Earth 21 Apartments Backyards, Victoria
Michael Thrawn looks up out the Apartments backyard, not a real backyard but a design choice to add a garden and some room to move around.
A few days after that whole world split, everyone calmed down somewhat, still quite a few deaths on both sides of the dimension, lucky Atlas sent enough messages to calm down both sides and quickly had all adults hug their children immediately.
Michael looks up at the ground as he watches snow fall down.
It is snowing down in Australia, not in the mountains but in the city.
Starfire giggles as she floats in the air, feeling the snow around her, flying in the air as she enjoys the snow like many other kids in Australia seeing snow without going to the mountains.
"This isn't natural" Michael said, seeing the snow all over Australia as he checks the weather report, seeing snow storms all over the country and even the world, Michael turns to see Red Electro walking outside.
"Commander, there has been an increase in snow activity" Red Electro states, looking around at the snow falling, then to a blank staring Commander.
"You notice" RE said seeing the tamaranean playing in the snow.
"First time seeing snow" Michael explains, seeing Starfire flying to them.
"Oh best friend Michael, I never felt so cold, and such joy, my home planet is so cold would force us into shelters but this world cold feels so fuzzy" Starfire smiles playing with the snow as Michael smiled.
"Yes Star, however this isn't good, snow isn't natural" Michael explains to the alien, as she frowns.
"Oh unnatural, how it is this nefarious, isn't this not joyful" Starfire said, leaning back as the snow on her face, giggling at the cold snow on her face, Red Electro shows a floating image of a giant airship shooting snow under it.
"These giant airships are creating a natural disaster, if there is no stop the world will become the next ice age" Red Electro explains, showing Star the Ice Fortress making the snow.
"Are the ice ships truly bad, I thought the climate was warming?" Starfire asked, thinking of global warming or Climate change as people try to change the wording, airship shooting ice should cool the warming world right.
Michael shakes his head.
"It's global warming and I can't explain it, RE just plays in the snow with Star while I call the Avenger" Michael said, not going to talk about people now taking issue with world issues but don't actually know how to fix it.
Starfire looks confused at her best friend.
"How about we make a snowman Starfire" Red electro said, getting a smile from Star.
'A man of snow? How?" Starfire asked, Red Electro holding the snowball.
"With the right amount of snow we can create a snow army to conquer the world," Red Electro announced, Starfire looking confused at the red robot.
"That was my humour" Red Electro said, not getting a laugh from Star as RE shows the alien how to make a snowman.
"Engineer, how is the Firestorm?" Michael called the Engineer after ordering him to fix the Firestorm, The Firestorm is our highly advanced combat aircraft incorporating numerous advances gained from studying the technology found in the alien ships. Power and navigational systems in particular were adapted directly from the alien designs.
The design slowly changed over time when Lily Shen learned to improve it, Lily Shen and the team redesigned the power core to better fit inside the Firestorm's frame, giving us more room to work with, higher effective output, and increased safety due to increased power plant stability.
Due to this, and a careful redesign of the avionics and other systems, they added additional armament hardpoints, as well as a shield generator, a backup computer, and made it quicker and easier to maintain and repair – by redesigning the internals to be as modular as possible.
Despite these new systems, the Firestorm's speed and manoeuvrability are unaffected, which has transformed the Firestorm from an interceptor, into a capable multirole fighter.
"Hey Commander, don't worry the new blood has already finished it, just need to refuel it" Engineer explains through the phone.
"New blood?" Michael asked, who did the Engineer hired.
"A new pint-sized boy genius named Mikron O'Jeneus, this little guy has a nasty attitude but an extensive arsenal of technology" Engineer states, he hired someone without discussing with him.
"Does Miranda know?" Michael asked, the new CO is very diligent with hiring new people.
"I sent her an email," Engineer said, making Michael sign.
"I'd like to see the Firestorm and see our pilot," Michael said, hanging up the phone as he turned to see the android and alien making a weird snowman.
"Look best friend Michael, our man of snow" Starfire presents the snowman.
"Looks good, now made a snow fort or something while I head to the Avenger" Michael suggested seeing Starfire look at him.
"Wait, what about Wally's traditional earthling celebration for birth" Starfire asked, right Wally kept mentioning his birthday over and over and Robin said to make a surprise party even though Wally already knows.
"We'll still make it, once I finish up well head over to the cave" Michael said heading inside to the Psi Gate inside the apartment, walking inside as he enters the code to the locked door.
Michael enters the locked door to enter the purple glowing Psi Gate.
LINE
Avenger Loading Docks
The Commander phase walks into the docks to see Engineer on a weird camera as the Commander looks at the New Firestorm with other engineers fixing and fuelling it.
Originally the Firestorm looked like a cross between a UFO and a fighter jet, and half the size of an Elder scout ship. Now the Firestorm loses its UFO body, more slicker and thinner, closer to a bulky jet with alien features.
(Just the Firestorm but thinner and less rounder, can't find an image to fit it)
"Looks good" Michael said, stuttering the Engineer.
"Oh now, jeez Commander, don't scare me like that" Engineer said, looking shocked at the Commander already here.
"I apologised, but I want to meet this 'genius' that didn't go through our HR" the Commander sends a light glare to the Engineer, Atlas Corporation has a very strict recruiting process, not just interviews but background checks, criminals history and mind scan.
They have weapons and technology beyond anything this earth can make, Atlas keeps count of every bullet, weapon and technology every use.
And Engineer skipped the whole line with this 'new blood'.
"Now Commander Listen, I know we have HR department and all that red tape, but this kid has potential, like this kid can't be that smart, not like Asian smart I mean super genius level smart" Engineer tries to explain, seeing how good the new blood was and got on in Atlas.
"I don't care if this kid the next Einstein, there a process we do Dell, the equipment here is far too dangerous outside, we can't have unscreened employees walking in here take a elerium core home" the Commander states, they have enough problem to even use their tech without people walking in here stealing their weapons.
"Don't worry, just meet the kid at least, we can do that whole background stuff, but the kid needs the work, trust me sir" Engineer said, hoping the Commander can understand the process would be too late to recruit the one.
"I'm going to meet the new pilot anyway, see this O'Jeneus, and you're telling Miranda about this" the Commander told him, Engineer chuckled nervously at CO, knowing the tongue he was getting.
The Commander sees the camera in the Engineer's hand.
"What's with the camera?" Commander asked, making the Engineer grin.
"I just finished making Amazo data analyzers, call it the Amazo Scanner '' Engineer shows off the Amazo Scanner to the Commander, seeing the scanner Michael scan the Firestorm.
Getting data on the ship, the weapons, speed and other random bits of data the Commander can see.
"Perfect, see this be made to others, maybe add it to the Gremlin and SPARKS" The Commander nods approval at the Scanner to the Engineer.
The Commander walks to the Firestorm, seeing sparks flying coming out of the back of the wing.
"This wing isn't needed, why bother with wings if you control gravity, numbskulls that made this didn't know how gravity is your bitch with this thing" a young voice spoke on the wing as the Commander looked over.
Seeing an obviously very short for his age teenager. He is bald, and his eyes have no pupils, but with green goggles. His entire costume is a dark green one-piece with shoes built in. The opening in which is neck goes in is quite large, and he has a gray appliance in the middle of his chest with a harness resembling a backpack on his back,
"If the elerium core was damaged, the ship needs wings to help against drag" The Commander states, the short teenager not noticing him.
"Then the pilot better not get shot, dumbass" the short teenager turns to the Commander.
"Who the hell are you?" the teenager asked rudely, and the Engineer ran to him.
"Mikron O'Jeneus, Michael Thrawn" the Commander introduces himself, offering his hand to get a look from the midget.
"You can call me Gizmo" Gizmo introduces, shaking his hand, as Commander looks at Firestorm.
"So what's your opinion on this Gizmo" the Commander asked Gizmo opinion on the Firestorm, Gizmo grins.
"Oh this shit is awesome, Uplink Targeting, Defence Matrix, Avalanche Missiles, Laser Cannon, EMP and that Fusion Lance, with my integrated tech, you can use all of this cool stuff without having to switch it out" Gizmo joyful over the weapons and modules for the Firestorm.
Only the fact you can't pull the entire cool tech in one ship, until Gizmo helped out.
"All the weapons in it, impressive" the Commander compliments, seeing the Firestorm has its' weapons inside the ship and seeing slots for the weapons to come out.
"Impressive, this ship couldn't use missiles or lasers at the same time, my system is more than impressive low-brainer" Gizmo insulted, feeling his work should be more than impressive, Engineer shakes his head at the midget, but he is not noticing.
"But if one gets destroyed, we would lose not just the ship but the weapons and modules to that ship, it is why we spread out the weapons to each ship" the Commander states, stopping the midget at the Commander turn to him.
"You know how much this ship cost?" the Commander asked with a strong tone, scaring the so-called genus.
"Ahhhh" Gizmo couldn't answer, feeling scared now.
"$20000000, plus the $10000 maintenance cost, do you have that much money in your pocket" the Commander asked, scaring the genus as he shakes his head.
"Now I can see you have talent, the Engineer wasn't wrong but understand this, you are now part of a much larger company, what you did to the Firestorm is an improvement" the Commander admits, seeing the Firestorm improvement in weapons.
"However understand the tech you make needs to fit with the mission, I don't need a chainsaw shooting minigun or a hand-held nuke, you can work on your own special project, just improve the existing tech we got now, once there approve of, we see about what more you can do, understand?" The commander states, getting the point clear, he's not against special projects, but they need people to get the job done and help Altas as a whole. Gizmo stands straighter while saluting.
"Crystal clear sir, focus on my cool stuff in my own time and work with Atlas, I won't let you down, Sir" Gizmo swore to the Commander, knowing his job and willing to show his skills and mind to the company,
"Excellent Gizmo, now listen to Engineer now, I see a bright future ahead of you" Commander complimented as he headed over to where the pilot was coming in.
"Who the hell is that?!" Gizmo freaks out at Engineer as he holds his head.
"That is the boss, my friend, the Commander and CEO of ATLAS" Engineer explains, making Gizmo pale.
"Oh shit" Was all Gizmo said, him talking back to the CEO isn't a good first impression.
"Oh don't worry, you're not the worst job interview, one guy came in drunk and still got the job" Engineer tries to calm the little guy down, remembering Demo-man interview.
The Commander sees a middle aged man with beard and an Atlas flight suit, wearing the new Atlas Corporation cap while leaning on a crutch with leg braces on.
"Holy shit, what a day first it is snowing and I get to fly an alien spaceship, this is a good day to me" The pilot grins at the Firestorm, seeing snow getting inside the docks.
"The flight system is human made as well, a few fancy switches but no more complicated then flying a F-35 Lightning II" the Commander said, meeting the pilot, comparing the Firestorm to the most hardest jet fighter to fly.
"I've flown that one before, so this shouldn't be too hard," the pilot jokes, the Commander smiled.
"Commander Michael Thrawn, CEO of Atlas Corporation" the Commander introduced himself, getting a shocked look from the pilot.
"Oh wow, CEO, Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau" Jeff greets, shaking the CEO's hands.
(Joker from Mass Effect, already a Joker in DC and I don't think anyone wants to have that name on, suggestion for his nickname)
"Nice to meet you Jeff" the Commander said, seeing the pilot as he showed him the Firestorm.
"An amazing girl, Commander" Jeff sees the Firestorm as he checks it out.
"I would like to know my pilot, can I ask you a few questions?" the Commander asked, Jeff turned to the Commander.
"I can see where this is going, you did a background check on me, didn't you? Well, I'll tell you the same thing I told that hot ass CO '' Jeff said, remembering Miranda.
"You want me as your pilot. I'm not good. I'm not even great. I'm the very best pilot you ever see" Jeff brags at him.
"Top of my class in flight school? I earned that. All those commendations in my file? I earned every single one. Those weren't given to me as charity for my disease" Jeff states, getting right to the Commander who only raised an eyebrow.
"I apologised Jeff, I didn't know you were sick, '' Commander said honestly, seeing the leg braces as only cripples, not an illness. Jeff's eyes widened in surprise.
"You mean..You mean you didn't know? Ah crap" Jeff said to himself, knowing he may have screwed himself.
"Okay, I've got Vrolik syndrome, brittle bone disease, the bone in my leg never fully developed properly. Basically hollow, too much force and they'll shatter" Jeff explains to him.
"Even with crutches and my leg braces it is hard to get around, one wrong step and CRACK! It's very dramatic! But I've learned to manage my condition, Commander" Jeff explains to the Commander, getting a nod.
"Put this ship in my hands and I'll make her dance. Just don't ask me to dance, unless you like the sound of snapping shin bones" Jeff jokes as Michael smiles, looking at the pilot with approval.
"Very good Jeff, I read your background, and if even half of it is true, happy to welcome you to Atlas" Commander welcomes the pilot with a smile as he takes his hand.
"Now let's show you the Firestorm" the Commander shows Jeff the Firestorm.
"Such a cool design, like an actual UFO but with a human touch" Jeff said, looking at the outside of the ship in detail getting a nod from the Commander.
"Are you aware of what we do, Jeff?" The Commander asked, getting a nod from the pilot.
"Yeah a paramilitary company thing" Jeff said with a raised eyebrow, Commander nods.
"Correct, but we deal with those only the Super can handle, want to see something cool?" The Commander asked, holding his crotch.
"Ahhh..sure?" Jeff asked, as the Commander held Jeff, Relocate Jeff in the pilot seat, scaring him.
"WOwww…holy shit that was awesome..wait you a superhero?...or a supervillain, cause either would be so cool!" Jeff said with glee, teleporting into a pilot and working for a meta-human.
"I like to think more professional that has powers, not taking over the world yet" The Commander jokes as Jeff starts to test the Firestorm.
"Oh leather seats! Military set the hardware standard, but not these, these seat breath, civilian comfort by design" Jeff feeling the seat as he checks the control of the Firestorm.
"HEY! Watch what you press cripple, I just fix that" Gizmo jumps on the side, getting in Jeff face, looking annoyed.
"Excuse me, kid, but this is for adults only, what's this take you kid to work day?" Jeff asked, and the others, Gizmo, looked annoyed.
"Who the hell are you calling a kid, you broken leg pilot, can you even fly a plane?" Gizmo insults, getting in Jeff's face, Jeff putting his hand in Gizmo's face.
"Hey, get off me midget, you don't need your legs to fly" Jeff pushes Gizmo off as both cripple and midget start fighting each other, the Commander sign turning to the Engineer.
"Keep an eye on the two and have the ship ready by today" the Commander said, getting a nod from the Engineer as tries to break up the fight.
The Commander makes another call.
"Commander, our client is still alive, but not sure how long" Major Roger 'Prankster' Wesley said through the call, Atlas Corporation was able to get a small contract protecting the new queen of Vlatava after her father died.
Killed by Sportmaster, failed protections by Red Arrow, anyway with Ravager contracts and Miranda notations Atlas provides an escort for the young queen to the Seattle Medical Center for her heart condition.
Nearly got killed by assassins but Atlas was able to protect her until Green Arrow showed up helping Atlas protect the young queen and escort her to the hospital.
"How is her condition?" the Commander asked, knowing their client in hospital but from what he heard it isn't good.
"Nothing good boss, her heart failing and she needs a transplant soon, nothing we can do but wait for a donor" Prankster said, Commander frowns at that. Waiting for a donor isn't guaranteed.
Unless.
"Major, your given permission to use the Medgun" the Commander orders, the Salveron RMP-41K is only used by Medics only, currently the Intern has it and only allowed to use it on Atlas employees, not civilians unless they have been shot.
"Are you sure sir? We have been discreet about using it" Prankster said, only using the medgun to heal his squad, lucky no civilians have been shot yet.
"Keep it that way, the Medgun can't fix her heart but can keep her alive until they find a donor" the Commander states as he thinks about this.
"That can work, but it will be some time until a donor is found" Prankster said, with the Commander nodding.
"I know but keep your eyes open, just cause she is in hospital doesn't mean the assassin won't cut off her life-support" the Commander states, nodding as he hangs up.
"The king of Vlatava is dead and his daughter nearly killed going to the hospital, she on death's door and floating ships are making an endless snow storm delaying everything, I recall Count Vertigo is a member of the Vlatava family, the Light are involved in this" the Commander remembers as he head back to the Psi-Gate.
"Knowing who needs the heart and this danger of his storm the League should be involved" the Commander figures, shaking his head as he heads to the Psi-Gate.
LINE
Mount Justice
The thunder rumbles over the snow-covered mountain, but oddly enough the winds are calm.
Recognize:
Kid Flash; B-0-3
Wally appears in the Zeta Tube, wearing his red turtleneck, dark heavy-duty pants, tucked into black boots, and an open brown jacket with fur on the hood that is pulled down.
Zeta Tube Network now off-line due to extreme atmospheric conditions.
Wally walks through the empty training area,
"Whoa!" he says to himself. "I just made it." he walks into the darkened living room, though the kitchen lights are still on. "Be a tragedy if I missed my own-"
The lights snap on, causing him to reel back.
"Surprise!" The entire team, Flash, Red Tornado and Red Electro are all there. With a large banner 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' with presents and cakes on the coffee table between the two couches.
"What?!" Wally massively overplays his surprise, hitting it rather high in the drawn-out word.
"Oh, you guys. You shouldn't have."
"Right, not like you've been hinting for days or anything." Robin chuckles sarcastically, Wally kneels down in front of the coffee table, two cakes in front of him as he now wears a party hat on his head, Starfire stands in front of him.
"Friend Wally, I shall sing you the traditional Tamaranean birthday song." Starfire clasped her hands together with a smile before they started to sing a song, everyone clapping at Wally grins.
"We made two cakes." M'gann tells him.
"Awesome! What'll you guys eat?"" Wally cheers.
"We'll split the cupcake. Make a wish." M'gann smiles.
"Way ahead of you." Wally flirts before blowing out all the candles on both cakes.
They all cheer and clap.
Wally looks at M'gann out of the corner of his eye as she cuts the cake.
"You know, if I tell you my wish, it won't come true. But if you guess…" Wally trails, smirking. Ignoring him, she hands him the first slice of cake.
"Nope. Guess again." Wally flirts, Artemis turns away, narrowing her eyes. Barely avoiding glaring.
"Happy birthday." M'gann gives him a kiss on the hairline.
Wally sighs a little, disappointed while Artemis' lips twitch into a small smile. Not quite smug.
Kaldur and Conner talk to the Flash while Michael and Starfire speak to the Red siblings.
Zatanna remains bundled up in her jacket with her hat still on as well.
Robin offers two pieces of cake, the plate being the first thing she sees out of the corner of her eye. She turns, a little caught off guard.
"You settling in here okay?" the Boy Wonder asks low, but genuinely. Zatanna takes the plate from him. Looking away.
"Oh, yeah. It's just like home." Zatanna frowns sadly, Robin frowns briefly before continuing.
"I know this is all very new and intimidating, but I promise you someday…" Wally slams an entire piece of cake into his mouth, chomping down-physically unable to close his mouth with the size of the bite he took- and spilling crumbs everywhere.
"You'll get used to watching Wally eat." Robin finishes with a smirk. Zatanna smiles.
"Think we should tell him?" Artemis walks up to the two of them.
All three watch as Wally flirts with M'gann as she cuts another slice.
"You're getting warmer, babe, but I could make you warmer still." Wally flirts, missing the common fact at this point.
Robin raises an eyebrow, looking at Artemis.
"He is the only one who doesn't know." Robin smiles at the oblivious speedster.
"Then, please," Artemis says downright smug, "allow me."
Wally watches as M'gann stands up, while Artemis moves nearly unnoticed to sit on the couch just behind his right shoulder as M'gann walks away.
Robin and Zatanna can't hear what Artemis tells him as she places a hand on his shoulder and whispers in his ear, but they can see his eyes widen, as he turns to look at her before looking towards M'gann and Conner.
M'gann feeds Conner a piece of cake, which results in some frosting getting stuck on his lip.
Wally's mouth drops open as M'gann wipes it off.
She giggles as she licks it off her own thumb.
"Oh, man." Wally frowns, hard, then whines.
"Attention, Team. Suit up. Polar Stealth. Mission briefing in five." Batman says over the loudspeakers.
Batman is on the large screen in the Zeta Room, the entire team- including Zatanna and Starfire- are wearing their costumes, except their all-white or shades of pale grey, Red Electro stand normal next to them.
"Where's Flash?" Wally asks.
"Flash and Red Tornado already have their assignments." Batman says as he flies through the storms in the BatPlane.
"A massive ice storm has paralyzed North America from coast to coast. Satellite imagery has detected five flying ice fortresses, source unknown," an image of one shows up on the screen. "which seem to be responsible and must be stopped" Batman explains the mission
"Can't the Watchtower blow them out of the sky or something?" Wally questions.
Artemis sends him a look, while Zatanna's the one who voices their question of
"What's a Watchtower?" Zatanna asked, Starfire raised her hand.
"Is the space station the league of Justice use to watch the planet, I saw it on the way here," Starfire explains to the mage, Batman sighs heavily, sending a look toward Kid Flash.
"The League's orbiting headquarters is not weaponized. And with both Green Lanterns off-world, I need all hands on deck" Batman said, needing everyone ready, Robin's eyes widened behind his mask.
"Does that mean what I think it means?" Robin asks, unable to keep the slight edge of joy from coming out in his voice.
"The League and the Team fighting side-by-side?" Robin gets excited about this, a dream the sidekicks have been wanting for years.
"Whoa! Really?" Wally questions from the other side of the lineup. Now that's a birthday wish come true, he thought.
"Superboy, use the Super-Cycle to rendezvous with the BatPlane at Ice Fortress 1." Batman commands.
"You'll drop off Robin and Aqualad, then continue on with Wolf to meet up with Black Canary and Red Tornado at Ice Fortress 2. Miss Martian, Artemis, Zatanna take the Bio Ship and rendezvous with Green Arrow and Martian Manhunter at Fortress 3. Cold-Blood you'll teleport Starfire and Red Electro, meet up with Superman and Dr Fate. Other Leaguers will deal with Fortresses 4 and 5. Sending all coordinates now." Batman sends the information to the team, Cold-Blood looks at the coordinates.
"I'll have both transport and a way to take a Fortress down" Cold-Blood mentions, before Batman could say anything the birthday boy steps forward.
"Uh, Batman? I think you skipped…" Wally pauses for a moment, and then steps forward a little.
"Kid Flash," Batman starts, Wally absolutely beams, "a young girl in Seattle is in desperate need of a heart transplant. With all conventional air traffic grounded by the storm, you'll need to pick up the donor heart in Boston and run it 3,000 miles cross country."
No, no, no. Wally's face falls into pure distraught. He can't seriously expect me to skip the first-ever League-Team team-up?
"Who is this girl?" Wally questions.
"Does it matter?" Batman's eyes narrow, Cold-Blood raised an eyebrow at this, not telling Wally about the Queen, guess it really doesn't matter.
"No, of course not," Wally says with a serious level of disappointment, "but can't we Zeta...?"
"Zeta-Tubes are offline." Robin cuts in. "Sorry."
"Right." Wally says with a forced smile.
"Then how can I say no? I guess I won't be needing stealth." Wally hits his logo with his fist, his suit returns to the classic yellow and red colouring.
"Speedy Delivery Boy, at your service." Kid Flash tries to be enthusiastic.
Lighting cracks outside the mountain.
The ramp opens up into the mountain and Wally runs out of the Mountain.
"Law enforcement across the country has been alerted to your mission and is clearing your route." Batman says over the radio in Wally's suit.
He looks down at his computer screen on his right wrist, looking at the route they're sending him through.
Looking up just in time to see the BioShip fly off.
He moves left while SuperCycle drives past him before taking off into the air.
He moves right to see Cold-blood getting held by Starfire with Red Electro behind them, A purple portal appears in front of them as it vanishes when entered.
"Lucky stiffs." Wally huffs.
LINE
Fortress 1
The BatPlane comes to a stop beside the flying fortress, dropping several small grenades on the surface, knocking out the weaponry on that side of the fortress.
Robin swings in beside his mentor- now in completely opposing colours to the Dark Knight, it's almost jarring- landing on another one of the mounted turrets. Planting a grenade before flipping off it and landing on the surface just before it explodes.
Behind him, Aquaman and Aqualad run over to the other side of the fortress.
Aqualad ducks behind a corner to avoid the shots, but Aquaman continues to run forward, ducking under the shot.
Aquaman stops, grabbing the lip of one of the plates, pushing it up to block the next shot.
Pulling out a WaterBearer, Aqualad runs up behind Aquaman, kicks off his shoulder as a second shot hits the barrier. Aquaman looks at his protege, slightly stunned, but Aqualad keeps moving, swinging his whip-like WaterBearer at the turret. Destroying it in one fell swoop.
Flash runs past him, running literal circles around the next turret to avoid the shots, before grabbing one end and using his built-up force to easily rip it off the mount.
'Oh, come on! Robin and Aqualad with Batman, Aquaman, and Flash? Who's missing from this picture?' Wally gripes his wrist computer watching on the news. Wally gasps as something just barely catches his attention beyond his screen.
"Uh-oh." Kid Flash hops over a couple of the still cars then uses one of the pile-ups to get onto the bridge running across the highway.
"Need to find me a little detour." Wally said, running through the city.
'Oh, man!' Wally whines to himself as he runs through an alley between rows of restaurants and fast-food shops.
'I'd give this heart for a double chili-cheeseburger or a, mmm, tacostada or, ooh, a Chicken Whizee.' Wally thinks as he cuts across, using a slight hill to get back on the highway.
LINE
Fortress 2
The turrets fire rapidly at SuperCycle, while Superboy dodges the fire Black Canary lets out her iconic cry. Weakening the fortress.
The SuperCycle controls her own flight while Superboy and Wolf jump onto the surface of the fortress, just behind the still firing turret. Superboy yanks it out at the base, and with a snarl, Wolf bites through the wires. Disconnecting it as electricity flashes.
Superboy throws it into the air, Red Tornado- above the fortress- catches it with his tornado sending it back to the fortress. Right into another turret that blows upon impact.
LINE
Fortress 3
Lightning cracks behind one of the Ice Fortresses and the BioShip flies in, unleashing a red laser beam that slices through the turrets firing away with ease.
Inside the Fortress Green Arrow and Artemis stand back-to-back, firing off arrows.
On the outside surface of the Fortress Martian Manhunter yanks a turret free with his superhuman strength.
Miss Martian flies up to one of the vents pushing out snow and uses her telekinesis to seal it shut. Watching how it bulges, and as she flies away how it explodes behind her.
"Erif nrub, nordluac elbbub!" Zatanna incants, her hands moving from in front of her hips, pointed at the Fortress to come together in front of her with her first two fingers creating an X.
Fire erupts on the surface of the Fortress just before the whole thing explodes and comes crashing down.
LINE
Fortress 4
Cold-Blood holds on to Starfire as they both enter the Psi-gate with Red Electro behind. Starfire goes through the portal as they enter the snowy sky.
"Wow, so windy and cold, nothing like my home planet " Starfire said, feeling the cold snow on her face as the snow suit covered her body more in white where the purple is.
"Are you sure you can hold me?" Cold-Blood asked, while he can Levitate to keep himself in the air, he is not keen on using it at this high up.
"Your weight isn't heavy, best friend Michael" Starfire said, lifting Cold-Blood like he weighs nothing.
"The ice fortress is over there" Red Electro points forward, making the two heroes look to see the giant flying airship with ice shooting down it and with ice gun turrets on the top.
Another gold portal appears as with Doctor Fate and Superman.
"Cold-Blood, Starfire and Red Electro" Superman greets, as well; Dr Fate only nods his head but stares at Cold-Blood.
"Oh right Team, lets destroy this ice fortress" Superman states, flying straight ahead straight away, leaving and the team behind.
"No plan whatsoever?" Cold-Blood asked, seeing Superman fly into the ice fortress as it shoots the man of steel.
"His strength can destroy the snow fortress, Commander" notes, Cold-Blood looks at him but ignores him, channelling a gold spell as the machine stops shooting ice under it.
Around them the snow clouds began to shrink, making less snow and wind around the area.
"It doesn't matter let's head in" Cold-Blood orders, Starfire and Red Electro fly into the fray, the ice fortress turrets start shooting at the coming heroes, Superman flies forward and tanks most of the hits as he shoots his laser vision on the turrets.
Starfire and Red Electro fliers in, Starfire drops Cold-Blood on top of the floating ship, as he starts running on top of it, Starfire shoots her starbolts on each turret with Red Electro shooting lighting at them as well as she clones a Codex to shoot that other turrets.
Cold-Blood runs to the floating ship, using Frostbit to freeze one of the turrets he rips the turret off, pulling out Skulljack, stabbing into the machine Cold-Blood gets information and data about these airships.
"This thing was designed…by the ice villains? Icicle, Cold and Freeze I can see but Jr and Frost?" Cold-Blood figures, seeing Icicle, Cold and Freeze made their ice abilities with high level tech while Icicle Jr and Killer Frost are metas with ice powers.
"Wait, is it being controlled?...shit no time" Cold-Blood shakes his head, making a note to check it later as he points a relay deep in the airship, pointing in a call.
"Avenger, send in the Firestorm" Cold-Blood orders, seeing Superman is taking out the flight systems and Fate getting rid of the snow storm, they need to destroy it before it crashes.
"Acknowledge, sending in the Firestorm" Miranda calls out.
LINE
Avenger loading docks
Jeff gets in and the FireStorm alarms go off, starting the engine as he hears the quiet hum of the alien-like engine.
"Thank god the sounds isn't not annoying" Jeff said, liking the sound of the engine as it starts to hover off the ground.
"Don't get cocky; I'll make it ring like a doorbell if I want" Gizmo snarks on the radio making Jeff grunt.
"Yeah and I play it in your bedroom short stack" Jeff snarks back ,turning off the radio to the annoying little shit, Jeff states the second engine as he feels the Firestorm warming up.
Then shoots forward at fast speeds.
"WOHHOOOO" Jeff cheered, feeling the force sending him back he turn the ship to the coordination of the Commander.
The Firestorm flies though the sky, the snowstorm and cloud as he grins the whole way until he reaches the giant airship.
"That's a big ice shredder if I ever see one, would make it fun at parties' ' Jeff jokes as he flies to the ship, turning on the guns as he takes aim, activating the Uplink Targeting to get a better aim at the target.
Until he saw Superman fly to his view.
"Holy shit, Superman at my window" Jeff said in awe as he flew into the ice fortress, Superman holding a finger to his ear.
"Pilot you flying in dangerous space, please turn around" Superman said through the radio, but Jeff shakes his head.
"Sorry Superman, but I have to make my Uber delivery and I can't break the five star record" Jeff jokes, the Firestorm pulls out the Avalanche Missiles under it and the Laser Cannon on the nose. Superman frowns until he hears another voice on the radio.
"He is with me Superman, I called help to take this thing down, let's help him take out the point defence turrets" the Commander spoke out, making Superman look confused at him.
"I don't think Batman would approve," Superman points out.
"Batman can complain about it later after we take down this airship" the Commander states, getting a nod from Superman as he flies forward.
"Getting an escort by the man of steel on my first day, this job rocks' ' Jeff said as he aimed at the airship, Cold-Blood looked up to see the Firestorm heading this way with Superman escorting it.
"Time up, let go" Cold-Blood orders, Red Electro fuses back with the Codex as Starfire flies to pick up Cold-Blood, they make it off the airship as Superman shoots lasers at it.
The Firestorm launches a barrage of missiles on the ship, shooting laser blasts as well, destroying the whole top of the airship.
"How you like that, you sons-of-bitches" Jeff calls out, making another turn around, closing the Avalanche Missile and the Laser Cannon as he pulls out the main gun.
"One more to finish the job" Jeff calls out, flying back to the airship, priming the Fusion Lance, taking aim at the centre of the ship.
The Fusion Lance fully charges, shooting a blast though the airship as it explodes, falling down into the sea in pieces.
"WOOOHHHHOOOO that so awesome" Jeff cheers, looking to the side see the Commander in a snake costume hood with two woman appear, one a sexy orange red-head the other a killer robot woman.
Oh this job has an alien woman and robot woman.
"So Commander, did I not tell you?" Jeff asked, The Commander gave him thumbs up as he turned the Firestorm around with the Commander and Atlas babes on it.
Jeff loves his new job already.
LINE
Seattle
Major Roger 'Prankster' Wesley sits in front of the hospital desk, standing in front as he waits for the speedster to get here with his heart.
The Aunt of the now crown Queen hired Atlas to escort her niece to get her heart checked, after nearly getting killed by her crazy uncle they made it to the hospital, but now her condition is worse and they need a heart transplant.
Now the Justice League sends one of their speedster to deliver the heart thanks to this insane snow storm from those airships.
"You think they put the fast speedster to deliver this, why send the kid?" A voice calls out, Prankster turns to see an old man with brown hair mixed with white and a full beard, wearing a yellow suit with metal pad, metal boots and a glass eye.
(Wilhelm from Borderland pre-sequel)
Sergeant Wihelm 'Enforcer' Hera, was a mercenary with his aggressive tendencies. He became a somewhat infamous mercenary, having fought for many organisations and gaining a large kill count, though he failed to protect either a president or an orphanage which made it harder to get jobs in his line of work.
Until the Commander hired him, seeing him looking for work and getting him a cybernetic implant in his eye, making Wihelm eager for more cybernetic implants to become a full on robot, the Commander made note of it and made a deal for further cybernetics.
"Those leaguers need to destroy those airships before it gets worse" Prankster spoke in an Australian accent, waiting for the speedsters to turn to the sergeant.
"How's the little fella?" Prankster asked, Enforcer shaking his head.
"No good, if not for that pussy Intern we would have lost her by now" Enforcer said, the Intern is there to heal the team in case of injuries with the medigun, now using it on the client. Prankster nods as he waits for the sidekick.
"You think the speedster is faster on a bicycle or some else?" Enforcer asked, waiting for the speedster as well, thinking if they were faster than their legs can carry.
"They should be, don't think a bike can handle that speed" Prankster said, making a conversion as they wait for the heart.
"Make it a reinforced bike then, or a motorbike with that flash speed of his" Enforcer said, seeing a man riding a bike is faster than a man running, would a speedster car be faster than a speedster man.
"Would make everything easier," Prankster said, looking up to see a yellow costume walking in.
"There he is, get the nurses, the heart's here" Prankster orders, Enforcers see the speedster and run to get the doctors.
Wally groans and follows him inside, mentally checked out as he sits on the bench closest to the door.
"Paging Dr. Howard, Dr. Bedford, Dr. Bereno." comes over the PA system but it's barely processing in Wally's head.
He sighs as a patient walks by with his IV stand, then clues into the sounds coming from the TV.
"Superman, Cold-Blood, Doctor Fate and new heroes have brought down a fourth ice fortress." The News report said.
"Kid Flash." Wally's attention snaps to the source, finding three nurses and two men with one glass eye, nearly running, towards him.
"We've been waiting for you. Where is the queen's heart?" the nurse asked
"The girl's dead so now the heart's going to a queen?" Wally looks at them, confused.
"The girl is the queen mate. Queen Perdita of Vlatava, age ten, and she's not dead yet, she is running out of time." the man said, looking for the heart with narrow eyes.
Wally's eyes skate to the side as hears this, putting it together in his head in a matter of a moment. I've been conned! He grits his teeth and gets back to his feet.
When he stands, he can see just past two of the nurses' arms the man he gave the heart to get in the elevator, the heart still wrapped and hidden in his jacket. The two men turn to see one of the nurses with a wrapped up jacket.
Wally takes off past the nurses in an instant.
"Lockdown the hospital, mayday, those cunts have the heart" the man orders the doctor, both he and the one-eyed man follow behind the speedster.
Wally braces with his hands against the now-closed elevator doors but glances up at the arrows. Showing that it's going down.
His boots screech as he speeds to the door and rockets down the stairs, pasting the two men.
"Shit there in the basement, head to the car park, cut them off" Prankster orders, as Enforcer gets another elevator down.
Wally heads all the way down to the lowest levels and into the garage. Just in time to see the man passing the heart through the window of a car with tinted windows.
He snags it out of the man's hands into his own arms.
The man only stares at his empty hands for a few seconds before pulling out a handgun and firing at Wally. Two people step out of the front of the car and using automatics join in the hail of bullets that Wally's dodging.
"Love to take these creeps out but can't put the heart at risk… again" Wally thought, One of the men is blocking the stairs, but not firing at him until he gets a little closer. Seeing the stairs is blocked.
Wally kicks off the pillars, heading sharply in the other direction, heading for the car exit.
The two men tried to shoot Kid Flash, but one was knocked out with a metal hand, the other grunt tried to shoot the man but was shot on the shoulder.
Wally ran to the car exit but he's hit with a sudden wave that has his knees giving out from under him. Whoa! He manages a few sloppy rolls that keep the heart tucked to his chest,
"Ow… still hurt, that was nauseatingly familiar" Wally thought, Behind him stands a familiar pale blonde man. Count Vertigo.
"Now it all makes sense. Queen Perdita stands between her uncle Vertigo and the Vlatavan crown." Wally thought, he inched his way forward, too nauseated from Vertigo to try and get his feet back under himself.
"Crawling away. Is the young Hero reduced to that?" Count Vertigo taunts.
"Hey, I'm not proud." Wally throws over his shoulder.
"Apparently." Vertigo muses.
And not defeated either. Wally thinks. Not when I still have one weapon left: My big mouth.
"I don't get it, Vertigo. You were defeated with the rest of the InJustice League, how come you're not in Belle Reve Prison with your putrid pals?" Wally asked,
"As a member of the Vlatavan royal family, I am an immunité diplomatique," he informs, "as long as no crimes against Vlatava can be proven against me." he muses.
"Cold-Blood was right, but when the queen needed a heart, Count Heartless heard opportunity knock. The ice fortresses were all part of the plan to murder your niece. And Savage, he intentionally stalled me as a favor to you!" Wally snaps, Vertigo frowns at the mention of Cold-blood.
"The Serpent will suffer soon enough" He raises the sword out of its sheath.
"Now, shall we see if I can kill two hearts with one blow?" Count Vertigo said, a gunshot off his sword.
"Ahhh" Count Vertigo turns to see a beautiful dark woman in tight jeans and small top with a leather jacket, a cowboy hat and two pistols smoking
(Nisha Kadam from Borderland pre sequel)
Corporal Nisha 'Sheriff' Kadam, a woman with a talent for killing bandits, gets the attention of the Commander and recruits her.
"Who are you?!" Count Vertigo looks at the woman lustfully, Nisha smirks.
"The name's Nisha! Sheriff if you're nasty!" Sheriff shoots again, blasting the headset on his ear. Nisha smirks but frowns avoiding gunshots her way.
"Ahhhh" Count Vertigo holds his ear in pain, seeing blood and his machine broken. Wally kicks his legs out under him. Sending the Count down with a thud,
"Thank you babe!" Wally thought, still off kilter from Vertigo's powers, Wally breathes heavily as he holds the heart close to his chest as the gunmen name him.
The gunmen shoot him as Wally closes his eyes, but doesn't feel the bullet as he opens to see a same man with the glass eye block the bullets with a metal shield.
The other man grabs him.
"Hey mate, is the heart in one piece?" Prankster asked, seeing no bullets shoot in the heart as Wally nodded.
"Ok, take the heart to O.R, we'll deal with them" Prankster orders, Wally shakes his head and nods as he turns his back on him, already running.
Tell me there's still time. He begs the universe as he runs out of the garage.
Enforcer takes the bullets with his metal Kinetic Shield, taking all the attention with Phalanx
The gunman keeps shooting at him until they run out of bullets, before they have a chance to reload, one gets hit by a metal baseball bat.
"Fun over cunts" Scout grin, the other gunman tries to reload but is all shot by the Sheriff, Enforcer and Scout.
"NOoo this can't happen!" Count Vertigo shouted, about to slash at them with his sword, but cried in pain when a familiar wave of psyche force hit him.
"AHHHHH" Count Vertigo groans, looking up to see Prankster with his Vertigo-Wave headset.
"A taste of your own medicine" Prankster said with a grin at the count, using his own weapon against him, turning up the settings until he gets knocked out by Scout.
"Great, do we finish him off?" Enforcer said, ready to shoot him, but Prankster stops him.
"We can't, bastard got immunity" Prankster warns, can't kill a member of the royal family without suffering international consequences.
"I hate politics," Sheriff said as she and the others rounded up the gunmen to report later.
Wally comes through the emergency doors, the glass automatic doors shattering as he charges through them.
He rolls through it, coming to a stop at the feet of the nurses he left.
"Take it. Go!" Wally bags, the lead nurse takes it from him.
"Right. Right. Transplant team to O.R. Two, stat." the Nurse said,
The three head into an elevator and Wally just barely watches as the doors shut before he falls to the floor, unconscious.
LINE
A roast is pulled out just enough to check before it's slid back in.
"Wally's birthday dinner will be completely dried out." Mary mumbles to herself.
"Mary." Rudy shushes her and turns up the TV volume.
"Hawkman, Hawkwoman, Captain Atom, and Wonder Woman have defeated a fifth flying ice fortress." Iris reports and her voice changes tone completely.
"But… this just in: Despite the best efforts of Kid Flash and a team of transplant surgeons young Queen Perdita of Vlatava died, on the operating table at Seattle Medical Center." Iris reports, Mary and Rudy can only stare and share a single look.
LINE
Seattle
Wally comes to, seeing a familiar face at the foot of his hospital bed.
"Count Vertigo." Wally growls, hearing a heart rate monitor beep rhythmically.
"That's King Vertigo to you, peasant." Vertigo corrects.
"King?" Wally parrots.
"Perdita is dead. and the beauty of it is I never laid a hand on her." Vertigo informs.
"And now no one can lay a hand on you." Wally snarls.
"As King of Vlatava, I'm untouchable." Vertigo confirms.
"Let's test that theory!" Wally snaps, going to sit up, but something catches in his chest and he grips it as he yelps in pain.
"Now, now, little Hero, you'll pull your stitches. Besides, who exactly are you mad at, hmm? She died on the table. All that planning, all those men, all that effort, neither of us need have bothered." Vertigo raises a hand, Wally moves into a more proper sitting position slowly.
"Right, and now it must kill you to know that you owe favours to Vandal Savage and- I'm guessing- five ice Villains for nothing" Wally questions, Vertigo taps his sword against his hand.
"Not at all. They played their roles in my attempt to rid Vlatava of Perdita. We couldn't know it was unnecessary." Vertigo states,
"So you all still deserve credit for attempted murder." Wally gripes.
"It's called regicide." Vertigo growls.
"It's called…" Wally parrots the Count and suddenly reaches out to the curtain at his side,
"You're busted, jerkface." revealing the two agents, five Atlas soldiers, and a young girl with the same blonde hair as Vertigo along with vibrant green eyes.
"I believe you know Queen Perdita and the soldiers of Atlas." Wally smirks, Vertigo's eyes shrink as he stares in fear.
"No!" Vertigo denies, Perdita holds up a recording device. Vertigo saying, "It's called regicide." plays back.
"Count Werner Vertigo, as Queen of Vlatava, I hereby accuse you of high treason against the Crown and revoke your diplomatic immunity." she says with all the power she has. Though with her accent the W in his name comes out more as a V.
"No!" Vertigo shouts again, this time pulling out his sword, but it gets stopped by Wally's IV stand and clatters to the floors as the Enforcer and Scout charge at him.
Wally walks up to the Count, only setting down his stand once he's in front of him.
"Send this clown to Belle Reve." Wally said,
"Well played, children. Admittedly, well played. This round goes to you." Count said, starts getting dragged out of the room.
"And please, by all means: allow the victory to go to" that got a punch in his head.
"Shut the hell up or I'll give you a royal beating" Enforcers stop the count as he pushes him away.
Wally picks up the sword and sheath, returning the sheath back over the sword before turning to the young Queen.
"Thank you. Your plan worked perfectly." The Queen holds up the playback, smiling.
"That was dangerous but it works in the end" Prankster nods in the speedsters plan.
"Well, when I woke up and found out you were in recovery, I knew Vertigo would make another attempt on your life unless A, he thought you were dead, and two, he lost that darn immunity and was sent away for good." Wally explains his plan, holds the sword out to her. The queen shakes her head.
"That sword is an heirloom belonging to my country. Not to the Count." She explains with smiles at him.
"I would be pleased for you to have it as a reward or as a souvenir?" the Queen Perdita offers, Wally pulls it back towards his stomach and meets her eyes.
They share a smile.
LINE
Belle Reve
Vertigo stands, now decked out in orange, and holds out his tray in the lunch line, hearing ambient chatter between the other inmates.
"And here's the king's royal lunch." the server, Brick, taunts. Laughing at how it gets all over Vertigo's clothes and his face.
Other inmates join in.
Batman and Flash stand in the warden's office.
"The League destroyed the five ice fortresses but failed to capture whomever was behind them." Batman takes a few steps forward.
"But Icicle Sr., Icicle Jr., Killer Frost, Captain Cold, and Mr. Freeze are by far the most likely suspects." Batman tells the man, putting his hands on his desk.
"That's impossible." Hugo Strange says, pulling up camera footage on his computer, not seeing a recording on the side of the screen.
"All five were in their cells for the duration of the crisis." Showing the five convicts in their cell at the time of that attack.
Flash and Batman exchange a look.
Wally stands in his room in the mountain, holding a familiar white backpack in his arms.
"The sword was cool but this just seemed like the right souvenir for the right mission" Wall thought, placing it down on a shelf. Smiling, hand on his chin, Robin walks in behind his turned back.
"Dude, I just heard! You saved an entire country. Major kudos." Robin praise,
"What can I say? I'm the man." Wally says brightly to his best friend but turns to look back at the backpack, a softer look coming over his face.
The man who finally figured out that the sweetest birthday present a lucky stiff like me could ever get was seeing that little girl's smile.
LINE
Seattle hospital
Queen Perdita groans as her Aunt Venins hug her.
"Oh poor baby, nearly killed by your uncle of all men" Aunt Venins hugs her niece as Queen Perdita tries to calm her down.
"I'm fine Aunt Venins, thanks to Kid Flash" Queen Perdita smiles as does Venins, the door opens as Prankster walks in to see the two royals hugging.
"Seems everything in order; your uncle is in prison and you should recover in a few days" Prankster reports, getting a nod from Venins as she stands up.
"I can't thank you enough for your protections, whatever you want, I'll gladly pay" Aunt Venins said, thankful for the protections.
"No need for that, but our CEO will love to meet you" Prankster said, as the door opens revealing a young man with a smart business suit walking in.
"Queen Perdita, Countess Venins, happy to see you both alive and unharmed, I'm Michael Thrawn, CEO of ATLAS Corporation" Michael Thrawn walks in a smart suit, shaking the hands of the Queen and Countess.
"Your…very young to run a private military" Queen Perdita note, getting a smile from Michael Thrawn.
"And you have faced enough trouble for someone your age" Michael Thrawn smiles, taking a seat as Queen Perdita smiles in irony.
"You have my thanks to your ATLAS merceries" Queen Perdita thanks to the CEO.
"Of course, perhaps we can make it permanent if you want," Michael said, getting a look from the Queen and Countess.
"While we're amazed by the mercenaries, we don't feel the need for more mercenaries' ' Countess Venis said, amazed by the mercenaries but having their own soldiers.
"I'm sure, I'm sure, but you see Atlas does more than escort, soon we will deal with advanced warfare, we'll answer to no country, we don't sell policy my queen, no we will sell power" Michael the CEO of Atlas said.
"Soon we'll become a superpower for hire, but power isn't just the abilities to destroy, we can create infrastructures and other faculties years ahead in time" Michael bring a iPad, showing videos of ATLAS Cyberdises fixing houses and cars, video of machines and powers to the Queen and Countess as they watch in wonder.
"We can do in a few years what it takes governments decades to accomplish. Soon we can become more effective than the government that will hire us…as your father found out the hard way" Michael explains getting a sad look from Queen Perdita and Countess Venis.
"Believing more government will hire this Atlas" Queen Perdita asked, seeing the CEO of Atlas, Michael Thrawn gives the queen a card.
"Think about my offer, the soldiers will stay and escort you to the plane, your majestic" Michael nods as he makes his leave, Queen Perdita looks at the card, the card change and shows a picture of the ATLAS Logo, saying greetings with a number and the phase 'A Way Forward' as Countess looks at the card.
"We could use the help" the Countess said, seeing the work at Atlas before protecting her niece and wanting to know what else they can do, Queen Perdita looks at the card as she thinks about the future of her country.