[02.19: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[I'm walkin' on sunshine, wooh-oh, I'm walking on sunshine….]

"That was Batman!" Kara found herself babbling now that they were inside the mand centre?...above the centre of the arena area they seemed to be "He was a Vampire! We can't fight Batman! Especially not if he's a Vampire! Did…did…he KILL everyone here…"

Callum's hands came to rest on her shoulders "Kara, relax. We have this. Yes, that is Batman Vampire, Yes, there are bodies, but No, we are not helpless. You are a Kryptonian genius, I am a wizard with a bag full of weapons, and Deborah here is a powerful half-demon sorceress. We are currently in a magically, and physically, sealed room with plenty of air supply in our suits while we access the only working computers we've found, and try figure out what happened here"

That….didn't sound right "But...it's BATMAN Callum! We can't fight Batman! He's like….Batman!"

"Who was a normal human being whose intellect and sheer determination made him strong, also, the amazing power of lots of money. So, you can take him once we place protection from certain weaknesses on you, while I can wield anti-undead abilities, and Deborah can magically set him on fire. First though I need you to have a go at those computers over there whiles Crimson Crow stands guard, and I place further ritual protections in place for us in case he can do the vampire to mist transport thing"

Kara took a breath, feeling weird as always while being in the suit, and trying to get past Clark's 'If Batman is mind-controlled/mad at you, fly far-far away Kara!' warnings over the years. Yes…what Callum was saying made sense, but…BATMAN!. Everyone in the League knew about him and his ability to take down nearly anyone if he put his mind to it…and her was Dracula Batman, seeking her blood because that was what big stinky vampires did in the movies. When he probably had Vampire-Batman Kryptonite Fangs ready to go already!

'Okay…okay, you can do this Kara. Everybody is Dead world, now Vampire Batman Space Station…yeah, you can do this! You've got demon Zatanna and Callum's like a not-bald magical Lex. You can take'em Supergirl! You can do this, yeah!' she told herself, nodding and moving over to the faintly illuminated controls and keyboard beneath the flickering holographic screens "Sure thing Callum! You and Deborah make sure the the horror movie version of someone doesn't get us"

"Thank you Kara, your confidence is awe-inspiring"

She ignored her friend's bemused but faintly stressed comment as he slipped into chanting softly after his hand withdrew a book from his magical backpack while the Crimson Crow waved strange crimson tinged darkness over the walls and ceiling. Focusing on the task at hand, and trying to not think about the evil Batman hunting them outside with his undead buddies, she found her fingers dancing over the strangely human-like layout of the keyboard and tried to figure out what did what as the system responded. The system itself though…wasn't very human, well Earth-human that she knew anyway, as she settled into the task and found the system answering her initial commands.

'Weirdly easy' she thought as the screens clicked into…

Warning: Monarch Code 5442/B Violation – ACCESS DENIED*

"Spoke too soon" she muttered as the thing demanded a code that she didn't have. Apparently, despite being in English of all languages, the system didn't act like any Earth computers she'd dealt with, and was closer to Kyrptonian in power and computation ability. Letting out an annoyed hum she started to test out other commands based on what she could see on the screen, fingers moving faster than any humans so that she could crack access by simply trying multiple passwords. For a super-advanced computer whoever had built it had gone for the lowest common denominator in terms of the user interface…

'Oh, we've got super-duper quantum computers? Well, let's just put simple code blocks and passwords in place since we don't understand our own systems! Dumb!' Kara thought with a mixture of relief and irritation as she sank into the task at hand. Time was passing by in a blur as she started to grasp whoever did this had more hijacked, or simply plugged into, a more complex existing system that….in truth she couldn't follow, between the weird alien language and the nonsensical alerts that would activate, then deactivate, in conflict with the overlapping 'top' system.

…what she saw wasn't exactly great. Like, really horrible instead as she saw people…heroes…fighting and killing each other as Callum came up behind her and she started to go through the logs. It'd been years since the place had been active…ugh, well, it was still active of course, but, like, on an autopilot that went back years and years before whoever had been running the place last. Someone who called himself the super-unoriginal and pretentious name of The Monarch had been in charge here, doing his terrible, monstrous things, and Kara repressed the anger and disgust that rose up inside her as the data became clearer…

--

{Who you are in the dark….}

"…by someone called The Monarch, someone with a big ego right?" Kara was announcing as she brought up holographic images showing the layout of the Coliseum that this place was apparently, along with that of said supervillain. Ancient memories faintly stirred at that, but I was reasonably sure that particular being was dead if this place was so long abandoned, but that was irrelevant as myself and the Crimson Crow listened to Kara's detailing of the complex. Bad News; it as an ancient, abandoned space-station running on dumb AI while being filled with vampires and the Gods know what else.

The Good News at least was that place was still…somewhat…functional, and monstrous recent purpose aside, was able to get us to where we needed to easier than before. She didn't understand the Bleed-data sadly, and neither did I, but while the facility had various Bleed-diverts and blocks in place there was ways off of the place, as well as clearly ways forward into the 52. There were even ships, or potential shift-ships, that might be functional at the two repair/shipyards further into the station. All very well and good, but there was no termina access from where we were right now…

'And I'm loath to just leave an infestation like this on a multiversal link point like this place is' I though as Deborah asked Kara some questions based on the, fucking dreadful, films of fights between alternates of various unwilling heroes that'd been recorded. Recruit for his army my ass, the vicious bastard had been doing it to torture good people for his own sick amusement…

'Doesn't matter, he's not here, thank the Shrouded Lord' I thought focusing on the problems at hand; the vampires outside, and the fact were on what had probably been a Monitor facility, or something to that effect under The Monarch. Great in that access should be 'easier' from 'here', but also likely to be watched or viewed as potentially hostile by the Monitors should they still exist, or by the other various guardians of the DC Multi-verse. Hopefully not, but Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst and all that I found. So, first thing we needed to do was deal with the danger outside our doors.

We were safe here of course, between myself and Deborah's spell casting over the past two hours we were pretty secure, and with enough air and supplies for a good time. That wasn't going to fly of course, nor the plan of teleporting out to some distant corner of the station as Deborah had suggested in my view…so violence and killing seemed the best approach. No way was I trusting that Vampire Batman wouldn't figure out how we managed to get off the station given time and access to the security systems. And that was an intolerable potential end result in my humble opinion.

"We're going to have to clear out the infestation outside…" I stated calmly from where I sat in my meditative stance after a few minutes of silence on my part as Kara laid out what she'd figured out from the systems in this systems control room "…before we leave. This seems to be some sort of nexus location, and, well, I find there is a responsibility for us to deal with the situation as we have the power to fix it, and the next group might not be so lucky"

Deborah merely glanced at me "And we do not have the strength to defeat the creatures?"

Kara bit her lip at that, looking at the screens, then at me as I sighed "Then we retreat via teleportation as you suggested earlier. What we've seen so far indicates they are vampire humans in the majority, potentially great apes, but no super-powered ones from the looks of it"

"Batman Callum"

"Normal…well vampire…human, we can take him if don't allow him any reaction and prep-time" I replied calmly, really wishing I had access to little things like SHIELD's Omega Protocols. Kara was staring at me with disbelief, so I pressed on keeping my body and mind calm and truthful "I said it earlier, you are a Kryptonian, we are magic-users. We will empower you that if he can think, and has Kryptonite, or Red Sun blasters, or whatever, with our shield spells so they don't work. As a cohesive unit we can take him and the vampire soldiers down hard and fast"

Kara shook her head "I can fight him Callum, but I can't…you know…it's…Batman"

I nodded "I can and will though, he's already dead Kara. We're delivering a mercy kill and ending his suffering before it can threaten to spread. Of the three of us only you can afford to get in close to him"

"Truly?"

I nodded at Deborah "Yes. I'm a trained fighter, but he'd stomp me in hand to hand with enhanced vampire powers, even with my magic. Same for you, he'd get in close and neutralise you. Kara, you have the physical strength and speed to simply overwhelm him, for me or Deborah to deal with him with magic, or with the blessed stake-set we have for Sunnydale. Remove him from the field we can deal with the other ones immediately afterwards. If we fail…we withdraw, and make for the docking sections"

"Agreed" the Crimson Crow agreed immediately ,while Kara looked at the computers, then at me for a silent few seconds before eventually nodding.

"Yeah…agreed, we can do this"

I nodded, standing up and stretching "Okay then. Crimson Crow; I need defensive spells on all three of us by you, and I will do the same, but you'll be full magical support. Supergirl you are going to be our heavy, our vanguard….and I…well, it's time you met Enchanter. As I'm our secondary melee, second line of defence and offence, and I'll maintain a Battle Meditation on the three of us…"

--

[02.20: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[Move like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can't hit what the eyes can't see…]

"Okay. You were Skull-faced Batman. Edgy"

I attempted to ignore Kara as she made 'shooting' motions at me with her fingers as I cast my protection spells and took on the appearance of Other-Me, of SHIELD's Enchanter. My fighting style had started to change after my…birth….but right now we needed a secondary fighter-mage, close in and aggressive rather than with illusions and distractions. It was a temporary, knock-off, skull face plate and combat armour I'd…Other-Me…had used, but it should be enough for the here and now as I ensured each weapon was in easy reach as I moved. All while failing not to retort at Supergirl…

"Yes, thank you Kara. Some of us tried for intimidation rather than having the looks to pull off the mini-skirt and cloak look"

She laughed, the tension and stress going out of her voice over the comms a little for a moment "Heh! Your right there buster! Though you in a mini-skirt…heh, heh, heh…."

"Uh-huh, now, mission time ladies" I responded as the Crimson Crow stood quietly and brought out my spell-book and began to start the Prayer part of the Battle Meditation as Kara nodded her assent as the screens showed where the targets were in the Area outside. I'd drawn out Helena Wayne's small crossbow and loaded it with the blessed wooden stakes we'd prepared for the Buffy-verse, just like I'd loaded my Old West style revolver with anti-undead rounds and put protective wards on all of us. Crimson Crow's protections then covered those like a shadowy sheen on our bodies, while as I completed the last steps and linked us all up.

Protection upon Protection, Power upon Power;- that was the only way to go in a situation like this as we were facing a potential threat like this. Hopefully it was overkill, but better that than not enough, and like a blur, Kara was in motion through the opening doorways, our minds singing a unity of three. In many way, so many ways, it was ridiculous the sheer power in that petite blonde frame as she flew fists forward to smash through a sealed doorway with ease. Vampire Batman was beyond, through a metal bulkhead according to the images on the screens behind us, the Crimson Crow's scrying, and the Detect Undeath I'd cast on the three of us…and Kara smashed through behind him faster than a human being could react…

A normal human being, but a vampire had superhuman reaction times, and Vampire Batman even managed to swing an elbow strike into Kara's chest moments after she smashed through the wall behind him. It was a pointless effort as her body was harder than diamond, the elbow bouncing off just as the force of her blow sent him flying across the room to smash into the opposite wall. Even as this occurred the Crimson Crow's magic was activating, two portals tearing a bridge between distance and time as we two exited the control centre and re-emerged to either side of Kara. My crossbow holding arm was already up and firing with unnatural speed and accuracy…

Only to bury itself in the blocking arm of the vampire former hero as he somehow blocked, moving out of the dent he'd made in the metalwork and hissing in pain as he moved. We gave him no time to continue into the roll and movement, free hand grabbing for batarngs or something else in a tattered utility belt; Crimson Crow's unholy fires lashing out, barely dodged somehow yet still burning his left leg badly. That slowed him, time moving at a crawl as other undead approached like they were moving through molasses to our enhanced senses as Kara shot forward again, foot digging into the metal as she flew forward.

I was moving, as was Crimson Crow, one hand reloading as shadows rose in a shell and cut off Batman's escape moments before Kara hammered into his hissing human form and slammed one, then two, blows into his wing body before throwing him…

Right into my crossbow bolt that slammed into where his heart should be with a sickening crunch. Even as he began to burn and disintegrate…Crimson Crow slammed a mystic circle, a burning red symbol of runes and sigils I barely recognised, into his back, driving the dying undead downwards. My Blessings hit the ashes that had been the immediate threat just as Kara ripped a great metal box off the walls and smashed it down unto two vampires that came, slowly, shrieking out of the darkness. Crimson Crow was moving too, fires and shadows flinging and roaring as moved up into a run, free hand drawing my sword-cane forth…

Then slashing through the neck of the nearest mindless vampire in one swift slice, my body already moving as Kara's eyes and ears picked out another target. We were one and whole, actions and reactions faster and more deadly to the things coming forth from the darkness to attack us. Magic trapped and blocked, while my blade swung and slashed amidst the physical Goddess that was the Kryptonian member of our triangle. No weapon of the foe could harm her, no strength could match hers, not with our strength and aggression added to hers, not with her weaknesses covered….

…not as they were….

…..No….

…We were the better killers, the more dangerous monsters…

…and so they died before us. May the Gods have mercy on their souls…

--

{The Hunters at rest after hours at Work…}

I was exhausted, though thankfully not to the level of causing myself harm as I kept my magic use controlled, more organised, and personal combat orientated. Killing the vampires had been surprisingly anti-climatic considering our build up to it, though Kara….Kara was clearly bothered by it. It was easy to tell as she sat despondently, though trying to hide it, as we sat within our new base camp in what was the docking bay of this station within the Bleed. Though Docking District was a more accurate term as this place was enormous, an empty city within an empty metropolis, the gears still moving because of automation…but no one actually running the show.

Our current location…seemed…to be the control tower for this particular area, power being on for one, and hologram interfaces setup for another. Still it was hard to tell, but it was a worry for now as we'd setup shop in what….was probably…a staff room of some sort as there were hardened, clear, windows overlooking the ruined looking buildings. Or maybe decayed, or being rebuilt; I was starting to wonder was it just automated processes working towards bare minimum activity due to system capabilities rather than active sabotage. Ideally, as I spooned some soup into the bowl from the camping equipment we'd setup, I wondered why such a large facility, and why abandon it so The Monarch could just move his army in?

"Hey there…" I asked Kara coming over to her with three bowls, offering her the one as she sat on the folding chair, arms on the metal table looking miserable "…something to fill that hungry stomachs. Deborah, come join us?"

Both me and the Crimson Crow had spent an hour or more placing the needed protections on, larger than last time, campsite consisting of the 'control room' and 'overlook' while Kara had setup the camping equipment stored in the Trader's Packs. It was also good to be out of the hazmat suits, which were recharging over the corner from the mobile generator powering our equipment. Till we figured out what to do…ie getting on one of those ships that looked to be docked with the space station, or were moving out in the Bleed itself, doing…something?

Kara gave me a tired smile taking one of the bowls of plate as Deborah looked up from where she was hovering in her meditative pose "Thank you Callum…its yeah…"

"How you holding up?" I asked placing a hand on her shoulder, and I'd have given a squeeze if not for skin of steel beneath, as I moved to grab some drinks from the box on the floor beside the table "I know it's…"

"It's okay Callum, just…we..." she waved her hand in the air, hovering up a fraction in a sitting position instead of sitting on the chair like a normal person "…you know. It's just…is nothing good outside? Why is everything…terrible?"

"I'll say it's not Kara, there's good and bad, and we've just be unfortunate to see the bad more than the good right now. We ended their suffering, don't think otherwise"

"Indeed Supergirl…" said the other hovering wonder as the Crimson Crow came over in her swimsuit-fishnets combo, sans the hooded cloak for once, standing in the air now instead of hovering cross legged "…our friend here is correct. We could feel their savagery, and suffering, and it had to be dealt with or risk such darkness spreading to other dimensions. You have done good this day my friend, even if it is unpleasant. The sad duty of a hero"

Kara let out a breath "Thank you. It's just…we killed Batman, and I *know* it's not my Batman…but…"

She chuckled "Heh, how to explain this when I get home? Hey guys, just back! Did you know our world is, likely, totally a comic? And there's a dead world? Oh, and I helped kill Batman because he was a vampire!"

I patted her shoulders and she glanced up at me, then smiled tiredly "Come'on don't get down, we did what had to be done, and now we rest before we figure out. Eat your soup, relax, and have a drink. I think we're getting closer to get you home, and then you can worry about such things Kara"

"Hmm….we'll talk later Callum…" she murmured, hand coming up and shoving around to the table "…but now…"

She grinned "Let's eat. I'm hungry, and dirty, and tired, so let's get this eaten before it gets cold…"

--

{ALERT!}

[Code/Nish/Dal/Nil-Alert!]

{ALERT!}

[……system reactivation in progress]

[Dimensional Breaches Detected – System Boot Interrupted….]

[Warning;- Enemy classified as /MONARCH/ATOM/ALTERNATE/ Facility Operational…]

[Warning;- Last System Update….Data Corrupted…]

{ALERT! Unable to Contact Nil – Diverting system power…}

{ALERT! Unable to Contact Monitor Control Stations….}

{ALERT! Unable to Contact Harbinger…}

[Warning! Harbinger Home Dimension Unreachable…Update – Dimension Destroyed…]

[WARNING! Multiversal Change Detected! Attempting to Contact Nil…]

{ALERT!}

/ERROR/ NIL UNREACHABLE /ERROR/

{ALERT! Unknown System Drive Activation Detected! External Bleed Breach in Progress!}

/ERROR/ SYSTEM DRIVE DAMAGED /ERROR/

/ERROR/ MULTIVERSE MAPPING INACCURATE /ERROR/

[System Drive Reactivation….mapping in progress….]

/ERROR/ SYSTEM DRIVE DAMAGED /ERROR/

[Secondary Drive Reactivation….mapping in progress…]

[Warning! Unknown Planar Breach Energy Override Detected….]

{ALERT! Secondary Defence Grid Reactivating}

[Warning! Unknown Planar Energy Override Detected….Data Corrupted….]

[….Secondary Mapping….Scanning….Scanning…./DESTROYER-CLASS SHIFT-SHIP ACTIVATION DETECTED]

{ALERT! DATA CORRUPTION ON BLEED LINK WITH NIL}

[Destroyer-class Vessel 456/T/E-23 Operational Report Received – Minimal Operations Capacity 24%]

{ALERT! Destroyer-class Vessel 456/T/E-23 Operational - classified as /MONARCH/ATOM/ALTERNATE}

[System Update – Report to Nil]

{ALERT! Unable to Contact Nil…}

{ALERT! Unable to Contact Monitor Control Stations….}

{ALERT! Unable to Contact Harbinger…}

[Warning:- Secondary Activation Unknown Planar Energy]

[Mapping in progress….System Parameters Updated…]

[Warning;- System Update Indicates Multiversal Adjustment….]

[Updating…..Updating…..Updating…]

/ERROR/ SYSTEM DRIVE DAMAGED /ERROR/

[Tertiary Drive Update – Analysis Complete….]

[…………………..]

[Projected Failure Monitor Multiversal Defences Estimated at 84.42%...]

[CODE/WALL/52/X-8/NIL/OA/NIL]

[System Updating….Searching for Secondary Monitor facilities….]

[System Detected – Warning Dispatched….]

--

[02.21: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[Can we fix it? Yes We Can!]

--

[Trader's Journal: Day: 367]

[Current Dimension]

Somewhere in the Bleed itself, a Monitor Space Station

[Current Location]

Aboard a shift-ship;- soon to be ours.

[Current Cash Reserves]

1,000 US Silver Dollars [Quinn's Earth[High Quality]

500 Gold Dollars [DC-verse, Exp-01[United States of America[High Quality]

1,000 Septims [Low-Quality gold-mix]

1,628 United States Dollars [Earth-04, Chain-2091, German-ruled Earth]

2,621 [US Provisional Government, Earth-01, Chain-2091, German-ruled Earth]

[Recent Trades – Salvage only]

Does a Ship count? It's not gone into the Packs of course, as we're trying to get her up and running

37 X Large Crates of {various} electronics and other parts from the station

6 X Large Crates of {various} combat armour, varying condition

4 X Large Crates of {various} weapons and other handheld gear

4 X Computer Cores of Monitor design – inert, damaged.

[Diary Entry]

Long, dreary, lonely days in the dark of this space-station and trying to get this ship up and run; that's basically been the past two weeks. Kara, at least, has gotten over her depressed stage from the bodies, and killing vampires, one of them Batman, but we're all tired and stressed. The one real positive so far, even if we're all getting a bit tired of the isolation, has been we're making progress on getting this vessel operational, along with liveable in this part at least. User friendly perhaps, but this place is running on auto-pilot, for a long time at that, and it's been a struggle to getting things functional to the level we can leave, and get Kara home. It seems I'm getting ahead of myself, rambling perhaps from all the dreariness that is the atmosphere of this place maybe?

Yeah, been a few days since did some writing so, yeah, explanations are in order after the whole Batman trauma. See, that got Kara all down, and the fact it has just been the three of us with no other interaction, didn't help as she got pretty snappy at me and Deborah for a few days, then very mopey a few days ago. Thankfully, after a long talk, she's cheered up somewhat and the fact she's making progress on the computer systems and drive activation has helped too. See, after the big fight, anti-climatic that it was, we relocated to the Docks and got into a rather busy loop of searching for information on the multi-verse, and on the station itself.

Honest answer is we didn't get very far on the 'where we are' beyond a former base of operations for The Monarch in his failed war against the Monitors. Oh, and that it's deep in the Bleed of course. Whole place is still 'mining' or whatever its doing, as there's ships in motion around the station, and it's a massive station at that, keeping the place running. Now, some of these are BIG ships, though there all rather large for what I expected really – as in the Tankers as their called are MILES by MILES in size.

Even the smallest 'Explorer' and 'Repairer' tugs/vessels out there are big as galleons from sailing ship times, and that's a major problem as, again, ships are BIG. The current one we're on, and repairing, is 'small' by standards of the Tankers outside, but it's still like cruiser sized by twentieth-century naval sizes. Technically its down as 'Destroyer' per the Monitor records, and a 'Hunter/Killer' by those of The Monarch's forces – or maybe Assault ship?

Whatever, we searched through the data-bases and this flying brick with engines tacked on along with tiny, ugly, wings was the one with;

[a] a functioning Bleed drive, with access codes unlocked

{b} a functioning 'mapping' system as it's navigating the Bleed

[c] basic, albeit really basic due to damage and stripping years ago, defensive weapons

[d] a functional FTL/STL system for movement in real-space

[e] the optical cloak works

Now, that's basically all it has, and its running on dregs according to the systems – not surprising since it's four and a half decks of dust, garbage, open/inactive circuitry, and a whole host of other things indicating the vessel was under repair/being stripped before everything ended here. That status though seems to have kept it off the 'mine/patrol/etc' routines and merely kept on a 'maintenance' command along with two other, exploration, vessels as a reserve. There were more at the start I think, but the functional ships were taken for the fighting, or if the place was evacuated, so it's just this one and the AI ones left these days.

So, we've setup up shop on a big, empty, warship that can't really fight anymore, has been abandoned for several years, and requires an enormous amount of work. Yay us I suppose, but enough of the vessel is functioning to travel at some stage. I suspect, and Kara agrees, that it's down to the fact the Monitors were few in number and just expected to make use of these vessels on a lone commander basis, with the space being used for labs, or putting passengers in maybe. Or holding cells, who knows really, all I know for sure is it's a big place and if we can get it running it's out new trade-ship amongst the stars. After a pretty major investment of resources probably though…

That I'll worry about later, it just has to get functional enough, and me, Kara, and Deborah, have enough knowledge to use that functionality to get us from A to B. Which in this case is to get to her home dimension by getting the scanners working to identify her home dimension, travel to it, and then enable us [me ideally by magic] to get us back to Home Base. Something that seems to be achievable, as this part of an invasion fleet once upon a time, and we've worked tirelessly to scavenge what we can from around the Docks, while sweeping the ship to ensure its clear of any dangers. That's three sweeps so far, and it's sort of depressing to see the state of the place – back to base building I guess?

Deborah, the Crimson Crow, is handling the situation well enough, though equally eager to get going at this stage same as me and Kara. Between myself and her we've put up enough defences that I feel confident we've a secure living area in the 'bridge' of the ship and adjacent empty room. I think it was probably the living quarters for the Monitor should they use the vessel, but that's based on the indents and layout as the room is completely empty. Honestly, it's living in a computer repair shop right now with parts strewn about everywhere, and cables leading into more cables, that lead into the laptops and the original systems. Never doubt what magic and a Kryptonian computer girl can do!

--

Trader's Journal: Day: 370]

[Current Dimension]

Monitor Space Station in the Bleed

[Current Location]

Our New Ship

[Current Cash Reserves]

1,000 US Silver Dollars [Quinn's Earth[High Quality]

500 Gold Dollars [DC-verse, Exp-01[United States of America[High Quality]

1,000 Septims [Low-Quality gold-mix]

1,628 United States Dollars [Earth-04, Chain-2091, German-ruled Earth]

2,621 [US Provisional Government, Earth-01, Chain-2091, German-ruled Earth]

[Recent Trades]

N/A

[Diary Entry]

Successful drive test! Boom!

We are operational, and so is the system virtual assistant. It was probably an AI at one stage, but The Monarch's Army was pretty much using human analogues so that original system is long gone. Doesn't matter, it's been easier to 'hack' and 'patch' the Monarch's systems into our own, and work my magic Planar abilities into it to a temporary pseudo-spelljammer if needed. Currently we are unmoored from our giant-ass space-station dock and are managing to maintain position with minimal power – assuming all stays good we are initiating a Bleed-drive activation to Kara's dimension in a few hours.

Or, well, travelling to a point laid out by the sensor mapping of the ship and then breaching the Bleed at that point to access that particular Earth. Sadly no time for partying, not with needing to keep the mind focused in a few hours, so I figured to do some writing and then spell study before we do. Helps with stress relief, same as Deborah's meditation and Kara playing video games when one of us isn't monitoring the system for any status changes – currently Deborah right now. The other positive is that we can actually use the basic CWS equivalent with a few commands, so the ship isn't *completely* helpless in the fact of Bleed predators or the like.

Progress! At long last!

Our flying quasi-brick is online, hurrah! Next stop the right Earth hopefully!

Beyond that, honestly, Kara, I'm going to miss her, and she's been beyond a help so I'm going to do whatever I can to reward her for all her efforts helping us out. It'll be good for her to get home, especially after everything we've seen and she's run into recently. I know she's 'enjoying' it to use her words, but she was hurt over the Batman thing especially as she's not the type to 'need a hug' while trying not to cry. Friends and family, that'll help, and disappoints me that I don't have that. But, can't let jealous lay claim, one must life and hope of a better future, and then build it with your own hands.

It's one of those things, you're on the verge of it and suddenly realise you don't know what you're going to do after you cross that bridge. Well, I do, but it's been near a year now, and she and Quinn have been my team, and here we are mission successful. Not sure I'll want to stay long, now I think about it, see all those familiar faces that don't know who I am, nor look the same either by what Kara's told me of a few of them. All I know is to avoid Batman, let Supergirl do the talking, and hopefully at the end of it maybe do some trading with a future market being established. One can hope so anyway, even if I'm planning for the worst as best I can with the resources available.

Deborah, of course, is likely going to seek allies for her Justice Alliance's plan to face down The Fraternity, but I've no issue with that, good for her if she succeeds. No, it's going to be getting this bucket of bolts here and there, then 'home', without my tech-genius [or at least the friendlier, non-mad scientist one] on hand to help me do so. Anyway, onwards and upwards, as they say, the clock is ticking down and it's almost time to get this show on the road again. So, time to put down the pen and see about the next leg of this journey by driving this shift-ship like a drunken sailor!

--

[02.22: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[Slow and steady wins the race….since there's only one racer right now]

Piloting a jury-rigged mechanical spell-jammer was not the easiest task in the multi-verse even with Kara's slaving the ships systems to our more known computers. I'd linked in a ritual circle to my Celestial Etherscope, and that was my current contribution to 'guiding' the vessel as Deborah lent me her strength and Kara used the computers that linked into the ships systems. All around us old fashioned computer screens mixed with futuristic holographic ones to display images of the Bleed outside alongside a 'Multi-versal Map' of sorts in a 3D display.

We'd been on the move for several hours now, Bleed-drive running a safely low level as the systems sensors led us towards Kara's home dimension. Earth-12 apparently, according to the classifications that the old Monitor systems were calling it…or the 'old' Earth-12 more accurately, as there was apparently a 'Multiversal Disaster' since the place went down initially. So, in some ways, it was a good thing as we weren't trying to breach the Source directly, nor risking a clash with…whoever was guarding the 'precious jewels' of the New 52. It was actually quite….disturbing…to see the 'wreckage' of the 'multi-verse' around that series of dimensions; like the shrunken remnants of the Roman Empire in a universal manner.

What's worse there 'predators' out there in the void between dimensions, as the Bleed was very much alive in itself. Just like the Phlogiston was alive and inhabited in the multiverse between the spheres beyond Faerun and other such realms of magic and sorcery. And, just like that void, the Bleed had to be navigated very carefully, even if we were doing so like drunken sailors, and right now I was increasingly glad of the 'passive stealth' systems on the 'Destroyer-class' vessel functioning. Abandoned defence platforms from a previous time pinged at the edge of sensor range, and the remaining automatic navi-systems guiding us around 'dangerous zones' of some sort.

"Bleed Breach Point in Three Standard Earth Minutes" the system chimed softly in a robotic voice and nodded at Kara's look as Deborah settled into a seat on the secondary computer setup with a thumbs up gesture. I breathed in, then out, as I rested my hands on my knees in my meditative pose, closing my eyes and submerging myself 'into' the ship and sensors like a second consciousness. Reality became…strange…to my senses as I extended my consciousness to 'fill in' the 'gaps' that a Monitor or one of The Monarch's senior soldiers would have filled. Albeit they'd have done so on 'natural' or technological basis versus my own my arcane one, but it fulfilled the purpose as the empty vessel shuddered ever so faintly.

Reaching out through the Amulet of the Planes and Celestial Etherscope I joined with the sensor suite of the vessel, searching, seeking, through the void between dimensions for the appropriate breach point. Magic 'filled gaps' well compared to pure technological dimensional technology as my mind sought out 'safer' emergence areas subconsciously. The key here was not to be a 'threat' to the dimension beyond, as 'dangers' were natural rejected or resisted by dimensional defences, or simply the natural process of a realm pushing back on foreign factors. We were much bigger now, but the breach would be for a shorter period and…

'There…amusing really' I thought as our ship hurtled forward and the Bleed-drive activated at a higher level for the briefest of moments. Engines flared as we exited the strange crimson emptiness of the Bleed into the bright sunshine and blue seas of the Bermuda Triangle by all sensor reports. Gravity kicked in, ship power being redirected as the vessel shuddered a moment as reality reset, the dimensional breach sealing as our cloak continued without problem. I winced slightly as the unfamiliarly caught me, like getting your fingers caught closing the door, but it was nothing serious as our ship hovered forward above the waves…before slowly starting to rise up into the air a few hundred metres.

"And we're through…" I stated without opening my eyes as I 'guided' the ship and watched that our arcane and technological cloak and systems stayed operational "…want to start checking the local airwaves and such?"

"On it Callum…" Kara replied seriously, but voice underlined with excitement and relief "…checking, and don't worry, I won't trying dialling up straight away. Don't want it if the things wrong and this is like Justice Lord Earth or something!"

"Indeed…" Deborah hummed softly murmured decked out in her Crimson Crow outfit the same as Kara had adopted the white-red-blue Supergirl 'uniform' we'd bought in Sigil "…though let us be cautiously optimistic in the task"

I remained silent at that, listening as news stations started to show up on the screens thanks to Kara's hands moving over the keyboards in front of her. The Justice League existed at least it seemed as the ship rose up further into the atmosphere, systems identifying us as near to the Florida keys, to gain better 'visibility' on the world around us. Not too high of course as to emerge into commercial air-lanes, but enough to be well above sea level. There was a tanker miles distant, and more and more signals of nearby civilization coming through to our floating shift-ship to show up on the screens as news channels, or as a radar-like map of the area.

"This is…" Kara started to say, then taking a breath "…home, I, um, can open my FriendBox profile, and it's….mine, and empty…since I…got, whatever happened to us"

'Well that's one way to check I suppose' I thought then resisted a groan "Good to hear, but you probably best send a signal then as I'm fairly sure the Justice League, or Batman at the very least, monitors thinks like that as a matter of course. So, piggy-back a signal or whatever and send a nice message saying we're all Super Friends here, and not evil supervillain invaders trying to hack Justice League members personal accounts"

"Okay, uhh…Batman just sent me a FriendBox message"

I sighed "Well, that can't be good"

Kara chuckled awkwardly "He's uhh….not, ugh, totally threatening me with….bad things…"

"Yeah, umm….best send him a message saying who you are, and you're back, and please don't attack us on sight Justice League people" I replied with a less awkward chuckle. Seemed we couldn't even go twenty gods-damned minutes without giving away our arrival into this dimension, and here we were in a place I'd rather have played it nice and safe. So I mentally grumbled to myself as I opened my eyes, Kara bringing up a copy of her hurriedly type reply to the person who clearly had too much time and paranoia to monitoring a girl's not-Facebook on the chance…

'Oh, who am I kidding? I'd do that shit as well if I were Batman living on this deathworld' I thought shaking my head as Kara took charge and agreed to a meet up unprompted. Not that I'd argue against as it was her Earth and her family, friends, and co-workers, so I stayed quiet and instead helped raise the ship up into space as we were directed towards the 'secret' Watchtower. In the end it was my best chance of having a friend interaction, get Kara back to her family, then…get on my merry way back to Home Base and see about getting the equipment they needed.

'Bright side…ship's actually managing to do it all these things were asking of it' I noted as a flying Kryptonian brick decided to fly along out ship all off a sudden to the excitement of Kara. Understandable of course, but I resisted grumbling at overly trusting travel companions as we rose out of the atmosphere towards the empty void of space as a Lantern joined escort duty alongside some Javelins as Kara spoke over the comms to her cousin. Thankfully even in their reduced state the sensors easily picked up the Watchtower as we did so, but just on the off chance I began preparing escape spells should I have to up and run.

"Yeah, evil goatee Lantern is still there"

"Lantern Stewart is not evil, no matter what Quinn says about goatees" Kara replied to my amused statement as images of our 'escort' came into view on the screens "…and, Callum, be nice. Please be nice"

"Hey, I'm a very nice person"

Kara snorted "Yes, you are…but opinionated too"

"I have many opinions, yes"

"Uh-huh, that's…kinda the problem when you tell people you don't like them" she replied glaring at me as I smiled back at her "…be nice Callum, friendly and not plotting to overthrow governments and other supervillain stuff"

I frowned at her in false confusion "Hey, I can't promise that…"

"Hnnnnnnnn"

"Hey, don't grumble at me!" I replied in amusement as we neared our potential doom, or simply the next port of call before heading home "See, I got you home now didn't I?"

Her face soften, a smile forming "Yes, you did…now behave"

"Children…" Deborah murmured in amusement from her desk as the space station neared "…I do believe we are arriving and are about to be greeted, so perhaps focusing on the task at hand, rather than bickering and…chatting…would be for the best?"

"Yeah, I suppose…" I muttered submerging myself back into the magic and closing my eyes as we were guided into towards a docking back "…let's make sure we don't make a mistake on this part at least. I'm sure the League would be annoyed if we wrecked an airlock by failing to link up correctly"

After all…we were exactly a professional outfit used to the ship, and we, all three of us, turned our attention to the task at hand as I listened to Kara talk to her cousin to convince him that, yes, it really was her. My own focus was more on the 'not accidently ramming Justice League headquarters' of course, along with if Superman turned evil and attacked us or something like that. One could never be a hundred percent on those things, and Kara's mind {as was Deborah's}, was elsewhere now that a reunion was moments away.

Thankfully we linked up without effort and, paranoia or no, I soon found myself descending a floor to where the ship had linked up, airlock to airlock, to the floating space-station. Kara hovered on ahead as I walked, my walking-cane tapping softly off the floors as we moved, then stood waiting at the doorway as the air-lock clicked and began to unlock. Seemed we got the full member welcoming party, with Superman back inside as he, and Kara flew to meet each other in a bear hug while I gave an amused smile. Good sign I supposed as the awkward moment stretched on and I found myself staring at the Founders of this worlds Justice League with Deborah at my side, then giving them a friendly wave and a smile. Kara had said to be 'nice' after all…

--

[02.23: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[Howdilly doodilly dimensionally adjacent neighborino…]

'Divide and conquer strategy eh?' I mused to myself silently as Kara basically introduced us, then eagerly went away with her superpowered cousin after stating that Deborah, the Crimson Crow wished to ask the Justice League for help. Not the most helpful on Kara's part as it was happily, for the Justice League, allowing them to separate the three of us to ask questions independent of each other. Sadly I couldn't really argue against her, and Deborah, so I merely smiled on in a friendly manner, Arcanely Locked the door to shift-ship, and allowed myself to be led to 'canteen' to have something to eat.

'Not that I can blame either, they have their own goals after all and, truth be told, it's the easiest way to get on the locals good side' I reminded myself feeling the odd one out, but refusing to show it as I strolled forward towards my escort of sorts, giving a wave and smile, with my walking cane tapping off the metal floor softly with each step "Well hello there! Seems you fine folks are here guide me to my lunch, and ensure I stay on my best behaviour! So, nice to meet you all, Callum's the name, magic's the game! Also trading, I do that too"

Nabu was here, I could feel it faintly, but right now it seemed I'd got Fire and Steel to serve in the 'watching' role, though the Brazilian was not on fire with her green flames, even if robot-man had a sledgehammer slung across his shoulder. Big fella he was too, but I ignored that whole towering over me part as the Brazilian woman offered a hand and being very energetically friendly Then again she was Brazilian Military Intelligence, at least in my…Other-Me's world, so best be on guard I reminded myself as she spoke "Oh, hello! I am Fire, and this is Steel! Thank you for bringing back the Supergirl! Everyone will be very happy when they hear"

"Yeah, it is a big relief to see our girl back…" Steel interject, not shaking my hand due to probably being afraid of crushing them with his robo-hands or something, and instead waving us forward as doors open before me, leading into more metal corridor. Seemed they had the same Wayne Industries designer in this universe as in Other-Me's one, though the Watchtower had actual support staff here "…after she vanished like that. We've been searching hard for her, and here she is, flying home in a spaceship"

"Technically it's an inter-dimensional shift-ship" I replied cheerfully as we passed some curious looking staff in purple uniforms "…all up and running thanks to our merry Kryptonian technical genius"

"Supergirl?"

I resisted a frown at the surprised tone, instead nodding as I was led into the…mostly empty, very large, canteen area of the Watchtower "Of course, Krypton was an advanced technological, albeit xenophobic, civilization, so much more advanced than Earth, it's like going back in time to the middle ages I imagine. She certainly is better with electronics and alien-tech than I am after all. Now...time for my meal it seems, before Batman comes to demand unsatisfying answers to paranoid questions"

"You say that like you've experienced it?"

I shrugged at Steel's reply as I took the lead and strolled up to the fancy looking counter, with actual chefs behind it. Would wonders never cease with this Justice League? "Eh, Bat-glared before…technically he was in charge of missions when I was on the team…well, till I was kicked off anyway…and then I was liaison and he was always kept glaring at me…" I rubbed my chin thinking "…though I'm not sure he ever truly stops glaring or scowling at everyone. Least it was in my universe…"

I smiled at man behind the counter, pointing at my choice "I'd like the lasagne please, with the salad, oh, and some chips too. Bills on my friends here"

Then walked away whistling softly to myself, large to avoid the immediate questions that'd likely come back while I played the whole friendly and chatty thing up a little as Fire came up behind me "Hey, did I arrive during night shift or something? Very empty looking place right now, or did my humble presence cause a mass evacuation? Cuz I can assure you, I don't smell that bad"

"Uuuu?" came the confused reply from the Brazilian woman before she blinked "Oh, it is just…bad time, everyone sleeps or on missions! Batman called them back to see Supergirl just before you arrive! And not be silly, you are a little cutie and do not small bad!"

I smiled at her warmly as I took a seat "Oh, thank you kindly Miss Fire, and you're not exactly unpleasant on the eyes either my dear. Certainly more pleasant than others I can imagine when I arrive in a new dimension, and you're even treating me to a meal…already a positive experience. Why, I'll give it an A plus on hospitality here and now"

Fire blinked at me in confusion again, then laughed a befuddled and bemused laugh as I looked down and took the cutlery into my hands. Steel came lumbering over a moment later, glancing at the giggling Fire as she sat down across from me, before shaking his metal head in confusion perhaps. It was a better situation than I'd expected, stuck in a room with Captain Brooding and Paranoia, and I suspected it wouldn't be too long till Kara mentioned certain things and panic buttons were pressed and I'd have to negotiate properly. So I reached into my shrunken Trader's Pack, pulling out three bottles of ale…

Offering the other two to 'escorts' as they looked at me seeming to make bottles appear from thin air "Drink? I can do wine or mead, or something else if you want?"

"No, I'll pass…" Steel replied immediately as Fire butted in, clapping gloved hands together…

"Ohhhh, this is much better than Zatanna's rabbit from hat magic! Can you make the wine, I like red?"

Steel just looked at her as I put back the two spare bottles, rummaging around and summoning a bottle of the red from within to my hand, then drawing it out of its astral storage along with a glass "Taa-daa, it's…hmm, a lovely Red from the glorious Republic of California, quite nice actually. On ya' go, have a drink and see what you think"

"I can't believe….Batman will be so mad…" Steel was muttered hand up to his face as Fire did exactly as I suggested while started to get something into my stomach "…procedures for a reason!"

"2034? You are from future!" Fire gasped after sipping down some of the red, then drinking it down, before looking at the bottle. I shook my head looking up from my meal.

"Nah, parallel dimension running further ahead in their timeline than here, or my Earth was. No meta-humans either though, and magic works only at a reduced level, so not like here. No United States either, but, eh, nice place, good food and electronics"

"So, you what…travel between dimensions exploring and the like?"

I nodded to Fire, pausing a minute as I enjoyed the well made chips and lasagne. Certainly got damned good chefs here….I wonder if any would be interested in a new job? "Well, yeah, sort of…I'm a trader out of Sigil these, former Agent of SHIELD, liaison to the Justice League, well, not this one, but a parallel, alternate, whatever, version of it"

"Oh! Oh! Was I a member?" she asked excitedly and I shook my head as I ate.

"Nope, fraid not, working for the Brazilian government from what I remember. Could be just that some heroes seem be a bit younger, or older, for some reason….Steel here was active…" I replied point my fork at the power armoured hero "…but not a League member yet. Personally I blame the whole unwieldy voting thing they had going as your League seems a bit more organised"

Steel was probably frowning judging by his tone, but that metal faceplate made an excellent poker face sadly for me "And are…you…were you I supposed, a member?"

"Hehehe…hehehe…ahhh…" I chuckled for a moment "…heavens above No. Loyal agent of SHIELD I am, worked for the Irish government, Doctor Fate, and Amanda Waller respectively. Fighting the evil forces of the supernatural and water-bender Godzilla….well, before I went of exploring and trading anyway, it's certainly been an interesting journey. One I'll happily sell data on to your fine organisation, and yourself Steel, in exchange for helping fix my new ship, and other little things like that"

It was more than that really, this would be a decent chance to actually have some help…assuming they went along with it. Outright betrayal was unlikely, judging from Kara's detailed descriptions, and the fact of getting her home, but suspicion and outright 'fear the outsider!' was a possibility. No looking likely so far as nobody had tried to claim my ship, or lock me in a cell, nor poison my food, but we were very much their mercy in some ways. Deborah had her mission of claiming allies, and she wasn't a friend of mine in the end, not really, an ally yes, but she had her own goals. Her villain-world version was I think, but things were as they were, and now I had Kara home…

"Ugh, hey, Supergirl's friend!" and there was Wally…

I blinked looking up at the red-clad speedster that'd just appeared. Wally was the Flash in this dimension then, and I hadn't noticed "Flash. You're older in this dimension it seems"

Fire and Steel were looking at Wally in confusion as the speedster blinked at me "Oh, you knew me?"

"Oh, you were Kid Flash, annoying, magic-denying, speedster. Dressed in this banana yellow outfit, red really suits you better, goes with the hair"

"…." He looked at me then grinned "Cool. I betcha I'm awesome there too! Probably even have a girlfriend! Lots of ladies even, yeah!"

"Uh, yeah, sure, you had a scary little pinked haired girl as a girlfriend. Jinx, one of SHIELD's apprentices, also a magic user who convinced you magic exists"

"Hmm….she was pretty wasn't she?" Wally replied in one of his 'thinking' poses "Cuz I all sorts of stubborn back then"

"Well you thought she was, though pinked hair magical goth never really appealed to me to be honest…" I answered truthfully as I took a drink to wash down the bite of lasagne "…so, your after rushing here. How can I help you?"

"Oh, yeah….short notice, but, yeah, everyone kind of wants to talk to you about….ugh….stuff"

Fire and Steel were giving him odd looks as I sigh "Supergirl told Supes about the whole killing Vampire Batman on the space station thing already didn't she?"

Now they were giving me odd looks…no, staring at me as I continued to eat…

"Whaaa…." Wally replied after a moment, blinking then shaking his head "No, it's about a Batcave, an' Comics, and Kryptonite….wait, Vampire Batman?"

"Batman is a Vampire!" Fire gasped, nearly dropping her wine glass "Oh noes! Ice was right!"

Steel just looked at her "Ice said what…"

I shook my head "No, your Batman isn't a vampire….I think, I'm pretty sure anyway, but another one was, and well, he was in the way. Anywho, I'm quite happy to discuss such things after I finish this lovely meal. Also sell them too…"

--

[02.24: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[Having a friendly chat, with the friendly people, in the friendly conference room]

I stored my cane and hat in my Trader's Pack as I walked behind Wally into the shiny inner sanctum meeting room of the Justice League. Best not to wander in looking ready for a fight…or having to give up the weapon either, that wasn't something I liked doing after all. It was a different 'Founding Members' for the Justice League it seemed…and yet they still tried for the subtle intimidation tactics I noted as the doors shut behind me, and I noticed no chair for me at the 'Big Table'. Still, Other-Me's memories hummed and buzzed at the front of my mind now as I walked forward with a friendly smile, giving an equally friendly wave.

"Oh, Hello, pleasure to meet you all! Again…sort of, in another place…anywho, I see we're short a chair!" I noted cheerfully, snapping my fingers and drawing forth a nice solid wood and leather one from my Trader's Pack as I saw one or two of them tense up "Don't worry, I brought own, so don't worry yourselves about fetching one"

"Dude! That's awesome, I can never pull off the summon my own th…." Wally stated then tapered off at being Bat-glared "…I mean….umm, yeah, sorry, interview. Serious interview, yeah"

I smiled in amusement for a moment, cutting off Wally's colleagues response "Honestly Wally, I didn't think you could do serious interviews, did that come with age?"

It was a risk of course, my defences in place but nowhere near enough to deal with the assembled might in close-quarters, but I did need to put them on the back foot rather than them commanding and lording it over me like I'd seen happen before. The no chair thing was petty, and I'd always assumed it was from Green Arrow when I was…someone different, but apparently it was one, or all, of the trinity. The unhappy and angry glares I got told me I was knocking off their equilibrium, even if Batman was carved from stone as always and I was firmly under my magic to remain calm and in control.

"I like to think it did" he replied seriously, then sighing and pulling back his hood and pointing at me, then him and rest of the table in a blurring gesture "…oh, yeah, sorry guys, but was on my team…other Flash's team?...from not-evil parallel universe us. So, all cool I say"

"No it's not Flash…" oh, Lantern Stewart was a bit angry, and I was sure 'rage detected' would play out if I had one of them fancy rings "…sure he brought back Supergirl, but its an unacceptable breach…"

Batman cut him off, glaring-looking….being Batman as I smiled back pleasantly while making sure I was sitting comfortably and non-threateningly "You know our identities"

I nodded "Yes, though the Founding Members are different…and sorry J'onn, other you really hated my mental barriers as well…" glancing at the Martian as I felt the tell-tale pressure "…and I'm assuming you know each other's if you wish me to state…"

Batman held up a hand to silence the others, Superman looking unhappy but staying quiet "Yes, continue"

"Bruce Wayne, Diana Prince, John Stewart, Shayera Hol, Clark Kent…other two already stated…" I answered holding up my arm "…and since your telepath can't read me, I suggest you break the auld lasso of truth. I will answer questions on the assumption you will not ask any non-critical personal questions of me, and that way you can be sure I'm not lying or BSing you"

"You're…handling this super well, considering" Wally told me and I shrugged as Wonder Woman glanced at Superman and Batman, who nodded before she turned her attention back to me with a shrug as she drew out the unnerving magical lasso. I shrugged in response to Wally just before the magic Amazon bondage rope was gently thrown across the table to me.

"Mate, I was the SHIELD liaison to your dimensional alternates in the Justice League, and on the youth team, as I assume Kara told you. This was part of my job"

I winced as took hold of the Artefact and felt it burn in my arcane sight as it took effect and began to glow a soft golden shine "As to me, I am Kalum, I am a battle caused clone of…Agent Amergin…" oh, so Technical Truth's eh, fine let's Aes Sedai this shite "…member of SHIELD, member of the youth, sidekick, team the Justice League established, apprentice to John Constantine…" all technically true and no pressure for more it seemed "…and was that person till immediately after being forcefully cloned. I was that person, memories, soul, and magic, but while still very much the same I am my own person now. Leaving my Earth to trade amongst the multiverse seemed the best idea rather than remain and see me, but not me, live my former life…"

I blinked, hmmm….apparently that, rather than just self-preservation was my primary driver "…then me and travel companion got magically abducted by that Sorceress, thrown across dimensions with him and Kara, and then me and him worked hard to get her back home safe and sound. Along the way discovering that books show a lot of information many of us rather of us not. My personal opinion is that humanity is inter-dimensionally aware on some sub-conscious level and creates various works of fiction, like said comics, due to this. So, yes, I know your identities, but I knew them before the whole comics' thing, as did SHIELD"

Superman smiled for some reason "Well, that's good to hear, we've been very worried about Kara and could find nothing in our searches, and we feared for her, or where she could have ended up. I'm glad to see she ended up with friends who brought her home safe and sound"

I sighed "I got her back safe, but she'll need friends to talk to. You've met Crimson Crow, and her alternates dimension was rather unpleasant, as have been several of the realms we crossed into, so I feel she might need some help talking that out"

"She will, do not fear, I'm glad she made friends who care for her…" well, he was somewhat less assholish than my Earth's one…Other-Me's Earth, though that could just be due to no Connor around as Superboy "…though, I can say, for everyone else here, that the knowledge you bring is concerning"

"Well that's hardly my fault, I'm merely a merchant delivering the message along with bringing Kara home…" I answered, the magic lasso confirming my words "…and I'm perfectly willing to sell all the stuff we scavenged from said dead world….well, not the crossbow, I quite like the crossbow. But the Kryptonite is for sale, though I'm not 100% it'll work, different dimension and all that, as is the Batman Power Armour suit"

"You raided the Batcave"

Wow, his voice get even lower and gravellier "No, I raided A Batcave, on a Dead World, with a long dead Batman. All I want is my ship fixed, a port to trade in the future, and exchange you the multi-coloured Krypton rocks"

Batman frowned "There are other colours than green"

I nodded, lasso I was holding humming that soft golden glow "Standard Green Kryptonite. Red Kryptonite which is even dangerous to Kryptonians, and causes mood swings according to Other Batman's notes. Blue which weakens Bizzaro, and maybe an alternate Superman…I think? Gold, which, permanently, removes Kryptonian powers...and Pink…"

I winced, not wanting to answer but, well…

"…well, according to other Batman's notes it….umm, reverses a Kryptonian's sexuality. So it either turns Superman here gay, or into a woman, I'm not really sure which"

Eyes stared at me in silence, before then swinging to Batman's calmly glowering form while I sat there awkwardly smiling at them. Wally made a 'WTF?' sort of gesture with his hands towards Batman "Oh come on Bats! Seriously do you have contingencies for EVERYTHING?"

Batman merely glowered back "I cannot be held accountable for the actions for another dimension's Batman Flash"

"You can since we're talking about buying the 'turning Superman gay' rocks!" Flash retorted as Superman let out an awkward cough as the speedster blabbered on "Lois Lane wouldn't like that now would she!"

"Or into a woman Wally…"

Flash blinked, then raising a hand immediately after that "Dibs on Superwoman if that's the case"

That…somehow lightened the mood…

I shook my head at the chuckles then sighed "Uhhh….okay then, what you do with the stuff is up to you. Barter, fair trade, that's all I want…"

"Before that we have many more questions, like who trained you?"

Batman being Batman it seemed and I sat back in the chair, holding the lasso and bringing my leg up to rest over the knee of the other "Well, I'm a Cleric, so my God in relation to my faith, but if you mean magic of my dimension than most of my training was John Constantine and Doctor Fate primarily, with others helping along the way. My initial martial arts training was with the Irish military, with most training after that with Black Canary as part of the training with the Justice League, and a former, retired, villain named Huntress who SHIELD hired as my quasi-trainer, often bodyguard, and part-time maid…"

"And your experience with mental defences…" Martian Manhunter interjected politely, speaking for the first time since I'd arrived in the room "…you have some experience with myself in those mental or were they training of this…SHIELD?"

"No I…." I started to reply, then sad realisation causing me to trail off, smile fading. Mars was dead in this dimension….no M'gann alive and being hopeless awkward "…it's magical mostly, anti-psionic in nature. I…have experience with Martian abilities"

"But not mine"

'Dammit, stop being shrewd, I'm trying to be nice for once' I thought, but merely sighed, compelled to answer truthfully "I have dealt with you yes, but most indirectly. You're…." I closed my eyes, then let out a breath as I opened them, feeling sad "…niece, M'gann, was on the team with us. She and I…didn't get on at first over my mental barriers and….other disagreements, but we worked up to emotion and memory sharing in a dreamscape style…."

"That is very intim…" the Martian muttered, eyes staring at me intently now as his actual question formed "Mars was alive in your dimension?"

I nodded, well, this was clearly putting the cat amongst the pigeons for some reason "Yes, the alien invasion….well, it was different on my earth. Mars didn't get hit like here was…the United Nations was negotiating some sort of alliance treaty with Mars and Thanagar under Oan guidance went I left…"

--

[02.25: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[Not Quite Alone Amongst the Stars…]

Gods above I was tired after the long, long, drawn out 'debriefing' with my current hosts, though 'negotiation' was the accurate term as I'd traded some knowledge and things like the Kryptonite, that I didn't really need in such quantity, for getting my new ship fixed. Really needed to name it I reminded myself as I sat with Deborah in the 'guest' quarters of the Watchtower. Even had our rooms off the little coffee table and comfy chair setup they had between a quartet of such rooms. For the moment though I sat seeing what my fellow traveller and looker-for-help relaxing before bed…and more importantly finding out how things went with her earlier.

"….understandable to be concerned about such knowledge…" she was saying sipping her tea while I merely relaxed back on the armchair "…as the Justice Alliance were as well, especially with what knowledge you brought to our door. Between that and the dead world, they have taken to us better than I would have expected in truth"

I sighed…nearly yawned really as I rubbed my forehead "Eh, I know, I know, bearers of bad news and all that, and we're…guests…at least…" not locked up somewhere less nice "…and I've preliminary agreement to get the ship fixed up in exchange for handing over certain things when they do. So, yay me I guess. I hope you were as successful?"

She nodded, still being her usual not-overly-expressive self "Somewhat, they listened, which is perhaps better than I had envisioned having spoken with Kara on the journey here. Sadly I, and the Alliance, are aware that gathering allies to deal with this Fraternity would not be an easy, nor swiftly achieved task. Indeed, if your vessel is to be repaired I would inquire into making use of its abilities when the times comes….I assure you, you would be compensated for such efforts, and we have common cause on them I believe"

'Yeah, supervillains with dimension travel tech, bad' I thought with a tired nod "Oh, I can with that…to some degree, and the whole ship thing is several weeks away from being ready to go again I reckon, and beyond that before its ready. Though I'd point out I've no great desire to end up fighting an inter-dimensional war of any sort. Help overthrow monstrous tyranny that tried kill me yes, but war no"

Deborah waved her left hand side to side "Understandable, and I suspect it shall be months at the least before any true actions are possible. These are good people though, and I have faith in their willingness to help when the time comes"

"I don't disagree…" as we're likely being monitored by paranoid eyes "…as they are good people, and apparently something similar happened here with dimensional counterparts. So, given time, I expect they'll do the right thing, at least once they get over all the bombs I've dropped on their plate anyway. From alternate dimensions, dead ones, the comics thing, etc, etc, etc…"

She sipped her tea nodding "Very understandable, I found it rather disturbing as well for instance to see ones horizons expand, and knowledge of the darkness beyond grow. No matter, some time to recuperate after our recent escapades would be welcome of course"

"I'm sure we'll get that…" I replied looking around the room, then at the two screens on the wall. One showed details of the Watchtowers layout and other 'visitor' information with a controller, while the other played GNN with the option of many, many, other channels apparently "…as I doubt we'll be let go very far from this station during our stay. Not that SHIELD would have let us go very far either, not exactly the safest thing when inter-dimensional travellers turn up really"

"Now, now, my young friend I do believe Fallout treated you to some apple pie beyond our base"

I could hear the amusement hidden under her tone having gotten used to her stoicism over the past few weeks travelling together "Yes, he did, nice fellow, very all American hero, but apparently my former employment brings with it baggage here and now, so I doubt that open ended friendly treatment will be coming in that manner"

"Unfortunate and where is the third of our trio?"

I yawned rubbing at tired eyes "Gone to visit family and friends I believe…and sleep I expect. Something I very badly need to do myself I'm afraid to say"

She nodded as I stood up "Of course, I did manage to meditate during your…extended interview after all. My apologies for keeping you up past your bed time"

I gave her a mild glare "Hah hah, hilarious. I'll start making old age jokes if you keep it up"

Deborah smiled ever so faintly "Ah, but what would such talk of age bother youths such as we?"

"Well, I think the thir…" I yawned, shaking my head "…ya'know, I'm to tired to argue fair young demon maiden or whatever. Good night Deborah"

"Good night my friend, may fortune have favoured us in our endeavours"

"Hopefully so…" I muttered to myself as I strolled into 'my' room, taking out my spellbook to begin the process of placing some magical defences up before I went to sleep. Despite being tired I had to invest some time into protecting myself, since that was my life these days after all, and precautions were always necessary in unknown territory. So I began the process of arcanely locking the door, and some dimensional shenanigans and illusions later I was asleep while an illusion slept on an illusion of the below me…

--

{Several hours and light breakfast later…}

'Ah, well, at least their letting me use the gym I guess' I thought as I went through an exercise routine in one of the, currently empty bar two staff watching from a control room, gyms of the Watchtower. It was certainly a minor pleasure to make use of one as I kicked and punched in a routine that I'd gotten drilled into me…when I was Other-Me, but Paula. The tracksuit and runners probably looked amusingly out of place amongst the costumed people, but thankfully they weren't here to judge right now…with Kara still on Earth, and Deborah still meditating.

'Like and elf…doesn't sleep. She Meditates' I mused as I moved through various strikes…less than happy at the results really. Lack of regular training facilities at work there probably….though I always felt like this when I trained without any of my magical gear, or without using my magic to enhance my physical abilities. Made me feel weak…but best not show off actual, true, abilities with Justice League monitoring everything and Batman already planning contingencies against me I assumed. It was just what the man did after all; meet new and exciting people, and then plan to take them down in some complicated and non-lethal way…

Swishhhhhhh

…out of the corner of my eye I saw the doors open to the gym area, seeing who was entering immediately and resisting the urge to sigh. Honestly, the Justice League could be so unsubtle sometimes, even when they were trying to be subtle…or I was just being paranoid as Black Canary and Green Arrow strolled into the 'reserve' Watchtower gym. Seemed 'put familiar face in front of him!' was someone's plan in the hope I got more talkative, and Canary was a good choice for that with her brains and beauty when it came to most people, as she usual got what she wanted. Green Arrow….depended on the circumstances, and the scowl on him, and look she gave him, indicated he'd tagged along. Joy. I get grumpy Green Pointy Stick Launcher man.

"So you're our visitor from a strange land…" Black Canary stated strutting over towards me, she even had the same look, albeit…slightly younger maybe, and she had high heel boots rather than not-stupid ones "…and I've been hearing funny things, like me training you"

I sighed, stopping my routine and stepping away from the punching bag. Yep. Subtle as a bag of bricks, same old, same old "Looks like word spreads quickly and some people don't bother much with secrecy. Though it's more I trained with you at various stages…"

"And with Huntress too apparently and I'd like to see your moves …" she cut me off shaking off the jacket to hand to Queen "…but I'm Black Canary, and I'm better than her just to let you know in advance"

"Yeah, sure you are Canary" I muttered, thoughts of Paula beating the living hell out of Dinah in a 'fair' fight, then immediately regretting that as the look on the woman's face told me the 'spar request' I could see coming just turned into a 'spar now or brawl!' situation. Green Arrow wincing also backed up that judgement call that I'd made a negotiation boo-boo; apparently this Earth's Black Canary was a bit more insecure, or had some sort of feud going on. Something-something-something was muttered at me as mentally raised my barriers, preparing, and waited for the fight I couldn't seem to avoid to start…

'You're an idiot Kalum, could just walk away…but just can't back down can you?' I thought to myself as my arm came up and blocked the kick towards my head. She was just as fast as in my past…Other-Me's life and I retreated a step, then another, as I blocked and dodged with a weaving motion enhanced by Cat's Grace and a Haste spell. Unfortunately I was revealing more abilities than I'd like, so smart on their part, but I'd had this fight before and it was the only way I could control a spar with someone like Black Canary while still holding back.

Block. Kick. Dodge, Dodge. Kick. Block…

…I was holding my own, a kick to her side causing her to let out a grunt and wince as I pressed a moment before falling back as she counter-attacked with a much more energetic series of blows. Seemed I'd annoyed her, but that was good as I could see familiar patterns with this Canary as with previous spars with her alternate version. Her aggression levels were higher than I was used to as her attacks were coming fast and furious, in a manner more akin to an actual fight than a spar as I slipped into a tighter, more vicious Krav Maga style as a hard blow actually hurt my face as we moved…

Bwreeeeeeee

Bwreeeeeeee

….as I jumped back as alarms went off. Alarms going off was bad - especially when the space station gave a sudden, hard, shudder. I held my fighting stance as I looked around, Black Canary falling back from me and looking around in confusion while Green Arrow looked up at the two staffers in the 'control room' with a 'what's going on?' look and arm gesture…

Bwreeeeeeee

…as a number of green, one eyed, starfish things dropped down from the ventilation shafts behind the glass screens…

"Contingency Activate" I commanded as I summoned my cane into my hand as Starros came out of the vents into the gym as well and I summoned the hasmat suit, then formed arcane armour around it in the form of my Enchanter armour. It was a magical knock-off, but it'd stop skin contact as the one the nightmare Omega Protocols, and killers of millions on my…Other-Me's Earth exploded in existence before my eyes. The blade came clear of my walking-cane to slice through alien flesh moments after my armour and skull mask came into existence around me. Alien horrors died screaming as my blade cut through flesh like butter, suddenly glad of Green Arrow's pointy sticks catching the ones on the other side of the room.

'Unfortunately…on a space station filled with the worst people to be mind-controlled' I thought darkly as the doors open and another local hero staggered in, starro starfish stuck on the black woman's face. Vixen if I recalled correctly, and my brain caught up with the situation….

"Crap"

I had made a terrible mistake in coming to this death world dimension it appeared...

--

[02.26: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[I AM THE LAW….in another Dimension, but'll have to do…]

'Okay brain, what the fuck do I do next?' I commanded stalking towards a surviving starfish abomination as the RAGE flashed somewhere in my soul at the very sight of ENEMY…

[Ummm…what would John Constantine do? Batman maybe?]

….BAD THINGS then, and my mind supplied with those tools as I drew upon memories of a conflict, that while I hadn't been front line in, but one I did know what worked in the temporary, short-term, against the creatures hive mind. So instead of slashing the creature I grabbed it, Haste and Cat's Grace driving me, Bull's Strength overpowering the struggles of the ENEMY as I used my blade like a scalpel. I ignored Black Canary and Green Arrow for a moment, I had no choice as I summoned and sang forth the dark words in blood and fire upon struggling flesh. This was magic of blood and hate and suffering and I ignited the rune upon the starfish, scarring and burning upon alien flesh the Rune of Agony…

Screams filled the air as I pulled forth a certain freeze ray from within my Trader's Bag….what I wouldn't give for my Magic Murder Bag right now…

…note to self; Create new Magic Murder Bag…

…and threw the trashing, silently shrieking abomination across the room, shooting it an ice beam, as I turned immediately back towards the two local dimensional Justice Leaguers as screams started to fill the air. That was one particular drawback of this particular method; pain hit the host as well as the hive mind, and we had minutes, on an area of effect of a few miles, before the ENEMY managed to brute force its way through it…or killed the rune marked copy. Up in the 'Control Room' or whatever overlooking the gym one of the guards was trashing around on the ground shrieking while the other had vanished from sight.

[Spell-Contingency Activate[Improved Invisibility[Mirror Image[Silence[Ventriloquism[Flight] I muttered, burning the spells on one of my rings as I blurred for a moment before becoming invisible and hovering silently…yet walking forward towards the two others. Superman and Flash were very likely taken-over, and that meant super-speed and super-senses so I hid my heart-beat and other body senses while giving my illusions a 'copy' as per what Nabu and SHIELD had recommended. Illusion-Me strode forward towards the two, snapping his fingers, the other hand pointing at Black Canary just as Actual-Me drew out the Batman Powered Armour Suit from the Trader's Pack.

"You're Batman now…"

"Heh, she's wha' now, and what'd you do to…" Green Arrow started to interrupt, startled by the sudden thump of the metal battle armour on the floor of the station's gym. I ploughed on, ignoring him as time was already ticking.

"…this is a power suit supposedly capable of engaging a Kryptonian for a time, and it'll keep the Starro off your skin and therefore skin contact. We do not have time to argue, that spell will only temporarily stall the creature's higher functions and it mind controls upon skin contact…most heroes don't have full body armour…" I gestured at both of them as Black Canary stared at the armour, listening to the screaming that indicated that the Watchtower was very much falling despite the spells, and Green Arrow having taken out Vixen with a gas arrow of some sort "…so get in, try use it as best you can. Right, we need to get a warning out and lock-down or self-destruct this station"

"Hey you can't just…" I ignored the protests as another mind-controlled star-fish to face 'hero' staggered in through the open doors, clearly in pain, as my hand came up on both me and my actual and the person in the cowboy outfit was encased in a non-lethal pillar of ice….

Black Canary blinked, then jumped into the open armour suit "Okay….I'm Batman then"

Green Arrow had drawn another arrow, drawing it back and letting it loose out towards a distant, stumbling guard, whose Starro took said arrow to the face, shocking it and causing it fall off, just as the bowman muttered at us in complaint "Hey! Why does she get the Batman Tank?"

"Because she's better qualified than you are obviously Green Arrow…" I answered drawing out a utility belt I'd managed to unlock and throwing it to the man as I pulled out the needed catalyst for the next spell as precious seconds ticked by "…here, a consolation prize, Kryptonite in the third from the middle"

[Precognition] I winced as the power took hold, at the magic I was going to start burning through, and awareness of the time-limit on it as the blonde robin cosplayer caught the yellow utility belt, starting at it a moment as robo-Canary stomped forward as we moved rapidly towards the doors "What the….Are you…did you rob the Batcave or something?"

"Salvage and Reclamation!" I muttered as we came out of the gym, ice-gun at the ready, mind and body at an accelerated pace as I, Actual-Me drew runes on the air, hoping Doctor Fate used similar runic summons in this realm as in my own {Nabu. I am Enchanter, the Dimensional Traveller with Supergirl - Watchtower potentially overrun by mind controlling alien parasite. Controls on skin contact. Can piece light clothing. Require immediate assistance. Warn Everyone Relevant!}

One-way arcane-psychic message sent I moved with the other two as they ran up the corridor as more starfish came out of vents and Black Canary seemed to quickly master the power armour and…

I spun, firing on reflect with enhanced speed as my mind pinged the danger…

…and Green Arrow had a face full of twitching, in-pain, starro as a crimson blur deposited one on him, followed by trying to do so to my illusion. Failing of course as Illusion-Me vanished, blinking into existence nearby and 'firing' at Wally just as I did, Black Canary turning and grabbing the startled starro controlled Green Arrow and ripping the starfish off his face as the man cried out in pain. Good, even if starfish was clearly working through it, it was still hurting and limiting it…

…save Wally was fucking fast, even dodging the illusionary shots…

…Actual-Me's cane holding hand gestured while the other continued to fire ice-beams…

[Grease]

…and down went Wally, slipping and sliding, then slamming face first into the bulkhead of the station…

"Sorry Wall-man" Illusion-Me voiced for me as I encased him in ice, the ice-gun pinging a warning of usage of half the charge already…

Craccckkkkthummpppppppp

...and a shrieking groan came from above as Superman, Starro-on-his-face Superman, smashed through from the floors above. Illusion-Me died as 'he' was crushed…

…only to blink into existence metres away as Black Canary…

"Cigam Odnu! Noisulli Rettahs!"

'Shit' I mentally snarled as my Mirror Image spell was broken, along with my Invisibility and Flight spells by the descending body of…wow, older Zatanna. Still, the spells directly on me, anchored to the ring or the polymorph held firm despite a shudder as my boots impacted the ground as not-Batman with Kryptonite robot-gauntlets punched mind-controlled Superman against the walls. I forced myself to ignore that, trying to 'bounce' forward as my feet hit the floor, dashing forward at Zatanna as she dodged a shot from the ice-gun as I summoned up power…

[SILENCE!]

…and her mouth moved, yet nothing came out. Slamming the hilt of my sword-cane into her stomach drove the breath from her lungs thanks to my Bull's Strength, Zatanna gasping silently as I barrelled into her "NO VOICE, NO POWER WITH ZEE STARFISH. NOW…"

Dammit, but I could learn as I drew on Wrath and one of the things I'd learned from that trenchcoat wearing disaster "́]̲͓͠*̷X͖̺̗̹̯*͍̺̖̫͟[̞̟̫͙̟͓̮"͉͈̼̮̮̪̞

Alien flesh burned and rotted as that particular piece of nastiness ripped at its flesh and mind…

I blinked as both Zatanna and Superman went down, Black Canary kicking the Kryptonian in the stomach, followed by a downward elbow smash to his head as my spell hurt the nearby starros as well. Good news….so far we'd just taken out an extinction level threat and a mage who could potentially neutralise me. Bad news…we'd just lost one of League's heaviest hitters, the speedster, along with a source of magic that would come in very useful now as both were out cold…

Green Arrow was back up at least, even if the alarms wailing had stopped….which, along with dying screams and groans, along with noise of not much fighting, was a bad thing. Crimson Crow suddenly materialized…encased in inky blackness, crimson eyes shimmering and shining in power. I greeted her with a wave as she was clearly starro-free for now, and it helped rectify the imbalance a little of being on bloody space-station with a pile of meta-humans and aliens under the ENEMY's controls. No matter, I activated a flight spell from my flight ring, hovering up into the air once again as Black Canary spoke "What…okay, right. We need to get up to Ops, if they got Supes and Flash…."

"Crimson Crow, Black Canary and Green Arrow, everyone, everyone else, so….Yes, we need access to comms and get a warning out, and more importantly stop them getting aboard and activating my inter-dimensional travelling ship before…"

I looked out the view port, cutting off and staring a moment….

That was one Big Fecking Starfish out there…

--

[02.27: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[Carry on my wayward son, for there'll be peace when you are done…]

'How the fuck did they miss that?' was the first thought that entered my mind, followed by the more important second thought a second later 'And, crap…how the fuck do we kill it?'

'First; get to Ops. Warn Earth. Hope they nuke the feck out of the ENEMY' I told myself simply reverting to the task at hand as simply making the Watchtower go boom would not end the immediate threat. We could stop it going inter-dimensional by destroying my, unfinished, ship but Earth…was wide open, and I could see the horror repeat itself. Repeat itself like on my Earth, but worse this time with Mega-Giant Starro in orbit, the Watchtower fallen and Justice League subverted…

'Hope springs eternal, and from rage in this case' I noted drawing a cloak of shadows around myself as we continued our Forlorn Hope. [Blur] followed, and ignored banter…fecking flirting off all things….between Green Arrow and the power armoured Black Canary as Crimson Crow ripped the doors in front of us from their hinges with her red trimmed shadows to hurl them at a giant masked man coming up behind us. As she did that I jumped ahead with a shield, blocking the flames of…

'Shite, Firestorm' I mentally grated, adjusting my aim and drawing from memory and internal reserves to summon arcane power to my hand moments after I discarded the ice-gun back into my traders pack "Acid to the Face!"

[Acid Arrow]

…and it didn't much bother Firestorm…

But it *did* really bother the Starro on his face as the horrid green tinged not-arrow flew to its target in the centre of the creatures 'eye' to sent it, and its host, falling to ground screaming. One starro controlled hero down, far too many more to go I found as we pressed forward as we were forced to as a unit as sounds of fighting rose up from ahead of us. That was a good sign as it indicated all resistance had not been fully overcome by the filthy abomination that was…just hovering outside the Watchtower like something from a horror movie. I was burning hot in the arcane now, movement and power blurring as I was forced into hand to hand with two starro-controlled staffers; slamming them into the bulks and killing parasites with my sword-cane.

Crimson Crow could shield Green Arrow, who was still up, and was useful as quasi-ranged support while myself and Black Canary in the Batman armour served as the front-line fighters. It was forward and back, fight and manoeuvre as I coughed as I locked bulkhead doors behind us with arcane lock as we ascended let another level. On the bright side the Justice League had apparently not heard of internal defences, or at least never installed them, so the problem was….'merely'...the current roster of heroes on site. With my pain rune seemingly waning I grasped another filthy damned starfish, this time inflicting a 'stunning' effect rune by cutting into living flesh and growling hateful words…

"We're nearly there…" the robotised voice of Black Canary called out as I threw the faintly flopping starro into a…broom closet?...and locked the keypad to a random set of key presses "…next left and up!"

"Lead on" I grunted back delivering a kick to a sluggishly controlled staffer as I drew out the Huntress crossbow I'd found in the dead Earth's Batcave along with a set of tranquilizer darts. The Ice Ray was basically depleted and simply gunning down the mind-controlled people would be up there as a bad thing…and, well, not exactly more useful than my non-lethals if we could just turn them to our side. Load, aim, fire..staffer down, rinse, repeat as I kept moving, shape blurring as we move, blade slashing and booted feet kicking as my insides ached at the sudden exertion demanded of my body and magic…

"FATE HAS INTERVENED!"

'Boss above he does it here too' I thought as my magical lure flare and a golden Ankh ripped its way into existence a few metres from my position. Thank the Shrouded Lord the nearest of the ENEMY trying to get at Nabu…and helpers it seemed…ran into a protective energy field, repelling it. And, even better, the helpers he'd brought were in protective combat armour, or Red Tornado's case, was a robot himself….so feck starro, at least options were on the table…

"Don't attack him!" came the voice of robo-Black Canary as the other's joined the fight, and I assumed she pointed at me "…or her, our side. We need to take back Ops and shut this creature down…and take back the Watchtower!"

Nabu ignored her…somewhat, hand sending forth a beam of golden light that froze a distant figure in place as the others sprung to attack. Instead he came towards me, calm as can be in the middle of a fight as he hovered forward and I reloaded the crossbow again "You are Enchanter I believe?"

"Yes, we need to do as Black Canary says, but we also need to get that giant one on the station destroyed this minute before it gets planet-side. Ideally…" my crossbow spoke silently as I fought and talked "…this creature caused millions of deaths on my Earth before it was eliminated. If it gets planetside….nukes or…Lanterns, are they about?"

….and then my question was answered as John fucking Stewart came charging out of the command centre alongside Hawkwoman and Wonder Woman. How did the fecking Lantern manage to get taken when he had a bloody force-field generating Power Ring…

'Don't matter, fight, and survive' I ground out mentally as Doctor Fate engaged the Lantern, while Wonder Woman…

I blinked a moment as Martian Manhunter barreled into Wonder Woman from behind, shape-changing into a….dragon-snake-eel thing?...and wrapping around the struggling Amazon. There wasn't time to dwell on that, nor the fact Martian Manhunter also had laser eyes, as myself and Crimson Crow joined the attack on the Green Lantern alongside Nabu while Team Robot hammered into the hawk with the anti-magic mace. So while the Lord of Order and tiefling sorceress hammered at the green energy sphere directly, I lashed out with Horror and Confusion to hammer at the already unwilling mind of the Lantern. And down he went between us, even without proper coordination, and this time the ENEMY was ripped off his face by Nabu without knocking out Stewart…

Well, beyond him dropping to the ground gripping his head while the starro that'd been on his face burned and melted in golden light. Good to know this one of those 'acceptable deaths' territory and I didn't have to worry about people getting stupid as I stabbed and slashed the life out of more of the FILTHY ABOMINATIONS with my cane-sword. The good news was they were…winning…of a sort as Wonder Woman was quasi-tentacle pinned by Martian Manhunter so that Steel could tear the starfish parasite off her face. Whatever the Martian and Lord of Order did seemed to 'revive' them, though Hawkwoman was out of it having taken a number of blows in her fight with Steel and what had to be one of the Russian Rocket Reds.

It certainly made storming the Command centre and engine room of the Watchtower easier, as it did when the Lantern flew down, and then outside, of the station to engage the giant Starro. Shielding the heavy hitters, with Starro still sluggish from my stunning runework, left only Batman and Mister Terrific as the primary threats…and their threat was intelligence, and mind-control was a pretty major debuff on that since it was against their will. I became more a 'helper' and 'bystander' now as control was re-exerted over the most important areas of the Watchtower, and warnings, after much complaining on my…very tired….part given to various world governments to know what to watch for.

Questions were short…

…or perhaps I was just tired now…

…and I helped descend with the reinforcements to retrace our steps as the Giant Starfish, much to my annoyance, was secured by Green Lantern rather than killed as the creature needed to be. No matter, the little ones were fair game and I joined the others relentless burning and stabbing all surviving parasites while making our way back to Superman and Flash. I healed Wally of course, waking him and grumbling all the way as Kid Flash was always…

….wait…he's Full Flash…

…no, that's wrong….he's Flash….

…I….

"My young friend, you are quite harmed. Let Order aid you…"

…yeah….yeah, that'd be for the best….

…I…need….

….rest….

--

[02.28: A Merchant's Dimensional long fhada]

[Were one must stand as Gods amongst mere mortals…]

Clark Kent could tell Bruce was unhappy, with the slightly elevated heartbeat and that hard as granite scowl locked in place upon his face. Not that Clark could disagree, things had been…something of a disaster and he himself felt nothing but anger at being taken so unawares, and even more at having his body used like a puppet by that alien starfish. The Watchtower had effectively fallen, almost everyone within taken over before they could react, and the inter-dimensional travellers that had brought Kara back to them had been amongst those few NOT taken over. Hardly the best way to make an impression Clark found, and it certainly wasn't so when one of them was seemingly temporarily incapacitated, much to the annoyance of Doctor Fate it seemed clear to his senses.

'Though, that is perhaps due to Bruce's evident unease at the situation of dead Earth's, with inter-dimensional skull wizards seemingly knowing our identities after raiding a dead other Batman's Batcave' Clark thought sadly, knowing that had stomped down on many of his friend's 'berserk buttons' as they were call, rather hard too at that. He himself could relate as, having spoken to Kara…argued with Kara perhaps was more honest…he'd found himself disliking the young man who dressed in the white suit, and then donned a custom that evoke Bruce's except with skulls. Something he'd strongly disliked at first too he reminded himself firmly, but the…memories of Cadmus were unfortunately very much invoked by Mister Outis's words as well.

'Or…that fact of clear plans and steps that boy had in hand to take us down' he noted as the others sat at the conference table, Doctor Fate coming forward to stand before them and report on the situation since taking 'Enchanter' off to his Tower of Fate. To heal of course, since the Watchtower was still being repaired after all the damage caused by the Starro-creature and the ensuring battle to contain it…he himself having ripped open several floors while attempting to kill Kara's strange friend. That he could be forced to even attempt such a terrible thing…

"Enchanter's status?"

Clark resisted a groan as Bruce immediately stated it in a demanding tone, though Doctor Fate seemed unbothered by the tone "Currently resting in Fate's Tower, and will likely be for some days to come due to the nature of his injuries"

"The nature of his injuries?" Clark asked more politely, shooting Bruce a quick glance "He did not seem to suffer much in the way of injuries in the battle…" and wasn't that concerning when going up against the Justice League in numbers "…and I had understood that it was mere exhaustion?"

The helmeted magician gave a faint shake of his head "Nay, no mere physical exhaustion afflicts the young mage one, though one cannot state what the affliction is. Save that it is damage taken in the aiding of our cause, and a wound one shall attempt to heal as best one can in the coming days"

"Cannot…or won't state?"

"Perhaps will not state Batman…" Doctor Fate replied calmly golden cloak around his shoulders "…as it would be a breach of trust between….Patient and Doctor one shall say. Though I know your blood kin and ward Supergirl knows of this Superman"

'Thank you Fate, thank you very much for that' Clark mentally groaned as now he'd have Bruce and Diana attempting to annoy him to get more information out of an, already angry at him, Kara. Still he nodded politely in response "It isn't serious I hope?"

"That…is a matter of debate, though in the here and now Fate finds that the danger of harm is minimal, mere rest and meditation restoring what was damaged. Nay, what troubles Fate is the longer term damage that could be caused. So Fate will offer aid and guidance, as with one did you Shayera when needed…" Doctor Fate replied nodding at Hawkgirl "…so some few days will likely pass before young Enchanter would be returning to discuss matters with thee. In the mean time, Fate stands as his representative, as will Supergirl…"

Clark sighed at that "Supergirl can't stand as his…representative, she's too young for that responsibility…"

Not when it came with staring down Bruce in his Angry Demanding 'I'M BATMAN' mode anyway "…to say the least, and I don't see the need to press the matter till he has recovered anyway. So I do not see the need…"

"He wishes to confirm that…." Doctor Fate paused a moment before continuing "…LexCorp, and Wayne Industries technology be kept clear of his inter-dimensional vessel for one, and that he be granted access to the an…official body as he called it, either through the United Nations, Irish government, or through the US government through one Amanda Waller"

The urge to start hammering his head into the table suddenly arose but he tampered it down "He has clearly recovered enough to speak on these matters then?"

"Perhaps, but I believe his natural desire to do things would likely exacerbate his….condition…shall we say, and I have discussed with him the need to recover in a properly arcane environment. Only his two companions will be allowed access and, after much discussion, I shall allow Zatanna to sate her curiosity"

John Stewart snorted "That all…and not his….alternate reality mentor? Constantine I believe? Considering that he is looking to speak to Waller of all people?"

"The day that Fate willingly allows the Chaos of John Constantine to enter Fate's Tower is the day Fate will tell thee that the world is ending. Nor does my charge wish to speak to that knave, nor would it be good for any involved in his weakened state"

'Okay then' was the immediate thoughts Clark found holding up a hand to forestall more questions from his compatriots "Understood. So, he wants us to continue with the fixing of his ship I assume? Since we have, unintentionally, ended up with much of what has been promised?"

And wasn't that a Rao-damned joy to consider, Lex with Kryptonite that either turned him in a homosexual or into a woman. No wonder other dimension him had trusted Bruce with its safety, and that of the other 'variants' of that cruel reminder of that home he would never see….other than in his dreams and nightmares thanks to that damned villain and his blasted Black Mercy…

"Aye, that is as Fate was led to believe…" the gold and blue clad magician responded with "…and of in cooperating with the young dark blooded sorceress known as the Crimson Crow. Fate has found much of interest in the words given, and in the direction of Fate in differing times and events. There are dangerous beyond this dimension that must be guarded against, and Fate feels such meagre a price as this for warning is a pittance compared to dark legions or other threats coming through instead of mere traders, ones who seek our aid and barter"

"I agree with Doctor Fate in this…" Diana spoke up with a weary sigh "…we have learned of threats, such as this…Fraternity…"

And wasn't that a particularly vile thing, and it had been disgusting to hear of what those villains had down to their home dimension, then continued to do afterwards "…for one, and of worlds dead in the void, with corrupted versions of ourselves on them. No, this is but a small price to pay, especially when they have aided us even now in our recent time of threat"

'That he, and this Crimson Crow girl did help us despite misgivings…and our own failure to handle the crisis at hand' Clark could admit, as he knew Bruce and J'onn could despite their misgivings over the situation as a whole. Kara was…being difficult after her troubled past year seemingly banished across dimensions with this 'Callum' and 'Quinn' after a sorceress, of all things had abducted her, Stargirl, Jonn Stewart, and STRIPE while they did their jobs as heroes. They still were entirely sure how the 'magic barbarians' as Stargirl had called them had done that abducting, even a year later, but at least Kara was back with him safe and sound now.

"Yeahhhh…" Flash agreed with an awkward chuckle "…and, well, he knows me enough to do better than the Rogues did at times, so let's just do what we said we would…without Bats poking about where the helpful not-Cadmus Wizard doesn't want us too. Come'on, we've got a super special inter-dimensional spaceship docked, with a magic dude who helped save us, a hot sorceress looking for help….oh, and they bought Supergirl back in one piece. Winning I say"

"Indeed Flash…" Doctor Fate seemed to agree "…there are worse outcomes than what has been encountered Fate would say. Now, does Fate understand as truth that Fate will be entrusted as Fate requires"

Clark nodded "Of course Doctor Fate, it seems an acceptable outcome, considering the circumstances, and I don't believe Supergirl would be very happy at me should I be unfair to her friend…"

Though the whole 'getting governments involved' was a headache he could do without after the past few years events. Cadmus had been a dangerous situation, and now they had the opposite of the nightmare of the Justice Lords to deal with: a dimension full of villains for one, and now another were a more competent Cadmus had come into existence and clearly hobbled the League there. Bound by the United Nations rather than doing what was right? A concerning situation…assuming that the young man wasn't being biased due to his clear favoritism toward such thing. Clark pushed it aside, there were many more important things to sort through before the next crisis came that he'd have to do his destiny and duty by saving humanity from it…

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