Article X

December 23, 1941

A significant portion of King Faraday's career had taken place behind closed doors, privy to the kinds of conversations that truly shaped the world. He was no stranger to operating at a scale of importance that most would never even venture close to in the entirety of their lives. Still, as he sat across from General Mercer, General Sam Lane and William Donovan, the president's favorite intelligence gatherer, Faraday was aware of an escalation in import. America had been attacked. Twice, in the same month. Once through conventional means, albeit executed in a covert manner. The second time, however, was representative of a new field of warfare, one that was of the utmost interest. Superhumans.

"I don't like it," said General Lane.

"You've made that abundantly clear," said General Mercer.

"We can't put our faith in the hands of strangers. I mean what kind of people hide their faces?"

"The Flash doesn't. Neither does Superman. Or Wonder Woman," said Mercer.

"You know what I mean dammit," said Lane. "They're criminals."

The generals were close in age, rank and experience, but from the moment they stepped foot in the same room Faraday was aware there was no love lost between them. The conversation continued to cycle back to an argument.

"Gentlemen, let's keep this matter civil," said Donovan. The man had been mostly silent, the same as Faraday. Sizing up the generals, getting a measure of them. A fellow spook.

Donavan turned to Farday. "What's the status on the facility in Fawcett City?"

"Gone. Virtually unsalvageable, aside from a handful of personnel that got out."

"And that was the heart of our production?"

"Correct."

"What of the Vanguard base in Ohio?"

Faraday cleared his throat. "Doctor Liebowitz has informed me that they can't pivot to that site in such a short period of time. Too many specialists and special equipment was in Fawcett."

"What would the time frame be?" said Donovan.

"Without getting too lost in the weeds of the good doctor's report, the conservative estimate is close to a year. At least ten months. And that's just to have production up and rolling again. Actual results is an unknown."

"How did we have such a quick turnaround with this Liberty Belle?" said Donovan.

"Part of what Ms. Lawrence delivered was a near-complete sample of the formula. Once we recorded its properties, it only took a short while to tailor specifically to her. Doctor Giles was able to save one of the Marines guarding the facility. Hank Heywood."

"All it took was our one and only prototype," said General Lane.

Donovan indicated to Faraday to continue. "Heywood's making a recovery and shows signs of the powers that Giles work was supposed to produce, but he's another dead end in terms of mass production."

General Lane snorted. "We got caught with our pants down in a big way here. How the hell did the Nazis have the location of that lab?"

Faraday exchanged a look with Mercer, who nodded. Faraday took a deep breath before continuing.

"We have reason to suspect that there is a criminal organization engaged in espionage on American soil, one with deep ties to the German government. A number of its members are superhuman."

"How did you come by this information?" said Donovan.

"A number of our agents have had run-ins with elements of this organization. Additionally, Liberty Belle has reported that the Justice Society is aware of its existence and is seeking to dismantle it."

"See," said Lane, pointing an accusatory finger at Faraday, then Mercer. "All the more reason not to trust them. Why haven't they informed the proper authorities of their investigation?"

Donovan held up a hand to quiet him, which Lane begrudgingly did.

"They'd have to be in real deep to know about Vanguard," said Donovan.

"We've got our best people on it," said Mercer.

"What of this Captain Nazi? Were we able to extract any information out of him?"

"No. He didn't survive for long in our captivity."

"His injuries from the battle were that serious?"

"Possibly, but to us it appears that he was deactivated."

"Deactivated?" Donovan had a quizzical expression.

"His body...well, it just kind of came undone."

"Turned into mush," added Mercer. Faraday suppressed a shudder at the thought of watching the man melt in front of him.

"They got rid of their man before he could talk," said Donovan.

"Seems that way," said Mercer.

"Let's get this straight. The Nazis can produce superhumans. According to Green Lantern's statement, the Japanese have their own as well. There's a fifth columnist syndicate operating under our noses with access to the highest levels of government. And we have no functional superhuman program," said Donovan.

"That's the rub, sir," said Faraday.

Donovan whistled. Faraday sat with his hands folded in his lap, while the man pondered for a moment.

"General Mercer, you propose that we bring in our local boys and girls, make them all work for Uncle Sam?"

"Correct."

"General Lane, you've made no secret your disdain for this idea. What's your proposal?"

"We don't need these criminals. Not when we have men like Lex Luthor. Real Americans. We give folks like him a chance and we'll have all the weapons we need to reduce these Nazi freaks to ash."

"Luthor wasn't the one who stopped Captain Nazi. It was Captain Marvel and the other heroes," said Mercer.

"They're unaccountable."

"Not if we force them to be."

Donovan shifted in his chair. "How would we do that?"

"Liberty Belle is already hard at work providing intelligence on the JSA to us. We've got another handful that already answer to us. If we put them all under a federal umbrella, we'd have an easier time keeping tabs. Appeal to their sense of duty, provide a mission. Most will fall in line. Those that don't, we can leverage the others to handle it." Mercer addressed General Lane directly. "You're right. We don't know who they are, or why they do what they do. But, this war is going to be complicated enough without having to worry about what these masked heroes are doing out there on their own. Or if we have a proper counter to these Axis supersoldiers. Better to make sure we're all on the same side. And if they give us a reason, we'll have the means to stop them."

General Lane grimaced, but he didn't respond. Donovan nodded.

"Lane, you can keep up your projects. Make sure if that day comes we have the tools to handle them. Do you object?"

"No."

"Excellent. Mercer, you and Faraday can head up the masks. I'll notify the president."

December 28, 1941

"Play it again," said Hawkman.

Hourman complied, tuning to the recording on the radio, the one that was going out periodically, that had been for the past few days. The assembled members, everyone on the JSA except for Batman, which was typical, Superman and Hawkwoman. The voice of President Roosevelt crackled over the speakers. Black Canary stood shoulder to shoulder with her fellows and listened intently.

"My fellow Americans, we live in unprecedented times. The enemies of freedom and democracy, Germany, Japan and Italy and all those who would make common cause with them, stand at the ready to bring about their goals of tyranny. We have already born witness to their treachery through the attack on Pearl Harbor. Germany has proven equally insidious with their strike on our very heartland. Already, the valiant men and women of this nation have answered the call. Our armed forces stand at the ready to take the fight to the Axis powers, to pay them in kind for their vile actions.

That being said, it would be ignorant to not address the fact that the world is a different place than when I took office for the first time. America is home to many individuals with powers beyond the common man. It is a testament to our national character that the overwhelming majority of these masked men and women champion the virtues of liberty and justice. I thank them for their service, for their moral fiber, but I would ask more of them.

Germany's attack has revealed that they intend to use their own so-called superhumans to assail the people of America and all those that would rise in the name of freedom. Such a challenge must be met in kind.

I, the president of the United States of America, invoke Article X, which requests the service of every masked crimefighter and superhuman. I would ask for your courage, your skill, your might. This war can only be won through the collective efforts of all Americans, from every walk of life.

To all who would answer the call, there is a meeting at the Trylon and Perisphere on the former grounds of our World's Fair on January 3. I sincerely hope that all of you will attend.

This country will persist. It will endure, it will prevail and it will thrive in the pursuit of liberty for us and the world."

Hourman flicked off the recording before it looped. Everyone in the room took a collective breath.

Hourman spoke first. "Could it be a trap?"

Green Lantern shook his head. "If it is, it's an incredibly elaborate one. GBC got that direct from the White House. So did all the other networks. There's been a press conference too."

"Then we assume its legitimate," said Hawkman. "Thoughts?"

"What's there to think about?" said the Atom. "It's the president. The president. Asking for us personally."

A few of the others nodded along in agreement.

"It would mean direct involvement in the war," said Sandman.

"There's no escaping that now," said Flash. Black Canary hadn't made it to Pearl Harbor or Fawcett City, but those that had were marked by it. She could tell. Jay had been more somber in their past few meetings.

Hawkman stroked his chin beneath the bird helmet. His lips were pursed.

"Why the hesitance now? Weren't you all rearing to go?" said the Atom.

"It's not that. It's having the government keeping tabs on us that I'm not thrilled about," said Hawkman.

"Aren't we on their side?" said Liberty Belle. True to her name. Patriotic.

"Of course we are," said Mr. Terrific.

"But…" said Hawkman.

"But what?" said the Atom.

Green Lantern held up a hand. "I get the hesitance. We've been largely left to our own devices. Able to make our own decisions. For better and worse. This would mean a change."

"A change is coming regardless," said Mr. Terrific. "You know that other heroes are going to answer the call. How will it look if we drag our feet?"

Dinah had thought of that angle. The JSA was the forefront of heroes in America. Whatever they did, it would send a message to everyone else.

"I kinda wish Superman were here. If I knew his answer it'd be easy. Just follow him," said Hourman.

"Wonder Woman, you're close to him..any idea what he'd…" said the Atom.

Wonder Woman cut him off, with a bit of harshness. "I will not presume to speak for Superman. Nor should any of us base our decisions solely on another. Everyone's voice must be heard."

"Well, it doesn't take a detective to guess what Batman's going to pick," said Hourman.

She had to agree. There was slim chance the man would go along with the plan. That left the rest of them.

"Let's keep it simple then," said Hawkman. "A vote. Everyone that's in favor raise your hand."

Dinah raised hers. So did the Atom, Hourman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, Green Lantern, Mr. Terrific, Sandman, Starman and Liberty Belle. Only Doctor Fate, the Spectre, Doctor Midnight and Hawkman had not.

"If it's a majority, we know who won," said Hourman.

"Let them voice their concerns," said Wonder Woman. "Doctor Fate?"

Kent wasn't wearing the full helmet anymore, a welcome change as far as Dinah was concerned. He seemed more centered, more present for the past couple months. It made him more human.

"There's a lot of risk if they decide to send us to the front lines. Between Nabu's warnings and what Wonder Woman and Hawkwoman reported from Greece we know that the Nazis have a means to turn us, bend us to their will. Is that a risk we're willing to take?"

"We could communicate that to the powers that be," said the Flash.

"But would they listen?"

Mr. Terrific spoke up. "If they're considering using costumed crimefighters at all, that means it isn't as much of a stretch to convince them that the Nazis have some mystic weapon that could control most of us."

Doctor Fate didn't appear entirely convinced.

"Spectre?" said Green Lantern.

Their eerie comrade floated in the corner of the room, almost entirely enshrouded by shadow. Without a sound, they glided closer to the table, their pale face emerging.

"The Spectre does not answer to any earthly authority. I serve only the Lord."

Dinah still wasn't used to that cold voice. The way it pricked your skin, all the way through the bone. From the subtle flinches of many of her fellows, she could tell it wasn't just her.

Wonder Woman was unmoved by their proclamation. "You would stand by and let injustice reign? You would let evil men have their way?"

The Spectre gave her a spiteful stare. They were clearly used to the others failing to challenge them, to let them have their way for the most part. Only Doctor Fate seemed to operate in the same circles as their ghastly companion.

"They will have their retribution. So it has been ordained. But I will not bow to this president. To this government."

Wonder Woman was about to press the matter, but Black Canary interjected, "Doctor Midnight?"

"I've seen the war first hand. I was there in Poland when it fell. I understand the evil that we face. But, I'm not a killer. I've sworn to protect life, with or without the mask. If the government intends to make us soldiers, I object to the prospect of taking another's life."

"Whoa there doc," said the Flash. "I think that's a sentiment that all of us share."

Dinah was doubtful that that was universal, but she appreciated the Flash's conviction.

"The ultimate goal must be peace," said Wonder Woman.

"I say we go, as a team, a unified group, and see what this is all about. If they expect us to dance to a bad tune, we walk," said the Flash. "But we should at least make an appearance."

Many of the others voiced agreement. Doctor Fate and Midnight conceded their points. Only Hawkman remained unmoved.

Green Lantern put a hand on his shoulder. "The country's hurting. If nothing else, it needs a sign that we're on the side of the angels."

"Fine," said Hawkman. "The Justice Society will answer the call."

December 29, 1941

Robin and Batman observed from the roof of the Gotham Observatory as the police led the Riddler away. A series of clues had led them to the prospective theft of the advanced telescope. So many of the costumed sorts had a gimmick. It could be exhausting keeping up with each new foe. The Riddler was goofy, but he wasn't a complete pushover. The duo had found themselves in a trap, bound with chains and nearly diced by a concentrated beam of light that he rigged through the displays.

"Where did you learn to get out of bindings that fast?," said Dick.

"A few of my teachers were experts in escape artistry."

"Who was the best?"

"Houdini."

"You met Houdini?"

"I did. And he would tell you that your technique is sloppy. I know what we're practicing back at the cave."

Dick hung his head. It wasn't his fault that his left arm had gone numb from the tightness of the chains. The lockpick had fallen out of his palm when he tried to fit it in the lock. Only Batman's intervention freed them.

"You know one day, you're going to need to tell me about all these teachers of yours."

"One day. For now we need to return to our patrol"

At this point, Robin knew there was no use complaining about being tired from their victory. The mission didn't allow it. At best, Batman would remind him of that. At worst, he'd be left in the cave for the next week, made to train on his own, while Batman handled the city.

The subject of Bruce's travels was one that he found endlessly fascinating. He wasn't entirely withholding that information. It was more that he seldom offered it willingly to Dick. It reminded him of his travels with Haly's Circus, on a grander scale. Houdini! To tell someone that so casually. But that was Bruce. There was always a new trick, a new technique. A cure for a particular snake venom or knowledge of an esoteric order of ornithologists or the exact way to disassemble a bomb wired to a clocktower. It made Dick's head spin. Could he ever really contain all that knowledge?

It wasn't till they were back at the Batcave, the rest of the night dull by comparison, that Dick broached the subject he had wanted to bring up the whole time.

"So, Bruce...that meeting is happening in a few days…"

Bruce stared at him, waiting for Dick to finish.

"Why aren't we going to it?"

Bruce turned his back to Dick, updating his case logs, feeding them into the machine that could catalog all that information. A computer, apparently.

"We discussed this already."

"But, all the others on the Justice Society are going…"

This drew Bruce's full attention. His furrowed brow relaxed as he came to a realization.

"So you were snooping when Superman came by. Again. Figures that he didn't tell me."

"Can you blame me? It's Superman."

"You're getting better at sneaking around. That's twice now I haven't detected you."

Bruce went back to the logs.

"I don't get it. All your pals…"

"All of my colleagues."

"..colleagues are going. Why not you?" said Dick.

Of course Bruce knew what he really meant.

"It's too much of a risk."

"Even if everyone else is doing it?"

"It would mean oversight. Government oversight. You know that they've been infiltrated. We don't know who we can trust. I won't risk compromising us."

"You think that all of your frie-, colleagues are walking into that kind of trap."

"I think they've made their choice and I've made mine."

"You mean ours."

That stopped Bruce. He set down the rest of the case logs. Dick steadied himself, ready for whatever was to come.

"Why are you doing this Dick?"

"What do you mean?"

"To be famous? Like you were in the circus?"

"No.."

"We're not here to put on a show for the public. We're here to stop criminals."

"But…"

Dick lowered his head. This was going nowhere.

"That life, in the spotlight, it might work for Superman or Wonder Woman or the Flash. But, it's not for us. Do you understand?"

Dick nodded. Bruce, satisfied, went back to his work. "I'll take care of the rest of the paperwork. Get some sleep, chum. You've earned it."

He left Bruce to his devices and found his bedroom. Though sleep beckoned, Dick spent nearly an hour staring out the window as the sun crept towards the sky. He thought of all those heroes, all answering the call. He imo

Batman was the shadows. Dick Grayson didn't have to be.

January 1, 1942

Only a couple hours into the new year, and Clark could still hear the pop of fireworks and the clamor of parties throughout the city. Beyond the amount of men in uniform, one could be forgiven for forgetting that there was a war on. Maybe it was a last hurrah, an entire city of people seizing what might be their final chance to celebrate.

"Don't tell me you're getting sleepy," said Lois, as she popped the cork off of another bottle of champagne. Her cheeks were already flushed from what she'd had at the party hosted by the Planet. Clark did his best to appear suitably buzzed as well.

They were in her apartment, a cozy little thing in New Troy. It wasn't his first time here, but there remained that nervous flutter. To be honest, Clark had that feeling most of the time he was with Lois. She joined him on her couch, handing him a fizzy glass.

"This is better than the stuff Lombard scrounged up," said Lois.

There was a pop of blue light as another firework illuminated downtown. A swell of cheers from the people on the streets reached Clark's ears.

"Smallville, you here?" said Lois.

"What?"

"I lost you there for a moment."

Clark shook his head, tried to focus back on just the apartment. On Lois. "Guess I've had more than I thought. What were you saying?"

Lois set down her glass. She leaned back, against the other arm of the couch, examining Clark closely. It was a ritual he knew well, only it was usually directed at someone they were interviewing.

"Is there something going on Clark? You've been off all night."

She wasn't wrong. The last month had been a blur. Everything brought Clark back to Pearl Harbor, to the attack on Fawcett City. He'd dealt with disasters before, fought villains that were out for blood, but this was another story. What would it mean for him to be a part of a war? Could he be? He thought of how close he'd come to attacking the Japanese fleet, what it would have meant to cross that line. Clark was from America, but did that mean that Superman had any right to fight its battles?

"It's been a stressful few weeks, if I'm being honest."

Lois narrowed her eyes, then relaxed. She took his hand.

"It's okay Clark. You don't have to be stoic for my sake."

"It just feels like we're past some point of no return."

Lois squeezed his palm. "Is that why you didn't ask for the assignment in New York?"

Coverage of the Article X assembly. Perry had given him the option, but he played it off like he was too deep into another story about smuggling on the waterfront. Lois hadn't hesitated for a second.

"Maybe."

"You could still change your mind…might do you some good to mix things up. Get a change of scenery."

There was a suggestiveness to her voice that set off fireworks in Clark's stomach. He wished, but there would be no way to excuse himself so Superman could make an appearance.

"Tempting. But, I can't."

"Shame. Though you could be getting a change of scenery regardless. Jimmy's been itching to sign up as a photographer."

That didn't surprise Clark. Jimmy was fearless. If the war was where the reporting was happening, he'd find a way over, legitimate or not.

"I've considered that." The draft was coming. A lot of men had already volunteered, immediately after Pearl Harbor. More after Fawcett City. Even if Superman wasn't going to war, could Clark Kent avoid it? He thought of the warning that Doctor Fate had told them. The power the Nazis held. He had seen what they would do with someone like him. He shuddered at the thought of falling to their control.

"It's a big thing, the war. Too big for any of us to wrap our head around on our own. Everyone's got someone at risk now."

"Who is that for you?" said Clark.

Lois didn't return his look. "Never mind that." She slid closer to him, but he heard her heart skip.

One thing that stood out to Clark about her apartment was how few photos Lois had of her family. A couple of her and a woman that must have been her sister. One that was a group shot, though the top half was scuffed and torn. He had never asked.

Lois put a hand on Clark's leg, caressed it. "Look Clark, we could sit here and worry all night. To be honest though, I'd rather not. Let's enjoy what we have here. A nice bottle, better company. At least on your end." The wit was back.

"Oh is that so?" said Clark, pulling her in. "You seem to be in no hurry to leave."

"I don't know about that. Maybe I'm waiting to hear about a better scene. I think you'd better make a case for yourself."

She was so close now her lips nearly brushed his when he spoke. "How would I do that?"

Lois grinned. "I think you've got the right idea Smallville."

January 3, 1942

Libby wasn't sure if she'd ever get used to flying. Or more accurately being carried. She and the rest of the team that couldn't fly on their own power were in the grip of Green Lantern and Doctor Fate, held aloft on platforms of green and gold. She envied those with Fate, since Green Lantern's constructs always carried a hint of fire. Even without the heat, she couldn't shake the fear of being burned.

There were tightly packed crowds around the Perisphere at the meeting sight, journalists and interested citizens and the police sent out to reign them in. They pressed up against a corridor, where there were already costumed heroes making their way to the assembly. A sweeping call went through the crowds when the caught sight of the JSA making their arrival. Hawkman made the decision that they should arrive together. The group touched down to the cheers and shouts of all around them. Libby ignored reporters who belted out question after question, keeping her gaze focused ahead. Hawkman was the very picture of poise, as he folded in his wings and strode forth. Hourman, Atom and Mr. Terrific couldn't resist, playing it up for the public.

Libby was so caught up in staring ahead that her foot caught right on the edge of the stairs leading to the entrance. Her whole weight tilted forward, the start of what would no doubt be an embarrassing fall. She was already bracing when a gust of air blew her hair back and strong hands righted her.

"Thanks Flash," she said.

"Flattering, but not quite," said the man who had helped her. He wore a similar red and yellow costume, with a black, winged Q on his chest. He shot her a confident smile.

"Sorry, I just assumed…"

"No worries miss. Johnny Quick at your service."

She remembered Jay telling her about him, how he helped out at Pearl Harbor.

"I've heard of you."

"All good things I hope. I can say the same."

They were nearly in the entrance at this point, pushed along by the flow of bodies. The Perisphere opened into a large chamber, complete with several rows of seats around a silver table. Reminiscent of the JSA meeting room, only on a grander scale. Most of her team was splitting off, intent on sitting together. Libby made to join them.

As she sat down, Libby spied one of the few non-costumed men in the building. He met her gaze and gave her a wink. King Faraday stood and smoked as the rest of the heroes filtered in.

The meeting was made up of one of the weirdest crowds Alan Scott had ever seen. There were cowboys and a knight, men in fedoras with domino masks and folks in brightly, multi-colored costumes. Magicians and metal men, jesters and patriots.

It was somewhat nostalgic to see the Perisphere again. The World's Fair felt so long ago. None of what Alan witnessed now was part of the original design. A considerable overhaul had been performed, the interior expanded and converted into a meeting hall and headquarters. A pair of G-men stood in the center, alongside a man in a military uniform. He thought that Starman mumbled one of their names when he saw them, but there was so much small talk that Alan couldn't be sure.

There was a curious nature to observing who interacted with one another as everyone found their places. The JSA held together, but individual members chatted with heroes they had worked alongside. Black Canary and Wildcat got caught up. Hourman poked fun at Red Tornado, in her pot helmet and homemade costume. Miss America was cornered by Plastic Man, who was no doubt talking her ear off. Unsurprisingly, the Flash appeared to know the most people, having something to say to damn near everyone. Superman and Wonder Woman exerted their own peculiar gravity on the other heroes, making an interesting guessing game of who had the courage to go up and talk to them. Sandman's partner was wide-eyed, pointing at anyone he could recognize. To Alan's surprise, he wasn't the only sidekick in the room. Crimson Avenger of all people had a young man with him, dressed in a yellow costume with a finned head. Captain Marvel was also accompanied by a teenager in a blue version of his costume. A number of them kept to themselves including Manhunter and Robotman. There were a few that Alan didn't recognize at all. One in a turban with a red gem on his forehead. A woman in a green fish scale outfit. A couple of men in fedoras with masks that were somewhat interchangeable.

There was at last a call to order from the organizers, the G-men having everyone settle down into their seats. Only one of them introduced himself, one Agent Faraday. He gave the floor to the military man. The soldier took a beat to survey the group, to take in every one of them. Then he spoke.

"I look around this room and do you know what I see? Victory. Victory for the forces of freedom. Victory for democracy.

The Germans and the Japanese think they have us on the ropes. That there surprises broke our spirit before we could even join the fight. This meeting is to tell them that they're wrong. That they can throw everything they have at us, every powered thug they've got and it won't be enough. Because of all of you. Because of what you represent."

The soldier gave them a moment's silence, then continued.

"My name is General Mercer. I know what it means to serve my country. What we ask of you today is nothing less than that. Service to America. To defend it from those who would seek to corrupt our ideals, our way of life. To destroy it.

I have been authorized to create what will henceforth be known as the All-Star Squadron, the first superhuman organization under the banner of the United States of America."

The general proceeded to lay out the concept as the heroes listened. Much of it's structure reminded Alan of the JSA, without a real concrete hierarchy, instead relying on a flexible system of response. Mercer would be their liaison, along with Faraday, while one of their own would be positioned as chairperson. They would report any possible enemy activities to the group, respond to calls for help and generally act as a united front in the war effort. By the time General Mercer polled the room for questions, Alan wasn't surprised with who stood up first.

"I don't doubt the evil that our enemies represent, the destruction they have wrought on those they conquer. I suspect all of us can agree on that fact," said Wonder Woman. "But, I will not be a killer. Not for you, nor your government. Even in a war. I think you'll find that a common sentiment amongst this group."

"Speak for yourself lady," shouted out someone from the front rows. Alan couldn't see who. It prompted a brief back and forth of voices, before the general quieted them down.

"I understand your concerns, particularly as an envoy of a foreign power. But, we are not asking any of you to travel to the front and fight."

"What's the point otherwise?" said Captain Marvel's companion. The captain appeared a bit surprised his friend had blurted this out.

"We have...concerns that the Nazis may have a counter measure against your kind. The president is of the opinion that your work is more useful on the home front for now. An opinion I share."

This caused another brief uproar with those that disagreed. This time it was Mr. America who caused them to cease, rising from his seat.

"People, people, we can't let our tempers work our tongues. I can tell many of you are passionate about the cause. It's why we do this at all. But, we need to heed the general's, no, the president's opinion. This is bigger than any one of us."

There were a few grumbles, but that did the job for the most part.

"Is there a known threat?" said Sandman.

Alan knew that Wesley wouldn't ask without already knowing the answer. The whole of the JSA knew the answer. He was just trying to see if the general would put that information out there.

"We have reason to suspect there is. President Roosevelt has long warned against the possibility of a Fifth Column at work, sabotaging our efforts. This is what the All-Star Squadron is here to fight. Any and all attempts to subvert our nation and any possible plots to attack us on our home soil."

Mercer let his gaze sweep the crowd one more time.

"Make no mistake ladies and gentlemen. Nothing less than the survival of the American experiment is at stake here."

Before they could disperse, Faraday caught up with her, away from the others.

"Liberty Belle, so glad you could make it to our little meeting."

"Agent Faraday."

He was leaned against the table, his back to the crowd that was gradually drifting out, as conversations dried up.

"How goes the new job?"

"I'm making progress. They've made me the liaison to the All-Star Squadron."

The first meeting of the All-Star Squadron was followed by a quick meeting of the JSA, while they sussed out how this whole deal was going to work. Libby somehow wound up in the role of the liaison to the Squadron, along with Green Lantern.

"Excellent. You've earned their trust." Faraday paused to light a cigarette. "How about their names?"

"Beyond Starman and the Flash…"

"Who we already know."

"Nothing yet."

Faraday's face gave away nothing, but Libby detected a trace of annoyance in his next few words.

"Slow going, huh?"

"They've been adhering to their secret identities pretty strictly. I suspect its a side effect of taking on so many new members in such a short period of time."

"But all the original members know each other behind the mask."

"All, but Superman and Batman."

"Give it time. They'll relax eventually. Can't wait to work with you some more Liberty Belle."

Libby ignored the urge to tell Faraday off as she left. It had been much easier to promise to report on the Society before she'd gotten to know any of them. In the abstract, being an informant was easy. The reality made her squirm. All in service to getting even. That was the only thing keeping her level.

"Already getting to know the G-men?" said Johnny Quick, who found her on the steps outside the Perisphere.

"I'm not planning on tripping this time, if that's what you're waiting for."

Johnny chuckled. "I saw you and your buddies having a chat. Are you in?"

"I am. You?"

"Well..I had my doubts."

"Oh really?"

"Wonder Woman brought up some good points. Plus, I don't know how I feel about Uncle Sam keeping tabs on me. Even for the greater good." He gave a quick once over on her costume. "No offense, I guess that's kinda your theme."

"None taken. You said had your doubts. Did something change your mind?"

"The company makes it more enticing"

"Is that so?"

"Indeed. Yes, indeed."

Maybe being the liaison wouldn't be so bad.

"What were you and Faraday talking about?" said Starman, almost causing Libby to jump from surprise.

"Excuse me?"

Starman crossed his arms. "How do you know him?"

"We met early on, when I first donned the mask. I busted a spy ring. He was just asking me how things were going."

Starman didn't look convinced. Libby took a different tact, shifting the conversation the other way.

"I could ask you the same thing. You've met the man?"

"Former coworkers. Of sorts."

"We seem to run into a lot of those." The thought of that time traveler.

Starman didn't answer. Libby leaned around him, seeing the other JSA members ready to depart. "Come on. Time to go."

She had a feeling this conversation wasn't over.

January 4, 1942

There was a crimson smear in the cloth that the Ultra-Humanite had hacked into. Unfortunate imperfection. He wiped the rest around his lips, before setting it down on the counter. With the twist of a few knobs and dials, the screen above wavered until it formed a coherent picture, the image of the Yellow Claw.

"You summoned me?" said Yellow Claw.

"The Americans. They've organized their superhumans." A desperate attempt to keep pace with his own work. And whatever the Japanese had underway. The Ultra-Humanite wasn't entirely sure how they had developed their own homegrown strain of super powers.

"We are aware. We had agents in place to attack their meeting, but it was deemed too risky."

Ultra-Humanite nodded. It was foolish to think that their organization could wipe them out all at once. It would require a more methodical weakening.

"I am sending you a number of operatives. To aid in your work," said the Ultra-Humanite.

"What of the war effort? Can they be spared?"

"Do not presume to question my judgement," said the Ultra-Humanite with enough force to silence his underling. This was the risk of their distance. The man often forgot how tight his leash truly was.

He coughed again, dabbing at his mouth. "Captain Nazi did his job. I deactivated him before he could be questioned properly. A new one is underway, as will the next one after that. The war effort will have more than enough of my progeny to sustain it."

The Yellow Claw listened without remark, wary now.

"You are to use these gifts to distract them. Give them an enemy to fight. Confirm their suspicions that there is a network dedicated to their country's destruction.

All the while, continue your work on the real poison. By the time it is properly delivered, they will have no hope of survival."