"We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark; the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light." - Plato
Kane Industries Gotham Yard, Gotham City, New Jersey, United States of America
11:33 PM EST, June 4, 1992
Kane's facility was home to the biggest factory on Earth. Missiles, tank, IFVs, jets, ships, everything the military needs. The government thinks they know everything about this site. But that couldn't be farther from the truth. Below it lies an unknown factory. Hiding secrets. On a nearby rooftop, a man in shadows watched. A man on a mission. Turning on infrared, he watched as patrols marched around the facility's grounds. Standing up, he aimed his gauntlet at the tower. Firing a wire at the concrete-steel structure. He was flung to the tower. In theory, he should land safely. Instead, he rammed into the wall. Hard.
An edge was roughly twenty meters below him. Lowering himself down, he landed on it safely. Getting his bearings, he could see his entire city. A city ruled by the Court of Owls. Suffering from their hand. Looking up, he aimed the wire towards the roof. A single shot was all it took. Slowly crawling up, the night wind chilled him. He thought of everything he has been through in recent years. The bruises, broken bones, fear, and anger. All for this moment. Reaching the roof, he spotted two guards armed with KAR-5 Rifles. Their backs toward him.
Pulling himself over the railing, he walked over. Not making a sound. Reaching them, he smashed their heads together. Opening a vent shaft, he stared down the nearly endless system. Connecting the wire to an antenna, he took the plunge. He was going down at a safe speed. Until he started to go slower, indicating that he was running out of wire in his gauntlet. When he came to a stop, he bolted his second wire into the metal shaft. Retracting the first wire took a few moments. Then he was on his ways down again.
At the end of the shaft, he crawled through the dusty vents. He was far below ground level. Security is increased in this area. If he were to make it out, he'll need stealth. Reaching the end of the vent, he pushed open the cover. Entering a large warehouse, filled with M6 Bliss tanks. All lined up in four rows. It was easily hundreds. Hundreds more than there should be. Grabbing a specialized camera from Wayne Tech. He took photos before moving along the balconies. Walking through a doorway, finding another warehouse. This one was filled with M111 Howitzers. He took more camera shots. As he went through the facility, he found more warehouse filled with military equipment. Vehicles, aircraft, guns, subs, anything. It was a personal army. All under Kane's control. When he reached the last warehouse, it was filled with Hellfire missiles. Tens of thousands. Enough to decimate Gotham.
Continuing on, he reached a command center. The console had everything. Not on the Court, but everything Kane has. Illegal arms shipments, maintenance services, accounts worth in the billions, a key to the Court. Putting a floppy disk in the computer, he downloaded everything. Kane's operation from Gotham to West Germany. More evidence to use against the Voice. As the download was about finished, the vigilante spotted an employee entering the warehouse's floor. It wasn't a guard and they had nothing for maintenance.
Taking the disk out, he secured it before walking out of the command center. Eyeing the employee as they kneeled down next to the missiles. Turning infrared on, his eyes widened under the mask. The employee was attaching something very hot to the missiles. Knowing the damage the live ammo in this facility could cause, it'll be devastating. Jumping over the railing, he extended the cape out, sending an electric current through the fabric, catching the air. He rushed forward, as the employee began to turn, the vigilante kicked the goon. They fell back, giving the vigilante a chance to see what was attached. A device with a timer, counting in a strange numeral system.
"Deactivate it now." the vigilante ordered the employee.
"What are you creature?" the employee asked, smirking.
"Owlman. Now deactivate the device." the vigilante ordered. He chose the name to crumble the Court. Make them fear amongst themselves. Now he hoped it would work on this man. But it wasn't.
"You can't stop it. Human." the employee said, before charging.
Owlman dodged the punches, identifying his opponent's fighting style. It wasn't a style he was familiar with. But he couldn't dodge every attack. One jab to the side, sent the Owl into a pile of missiles. Some of them were knocked over. A sharp, sheering pain shot through his body. Standing up, the employee grabbed a missile. Swinging it at the Owl. The Owl changed tactics. He backed away from the attacks, luring the foe away from the bomb. Grabbing a prototype adhesive, he slammed it at the employee's feet. A glob exploded from the capsule, sealing the man. Despite the adhesive being capable of holding buildings together, cracks were forming. Racing to the bomb, Owlman turned on the camera in the mask.
"Owlman to cave, I need assistance." he said kneeling at the strange bomb.
"Is that a bomb?" Alfred asked, stunned.
"How do I disarm it."
"I was a soldier in the Royal Army, but I didn't work with demolition."
"I got enough explosives here to wipe out hundreds of city blocks. I need help." Owlman sharply said. The old butler sighed.
"Take the timer off." Alfred said.
The vigilante grabbed an owl shaped object from his belt. Slipping it through the crack. Pushing the timer clock off, revealing a violet material and small blue light. He waited for his friend to say something. Nothing but silence filled the air. Before the butler could say anything, an arm swung at the Owl. Sending him flying several dozen meters. Hitting and rolling across the concrete floor. Adrenaline was pumping in his blood, ignoring the broken bones. Alfred's voice was drained out.
Standing up, he saw the employee marching towards him. It was clear that the vigilante was facing a Meta. Grabbing another adhesive capsule, he hopes to ground the foe. At least until the bomb is disarmed. He threw the capsule, not expecting what to come next. As the capsule was flying, a large creature ripped out of the employee. The capsule hit it, spreading the adhesive around its torso.
"Good heavens." Alfred whispered as it tore the adhesive off its blue skin.
This creature wasn't a regular Meta. It raised the left hand, slamming it down. Owlman jumped back in time. The creature's claws cut through the concrete like butter. The vigilante threw several Owlarangs only for them to fall on the ground. The playing field was in the creature's advantage. Backing up, he had a plan. Switching his gauntlets to from grapple to launcher, he waited for the right moment. Seconds ticking off the bomb.
It charged and the Owl slammed a smoke pellet on the ground. Engulfing him, infrared showed the creature in clear view. Sliding under the beast, the Owl aimed his gauntlets at the lights. The room was in complete darkness. The creature was confused. Perfect. Racing to the bomb, Owlman let his friend study the bomb. Peeking over at the dazed monster. In rage, the monster threw crates of missile in all directions. One crate stuck the vigilante, as the adrenaline was wearing off. The pain was extricating to him. Looking over, he saw the creature collapse onto the missile, crushing the lethal weapon. Owlman stood up, gritting his teeth from the pain. Walking over, he kneeled next to the bomb. The third and fourth numerals were staying still. He had seconds left.
"What do I cut?"
"I don't know." Alfred said in defeat. A judgement call. One that would determine his and Gotham's life. Putting the blade of an Owlarang next to a wire connecting to the glowing light. A snap came. But no explosion. The timer stood still. It was diffused. Letting out a sigh of relief, he walked away from the scene. His mission was a success despite the surprises.
"Master Bruce, are you alright?" Alfred asked.
"Owlman. I'm in the field." Owlman answered, feeling blood roll down his jaw.
"Oh, for bloody sake, you're not a soldier. You don't need call signs."
"No, but we got work to do." Bruce said, determined to find out what was going on.
Smallville, Kansas, United States of America
11:54 AM EST, June 5, 1992
The world was beautiful. The trees of the Amazons stood in organized chaos, the sands of the Sahara flow freely with the wind, the ocean's waves protecting the world. All of it was so different to Kal-El. But Kansas was different. The fields brushed against the wind. Teenagers were acting up with friends. Hunters searching for their prey. Nothing different for much of the world. Nothing important happens here. But he wanted answers. Scanning the plains, he found the farm. Flying over, he heard two people inside. Cows wandering the grass field, pigs playing with the mud, chickens wandering their pen.
So much life for one farm. It was a relief compared to his life before meeting Lex. Landing outside the house, he looked around. The grass was freshly cut, the tractor was cooling off, water dripping from a pump. As he walked up the house, a dog barked at the door. Knocking on the door, he listened as the older man walked towards him. Johnathan Kent opened the door to be stunned at the sight of Kal.
"Who's at the door, dear?" Martha Kent asked.
"Uh, the Superman." Mr. Kent said.
"What?" MMrs. kent said, rushing to the other room. She was stunned to see the man.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Kent. I'm here to ask you a few questions."
"Please come in." Mrs. Kent said, moving to the side.
Kal's heart started to beat. Even though his powers are far greater than anyone on Earth, he was still unfortable with new people. Years of isolation does that. At least that's what the psychologist say. But there's always a light at the end of the darkness. As he entered the home, he closed the door behind him. Their cattle dog sniffed the man's white suit. Kneeling down, he pet the dog. It's fur soft in his hand.
"Can I offer you some lemonaide?" Mrs. Kent asked.
"Uh, sure." Kal said. As the kind woman went to get a glass, Mr. Kent sat in his rocking chair.
"So what brings you here Superman?" Mr. Kent asked.
"Twenty-four years ago you called the Sheriff about a meteor crashing in your field." Kal said as Mrs. Kent arrived with a glass of lemonaide. He stood up, accepting the cold glass. "Thank you."
"I remember that. Yeah, the government came in and took it away." Mr. Kent said.
"What about it?" Mrs. Kent asked.
"Do you mind if I take a look at where it landed?" Kal asked before taking a sip of the lemonaide. The sweet cold sent chills down his spine.
"Yeah sure. Let me show you where it was." Mr. Kent said, getting up. As they went to the door, Kal handed Mrs. Kent the glass. Mr. Kent pointed to the nearby corn field. "That field right there was where we found it." Kal nodded. As he was a few inches off the ground, the old man grabbed his arm. "What's that old meteor to you?"
"I was in it." Kal answered before flying over the field.
He scanned the area for anything that'll help him understand his place in this world. Where he came from. Who he is? Much of his history was lost when Lex freed him. His only hope now is to find something that may have been left behind. Something the military missed. But the longer he looked, the worse he felt. There was nothing. If there was something, years of farming removed it. This quest was a failure. Stopping the pointless search, he began to fly East for Metropolis.
But the rumbling sound of rocket engines igniting. Screams of treason, traitors, murderers, orders to open the door. It was confusing. But trouble was brewing in Montana. Changing direction, Superman sped towards the state. The sound barrier breaking. When he slowed down, a airfield was in sight. A trail of smoke coming from the outskirts. Going to the smoke, he found a group of Humvees gathered around a bunker.
Landing he saw the soldiers trying to peel open a steel door. As he walked among the men, they moved away stunned. His heart was pumping and his chest was cold. These were the people who held in that bunker. When he reached the door, the superhuman forced fingers through the sealed edge. Getting a grip, he pulled it opened, revealing two soldiers. He thought it was strange. They weren't in distress. When the sound of guns clicking, he turned to see the gathered soldiers aiming their rifles at the two men.
"They launched a ICBM. Don't know where it heading." a soldier said.
From what Superman has heard from Lex, these ICBMs hold devestating power. Focusing on the sounds of the world, he found the missile. Bursting from the ground, he sped towards the missile. Listening as it split apart. Dropping the payload for rentry. When it was in his sight, the warhead descended down to Russia. But he caught the warhead before it was able to enter the stratosphere. Pulling it up, he aimed for the vast emptiness of space. And let go. No longer a threat to his world.
As he descended down to the Earth, he heard gunfire. From the bunker. Racing down, he saw Humvees rolled over and soldiers falling back. In the chaos, the two soldiers from before. They spotted him as he got closer. One of them picked up a Humvee and tossed it. Stunned, Superman just took the hit. The vehicle hit, forcing him to crash down. Clentching his fist, he glared at the two powerful humans.
"I'm only going to say this once. Surrender." Superman said. One of the soldiers chuckled.
"Kryptonian." one of the men said. Superman raised an eyebrow.
"What did you say?" he asked. Before he knew it, a blue being phased out of the soldier.
Charging at the man. He braced himself, using more of his strength. But the being was strong. One punch tossed the Man of Steel several miles away. It surprised him. If he was going to win this fight, he'll need to loosen his control. Speeding towards the being, he uppercut the stranger. It was lifted off the ground landing several dozen miles past the base.
Superman didn't expect that to happen, but before he could go after the enemy, a second blue being grabbed his head. Slamming him into the ground. Over and over. Frustated, he fought against the enemy's muscles, keeping himself in the air. Swinging his arm into his foe, he heard bones cracking. The being yelled in pain as he let go. Before the hero could attacked the being, it staggered backwards. When it fell, he tried to listen for a heartbeat. Only to hear none. Listening for the first being's heart, he heard nothing. Both threats were defeated. The military was coming back, reinforced, ready to renew the fight. Superman soared into the sky, not wanting to be close to those soldiers for another minute.
CCPD 5th Precinct, Central City, Kansas, United States of America
12:32 PM EST, June 5, 1992
The city has seen some great years. Crime down, tourism up, and string of Meta incidents. Granted that last one wasn't a plus, but life for Eddie Thawne hasn't been the same. Ever since STAR Labs Particle Accelerator Incident, the city was littered with them. Including him. Making his life interesting. He woke up to a different department. West was promoted, given the Precinct's Meta Unit, and even a few Metas were on their payroll. Many became super stars. Eddie included.
As he got the locker room, two boots were getting ready for their tour. When they saw him, instinctly whispered each other. The detective brushed it off. Unlocking his locker, finding his stupid uniform. A black suit with a white V-Line chest. A printed CCPD badge on the chest, with his number. STAR Labs made it for him to patrol the streets. It's because of him that a large amount of the gangs were disolved and people feel safe.
Looking at the suit, he thought of how stupid it was. It made him look like a clown. But it's the only thing that won't burn at God knows what speed. Sighing, he took it off the locker's hook. Using his super speed, he switched out his civies into the uniform. Before the two boots could think of anything, he marched out of the room. Crusing down the halls, entering the biggest and newest wing of the building. As he walked along the rows of desks, he heard Meta criminals slamming their powers at the power damping cells. Reaching his desk, he smiled. A nice little gift was wrapped on his desk. Turning around to see his girlfriend leaning on a desk.
"Happy birthday." Patty Spivot teased with a smirk, walking over.
"Hey you too." he said. They shared a gentle kissed as she wrapped her arms around him.
"Like the wrapping paper?" she asked and he grabbed the gift.
"Yeah, Flash wrapping paper. Real original." he said examing the paper decorated with a two-dee version of him.
"Aren't you going to open it?" she asked. As he unwrapped it, he saw what it was. A vintage wristwatch from 1913. He remembered looking at it a few weeks ago.
"How did you get this?"
"Oh, pulled a few overtime. Did a few favors for grandmama. Stuff like that."
"Well, I guess I'll make tonight rememberable." he said as they leaned for a kiss. But it is rare for him to have a good moment.
"Thawne! Military convoy is underattack on US-40! Off of Vicnent Bay Road!" West ordered.
"See you tonight." Eddie told Patty before racing out.
It took him seconds to reach the convoy. Humvees circled around cargo trucks firing their mounted guns. He met the soldiers trying to get a handle of the situation. Walking to a Captain, he counted the wounded. It was few, but rising. One dead. After a brief talk, he went to work. Racing through the field of flying bullets, he turned them down, missing the American soldiers. Getting to the gun men, he disarmed them. Breaking their guns, smashing their faces with the guns, and took them down. Only eight men, it was strange to him. They caused so much damage, despite the military firepower. Putting cuffs on them was quick. Looking around, he wondered how this happened.
M'arzz Orbit
3:04 PM EST, June 5, 1992
The stars dimmed in the everlasting darkness as Koa Seeha patroled his sector of space. For several years he has been on this beat. Catching pirates, smugglers, and warships. Just this week, he had to redirect four Ro warships. It's hard work, but was ten times better than being in Rhelasia. He had real food on Oa, time to himself, and free to see and go anywhere he wants to. It was all so liberating. But he had so much responsibilty. A fair trade.
Today he patroling in the Sol System, his home system. So far it appeared that no one was in the system aside from hummanity and the Martians. That is until he was above the red planet's south pole. A large warship jumped out of warping space. He sighed before racing to meet the hostile. Projectile a large Green Lantern Corp symbol infront of him. The ship launched rings around it's hull. Preparation for a battle.
"Attention warship. Under Oa Code Article eighteen, section six, this sector is off limits to galactic conflict. Redirect back to your sector or be destroyed." Koa ordered the warship. Instead it launched pods towards the planet. He raced towards them, firing blasts of energy at them. Several were destroyed before the warship opened fire. Creating a shield, he focused on destroying the pods it launched.
Destroying the last of the pods, he turn to the warship. He created a Jaydian Clolemol sword. Growing it, he swung as fighters were launched. The sword struck theship's portside, tearing off part of the ship. But the rings around it reformed, continueing blasting his direction. As the enemy fighters swarmed him, he created a bubble around him. Missiles and plasma rounds failed to penetrate it. Aiming at the fighters, he blasted them apart in the dogfight.
He was outnumbered, but his foe was annilated one by one. All while the warship limped away towards the outer region of the system. But it would take them too long. He projected a giant hand and grabbed the stern. The rings fired plasma blasts, forcing him to create a shield. He sped around to the ship's starboard side, blasting it with a projectied Barrion Energy Canon. The alien warship was being torn apart. Debris floated the empty space while M'arzz gravity pulled the ship remains.
The Green Lantern followed the ship as it burned up in the atmosphere. As it crashed into a crater above Ma'enalc'ance, he formed a Sitenkin Mk XX cannon around him arm. The ship was a burning wreck. As he scanned for lifeforms, he wondered who owned it. It was too advanced for the Ro Confederation. When he scan came back, there was only one faint lifeform. Flying down, he ripped open the metal. Searching for the lifeform. Reaching the alien, Koa grabbed him and blasted a way out.
Once they were out, the Lantern set the large blue invader on the Martian sand, projecting a bubble around them. The ring should make a sythentic atmosphere for the being. He had hoped to get some answers. To his surprise, it's wounds began to heal. Then the alien slapped the Lantern away. Destroying the air bubble. Regaining his balance, the Lantern looked to see metal crawling over the invader. Recreating the Sitenkin cannon, he opened fire as he flew closer.
The enemy metal formed plasma weapons on it's wrist. The Lantern created a shield on his other arm, blocking the blasts. They traded fire as the distance grew smaller. But when they were close enough, the alien activated jet boosters on it's back. Crashing into the Lantern. On the ground, he was able to make a sheild bubble before it could stomp on him. Metal began to form on the leg, creating rocket boosters. They ignited, pressing down on the shield. Koa put all of his will into the ring. Thinking quick, he created a fist outside the bubble. Sending it into the alien. Knocking it off of the bubble. Getting on his feet, the Lantern plunged a sword into the invader. It collapsed from the wound. Koa won this fight, but now he needs to find answers.
Florida Airspace, United States of America
9:55 PM EST, June 5, 1992
The sky was beautiful. The sunset was brighter than those of Thanagar, yet were so short. Shayera has lost her world, but she found a new home. It has flaws, yet she was able to adapt. Flying among the clouds, she listened to the police scanner. She has seen much suffering in her time on Earth and wanted to help. Like Superman. His past was lost. He had nothing. He choose to help his world. Make it better. She wanted to help as well. Now the people of Florida call her Hawkwoman.
Soaring through the night, she monitored the city. It's lights glimmer in the darkness. It was peaceful. That is until the police scanner erupted in chaos. Listening in, she feared the worse. A B-52 lost communication. Law enforcment was tasked with possible evacuation. She knew only on reason why there may be a evacuation. A nuclear threat. Gaining attitude, she searched for the strobe lights on the deadly bomber. Activating the atmosphere mask in her mask, she spotted the jet.
Flying right next to the cockpit, she spotted the five man crew. Nothing seemed wrong. But something seemed wrong. She tapped the glass, getting the attention of three of the crew. The navigator glared at her. Saying something to the pilots, the last two men looked confused. She was surprised when the navigator grabbed one of the crew member's neck. Snapping it like a twig. Then repeated the same with the second. The pilot banked the bomber hard. The engine intakes almost took her in. But she escaped as it increased in speed.
Gripping her mace, she followed, As she got to the bomber's wing, she slammed the nth weapon into the third engine. Metal torn apart as smoke trailed the bomber. She let the wind catch her wings, slicing the bomber's wing with the mace. When it began to spiral out of control, she raced for the fuselage. She grabbed the wingless side, leveling it out, gliding it down towards the ocean. The nuclear payload will not erase the city. When the jet crashed into the waves, she smashed open the cockpit. The three airmen surrendered without a fight. She kept them guard while police boats and the Coast Guard sailed toward them.
The British Museum, London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
12:13 AM EST, June 6, 1992
A young woman walked up the stairs of this grand museum. She was a woman of mystery and has lived many lives. From a artist to a builder. But she hasn't been a soldier for a long time. Recently, she has been archivist. Working to keep her people close to her. In Roomsixty-nine she can tell their story. How they lived and protected each other. How the gods protected them in most cases. When she arrived at the exhibit, her friend was there waiting.
"Hey there stranger." Diana greeted Barbara Minerva. The two hugged each other before the Africa exhibit archivist handed her a cup of coffee. "How your date go?"
"Oh rotten. Never date an banker. Self-absorbed." she joked and they both chuckled.
Before either could take a sip of the warm beverage, an explosion rocked the building. Dust fell and Diana gripped her friend, keeping them balance. They looked each other in the eye before the second wave of explosion sent the ceiling down, glass cases shattering, and before they knew it, the floor collapsed. They hit the ground floor hard, but Diana was able to take the hit. Barbara on the other hand, landed on her head, with a metal steel bar through her side.
Paniced, the Amazon rushed over, putting pressure on the wound. She silently prayed for Aceso to help heal the wound. But she had to remove the bar. She put one hand on her friend's shoulder while the other gripped the metal. Slowly and gently, she pulled it out. Once it was out, she smiled, seeing the gift of Aceso healing her friend. When she looked, a group of men marched in, spotting her. Their weapons were stange and unlike anything she has ever seen.
"Rik terk." one man said. Another raised the rifle, they fired a orange bolt. Faster than them, she blocked the bolt with her arm. It struck her bracelets, absorbing the blast. It shocked the men and a squad raised their rifles. Stepping over the fallen friend, Diana continued blocking the blasts. Surprising the men, they failed to kill her.
"Uik grenk. Stilx, Helt, oik nit." the first man ordered.
Three men ran, leaving eight to deal with her. She advanced forward blocking their bolts. Closing ground, she watched as they showed fear. Reaching them, she yanked the rifles from two men. Slamming the barrels into their faces. Turning she tossed third into two of his comrades. Facing the last three, a man tossed their rifle aside, raising their fist. As they threw a punch, she grabbed their arm and flipped them over. For a few moments, she felt like a soldier again. That was until a blue burr burst from one of the men. A punch sent her flying across the Great Court.
Crashing through a staircase and into a wall. Never in her life has she been hit that hard. Looking back, she saw a large blue creature marching over. Her suit was torn, revealing her Amazonian armor. She grabbed a broken stone, a weapon of desperation. She charged, tossing it at the creature's head. Only irritating it. It swung it's arm, but she slide down, knocking it's leg. Collapsing it over. Getting back up, the woman expected the creature to rise up. But it didn't. Strange.
Looking back she saw the rest of the men dropping their rifles. Not for surrender. More blue creatures came out of them. One charged and she slam her arms together. What she didn't expect was a burst of energy sending the creatures crashing through walls. Landing outside. Diana was surprised at what happened. Never in her life has this happened.
"Sork." a voice said behind her. Turning around she found the three men from before. Standing in shock. In their hand, they held a Egyptian amulet. A man pointed it towards her. A green light emitted from the amulet. A blast fired and she blocked it. But it launched her back. When she looked over, they were gone. Sirens echoed around the city. Diana stood up, thinking of what happened. It was beyond anything she has ever face.
White House, Washington, District of Columbia, United States of America
3:42 AM EST, June 6, 1992
A colonel walked down the halls of the building as he has done for years. But rarly at this time in the morning. He remembered only once. When the USSR was falling apart. Knowing that no one had the power to challenge the US, then something big must have happened. As he got closer to the Oval Office, Marines lined the halls. Something bad was happening. Secret Service agents let him inside where military brass, agency directors, and Department Secretaries. He saluted president George H. W. Bush.
"Colonel William McIntyre, sir." William greeted and the president gave him a salute
"Thank you for coming Colonel." Bush said, leaning forward on his desk. "We have a problem."
"What problem is that sir?"
"Four attacks in less than twenty-four hours." Secretary Dick Cheney said handing a file to the Meta. "Two nuclear."
Nuclear. That word nearly stopped the veteran's heart. The last time he heard that word in this room was ninety-one. Hearing it again was nerve racking. Looking in the file he began to fear. Twenty-two people were KIA. Near total nuclear war. His hands began to shake from reading the report. They were so close to losing everything.
"Colonel, you will take command of a task force. Your choice in men. The mission. Be ready to act. War is upon us." Bush said. The Meta nodded, knowing what was at stake.