shed was a minute ago...a thought enters my head as I filter to the tomographic map...my eyes widen when seeing the trace coming from below the water line. "Confirmed...the radiation signature is coming from below the water line." I say to Mal and Blue before looking down at La'gaan. "You're up." I say as he nods and leaps over to the water's edge and dives in. Me and Beetle wait for La'gaan's word of confirmation...it doesn't take long at all. "Better get down here, minnows." We hear La'gaan say over our comms as we nod to each other. Beetle forms an underwater respiratory breather over his face as I pull my cape off and pull out my own breather. We five into the water and swim down to where La'gaan is. He moves some seaweed and points towards a clear cut tunnel with a metal door at the end. The door seems to me malfunctioning which always a current to form through the small gap left by the door. I signal La'gaan to take point as we swim through the hole.
La'gaan looks back at me as I point to the door. He nods and smiles with glee. His shoulder tattoos glow a bright blue as he starts to grow in size, becoming a hulking fish behemoth. His spiked fins become larger and more defined, his teeth grow bigger, and his face contorts into a snarl. He swims to the door and forces it open, me and Beetle swim up to him...all of our eyes narrow when seeing the alien corridor before us. Blue and I swim past La'gaan who shrinks back down to size and follows behind us. I see a light from coming from the end of the corridor and to my relief, there seems to be the surface of the water or an air pocket and either of them would be favorable right now. We breach the surface...and I once again, curse myself for jinxing it. Our eyes widen when seeing the massive base that the Kroloteans have built. Even from down here in the water, I can see at least three or four Zeta platforms. The nasal chitters and screeching of dozens upon dozens of Kroloteans can be heard as we make our way out of the water and to some cover.
I glance around our cover and I see a Krolotean with a red sash around, bark and screen orders to other Kroloteans, must be the leader of something. So Kroloteans are being Zeta'd away and I just think that maybe, just maybe...we should have called for some back up before coming down. Just to at least be safe. "Gamma to Cave. We hit the motherload. Huge base. Alien tech. Four...possibly five Zeta platforms. And more Kroloteans than I can count." I say Mal, who soon answers back. "Acknowledged. Well send back up. Lay low for now and await back up." Mal says and as soon as he finishes speaking, an alarm starts to ring throughout the base. "Uh, that may be a problema, I say." Beetle says fearfully as we turn to him, pointing at something. We follow his trajectory and see a giant video screen and to our shock and horror...it's of us. Me and La'gaan turn our ways away and see the camera behind us...damn. We turn back when we hear and see the leader Krolotean screeching and pointing towards us. Every single Krolotean stops want they are doing and charges towards us...a massive horde of pissed off aliens...coming right for us. "Soft gig, huh?" Beetle says with sarcastic anger to La'gaan, and I can't help but agree with him. Damn La'gaan with the soft gig bullshit and damn me for jinxing it. I shake my head and stand up straight, pulling out my quarter staff.
Mount Justice:
No P.O.V:
Mal stands within a circle of hologram screens as he tracks the progress of all the raids. "Beta to Cave. We found a Zeta platform, the kind Strange described. There were two Kroloteans here, but they Zeta'd away before we could apprehend them. No human captives though." Bumblebee alerts to Mal as he crosses out another platform from Eastern Europe. "Acknowledged. Destroyed the platform and report back." He orders back as another report comes through...this one from Nightwing. "Alpha to Cave. One platform, now non-opertional. One Krolotean escaped. Zero abductees." Nightwing reports as Mal checks the progress of the other squad, mainly the League. "League units are getting the same results. Relative small bases with one or two Kroloteans. None of them have abductees either. Seems that Gamma squad were right and have the main base of operations." Mal says to Nightwing. "And how is Gamma's progress?" Nightwing asks as Mal sucks in a breath. "Uh...yeah. About them..."
Krolotean Base, New Orleans:
P.O.V Change: Tim 'Robin' Drake
The horde comes charging as I tighten my hold on my staff. "Form up. Blue, provide support from the air. La'gaan, target the Zeta support structures." I say as they pop up. "Si, hermano." Beetle says as he flies up above us and La'gaan cracks his knuckles. "Stay liquid, minnows." La'gaan says as we meet the horde in the charge. I use my quarter staff with expert and brutal effectiveness, taking many Kroloteans out with every swing of the staff. A Krolotean jumps at me from behind but I'm able to hear it coming as I duck under it and fire my grappling hook at it. The grapple pint punctures it through the shoulder, earning me as screech of pain from the alien as I pull it back and swing it around, taking out dozens of Kroloteans from the twirl. I release the Krolotean from the hook...turning back to see another massive group of Kroloteans circling me. They all charge me but I drop a smoke pellet and grapple to the second floor, befuddling the Kroloteans down below. Now with a smaller space of me to narrow the line, I can effectively take out the Kroloteans, one by one. I notice down below, La'gaan has grown to his hulking size. His size and strength is more than enough for the dozens of Kroloteans that are jumping onto him, trying to take him down. He roars in fury as he rips a piece from a Zeta platform and uses it as a bat, swinging it about and take out heaps of Kroloteans. Beetle has no adversaries to give him trouble...his armour, weapons and ability to fly are more than enough to keep the Kroloteans from outnumbering and overrunning me and La'gaan. Two lines of Kroloteans are coming at me from either side of the walkway...I press a button on the staff...the ends of the staff open up...showing a battery, that is releasing a small but powerful charge of electricity from either end. The Kroloteans charge against me, hoping that their numbers will be enough, but I've been trained by Batman and Nightwing...they teight me that a number is just that. A number. At first, they taught me how to fight six men. Now, they teach me how to fight six hundred...and these aliens are nothing compared to the training that I had to take and the scenarios that I had be honed to prepare against. With the electric charge at each end, my staff is proving effective with shutting down the Krolotean assualt onto me, but I can't keep this up forward. I swing the staff a 360° hit that took out about 5 Kroloteans. I leap from the walkway and drop three small bombs on the walkway. I grapple away from the explosion which collapses the walkway and takes the Kroloteans with it. La'gaan is ripping up everything and anything in his way, the Kroloteans haven't seemed to learn that while in his hiking form, La'gaan can take punishment and add that pain into his anger...which feeds into his strength. It's not ideal since it drains his magic at an exponential rate but as of right now its proving very effective.
Beetle fires beams of sonic waves around the bases, which sends hordes upon hordes of Kroloteans flying. But more and more Kroloteans just keep on coming. "Bien, pequeños monstruos alienígenas. Enough playing around!" Beetle shouts as two, six loaded, rocket launchers form on his shoulders. He fires all twelve rockets around the the base, which does some serious damage to the Zeta platforms and the main control hub. I look up and see the leader, pointing to Beetle with a clear look of horror on his face. He screeches something in his language and all of trh Kroloteans stop and stare at Beetle...before running away in fear. The remaining Zeta platforms, that somehow are still operational, take groups of Kroloteans and they Zeta away for safety. "Wow! They really don't like you! I'm a little jealous" La'gaan shouts out as he shrinks back down to normal, now utilising his combat skills and training to deal with the Kroloteans still on him. I grapple over to where La'gaan is but I'm tackled in the process. I'm able to throw the Krolotean off of me but I land with a thud in the flor, my staff also being thrown from my hand. I get to my feet with a groan and gaze at the Kroloteans surrounding me. They screech and snarl at me as I holster my grapple gun. I smirk and crack my knuckles before stretching my arms out, the telltale 'bring it on' sign being used with my fingers. The Kroloteans charge me as I focus my stance and prepare. The first Kroloteans is caught by me and thrown into a group of three, taking them out. Another Krolotean comes and I dodge his leap at me face, I side kick on his way down which sends him flying. I expertly maneuver myself against the horde. Using every defensive technique in my marital arsenal. Krav Maga, Wing Chun, Muay Thai, Karate, Taekwondo, Judo... everything. The Kroloteans are being battered around by hip toss, cliches, counter kicks and strikes, however one Krolotean is able to latch himself onto my car and take me to the floor...the group rushes ahead and covers me...their tiny fists hammering away at me. I try to defend as much as I can but there are too many of them. But dheure light at the end of the tunnel...and it's a tiny gap for my leg to get through. I push my leg out and batter a Krolotean away, with new room to move around...I push the Kroloteans off me...striking hard to their temples, solar plexus and windpipes...the very, very, rough places to get hit. With only three Kroloteans let on me, two at my lower torso and legs and one near my head...I kick the knee out of the one near my leg, taking him out...I elbow the one on my torso, effectively knocking him out...I bend my body up and sidewards, pulling my knee up and kneeing the last remaining Krolotean in the head. I kick up to my kick and pull my grappling hook out, pulling my staff back into my waiting hand. The Krolotean that i kicked the knee out was limping his way over to me but I flicked the button and hit him with an electrical end...shocking his nervous system so much that he lolked like one of those old cartoons. He falls to the ground in a slightly, smokey heap as I look up and see the leader Krolotean still screeching, his arm doing the 'come on, get moving' sign.
I see the leader doing something on the screen, maybe putting in a command or sending out a call for help. "He said what?!" Beetle calls out as La'gaan kicks a Krolotean several feet and into the water. "I said I'm jealous...you deaf or something?" La'gaan calls out as Beetle looks down at him. "What? No! Not you! That Hef over there!" Beetle points to the leader as my eyes widen. "Wait! You can understand this screeching? How?!" I call out as I batter more Kroloteans away with the quarter staff. "I-I don't know, exactly. But I can. Hef is ordering all the Kroloteans to Zeta off world. He's setting the base to self destruct in four minutes!" Beetle shouts out as my eyes widen at the implications...off world, leave us here, base blows up...dead. Yeah, not going to happen. I look up and see that the countdown has already begun. "Then we're leaving. I'm ordering a tactical retreat...anything else I need to know?" I ask as I head towards the water, Beetle flies down and lands next to me as La'gaan runs up and joins us. "Si. He said something about sacrificing the playthings down below?" Beetle says confusingly as I ponder for a moment. "Playthings?" I question aloud when it hits me. "Oh crap. The abductees!" I shout out as Beetle leans towards me. "Three minutes 30, ese. Then boom!" Beetle emphasizes as I narrow my eyes. "Nightwing said no unnecessary risks to the squad...but this is necessary. Below! We have to get down below!" I shout as La'gaan's eyes trail off and he points to something. "Over there!" He states as we turn and sees tubes of some kind, with Kroloteans climbing out of. "Beetle on point! Clear us a path!" I command as Beetle forms his thrusters and wings. "Clearing a path!" He repeats the command and blitzes forward. His arms come together and form into a bartering ram, taking out dozens of Kroloteans in the process.
Me and La'gaan slide down after Beetle who comes out and knocks out a Krolotean with his ram. "Grab him!" I say to Beetle who folds the ram back into his arms and grabs the Krolotean, shaking him awake. The alien tries to get away but Beetle has a firm grip on him. "Tell hi where we can the find the abductees!" I tell Beetle but before he can do so...someone calls out to us. "Hello? Is someone there? Please get us out!" We race over to where a massive cage is standing with about 6 to 8 abductees caged within, one of them I recognise as being the Secretary General Tseng. "It's Robin." "The Boy Wonder!" Two of the abductees say ad La'gaan and Beetle follow up behind me. Their eyes widen in fear as they spot La'gaan. "Ah! More aliens!" "Get away!" Tseng and a female captive cry out as La'gaan and Beetle join me. "Hey! We're not aliens!" Beetle shouts back before looking at the Krolotean in his hand, who states back at him with an unamused expression. "Ok, well, he is. But we're not!" Beetle says pointing to the Krolotean before himself. I ignore his rant and face La'gaan. "Get this open!" I tell him as he enlarges in size which frightens the captive more. He roars and pulls the massive the cage open, freeing the abductees. The abductees make their way out as Tseng offers his apologies to La'gaan. "Thank you. We didn't mean to-." Tseng starts but La'gaan waves him off. "It's fine. I get that a lot, chump." He says jokingly as he used his greater height to lean over the smaller man, a wide smile on his face.
"Ask him the fastest way out." I say to Beetle, pointing to the Krolotean. "Dude, I might understand him but that doesn't mean for a fact that I speak-wait, seriously? Well, what are you waiting for?" Beetle starts to say before breaking off his speech path as if he is speaking to someone else, like before. He, has...problems. "Blue's an...odd little fish, isn't he?" La'gaan questions me in a confused and worried tone and once again...can't help but agree with him. Beetle communicates with the Krolotean in the same nasal screeching and clicking as the aliens. The Krolotean replies and turns his head in a direction. Beetle turns and speaks to us in the Krolotean language, which throws me off guard but he shakes his head. "..I mean, this way!" He says as he points to a corridor and runs down it. La'gaan, the abductees and I follow close behind him.
The corridor, according to Beetle, was a secret exit, just in case the Zeta platforms were disabled and or destroyed. These aliens may be annoying little pests but at least they are smart enough to think ahead. The corridor led to a door which led back to the main door that we entered from. "Take a very deep breath, you're gonna need it." La'gaan says to the abductees as he dives into the water. The abductees do so and follow after the Atlantean. They are followed by Beetle and the Krolotean as I pull the rear. I put my breather on and dive into the water...coming out to the main door, which La'gaan breaks through with his enlarged form. I hear a middle boom as I look back and see a column of bubbling water coming at us. I turn and swim at a faster pace, which makes the abductees, Beetle and La'gaan do so as well. We make it past the door and put of the hole before the bubbling water can send us for a wild and life threatening ride.
We breach the surface as I look around and do a head count. 14 abductees, one Beetle, one alien, one boy Wonder. "Wait...where's La'gaan?" I call out as I look around for him but he breaches the water in front of me. "That's right! Gamma Squad rules!" He cheers with his arms held up high as I sigh in relief. We did it...the base is destroyed, the Zeta platforms disabled and the abductees saved...plus, a captured Krolotean that we can interrogate...plus, no one died. All in all, a good night. "Uh, Rob?" Beetle says to me as I turn to him and see him staring and pointing up to the sky. I follow his trajectory and a pit falls into my stomach. Coming out of the silhouette and whiteness of the moon, comes the entire Justice League. Every name you could list, flying down toward us. Superman, Manhunter, Wonder Woman, the Hawks. I hear the swirling vortex of Red Tornado as me and Beetle wince and see him, along with Zatanna, Icon, Shazam, Captain Atom, Rocket and Black Bolt. Green Lantern flies down with a green platform construct with some of the non fliers of the League. Plastic Man, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Black Lightning. And finally, Doctor Fate hovers down with a yellow ankh with Aquaman, Flash and...Batman. Part of me secretly hoped, however unlikely, that he wouldn't be here. To make it worse, the Super Cycle comes flying in with Nightwing piloting, Crystal and Wolf in the front seat, Batgirl and Bumblebee in the back seat and Raven and Cassie flying beside them. Dick states down at us with a steady, steely gaze as La'gaan, Beetle and I glance at each other and look up...awaiting the lecture that we know we're about to get. Dick's gaze drops into one of amusement as he crosses his arms and leans on the Cycle. "Dude! Way to get your feet wet!" He calls out as I smile at his joke, referring to his reasoning for making me field leader...and the predicament that me, La'gaan and Beetle find ourselves in...drenched in sea water with a burning alien base behind us...yeah, it was a good first time at being leader. I hope for a softer gig next time, though.
Elsewhere:
No P.O.V:
On an alien platform, a Zeta beam forms before revealing four individuals. Adam Strange, Miss Martian, Superboy and Beast Boy. The youngest of the group gazes around in amazement before racing off the platform. Superboy and Miss Martian walk with Adam Strange to the upper level where a view of the planet can be seen. The planet is orbiting a much larger gas giant planet with two moons orbiting their own. The planet is lined with enormous mountain ranges that dwarf the tallest on Earth. Strange plant life covers the plant in a mixture of jungle, rainforest and savannah environments...nearby the Zeta platform is an enormous city of white that gleams in the night light of the planets moons and stars. Superboy, Miss Martian and Beast Boy stare in amazement at the city and beautiful landscape of the planet. Adam Strange smiles at their reaction as he stands beside them. "Zeta Squad, welcome to Rann."