Chapter 40: Ma'alefa'ak
"You're sure you're not cheating?" King Faraday asked as he and J'onn played a game of chess in the DEO common area.
"I am determined to beat you at this game without resorting to reading your mind," J'onn replied, moving his next piece. "Check."
Faraday chuckled in response.
"Not bad. Gotta say, if you told me five years ago that I'd be playing chess with a martian, I'd have you arrested then and there."
"Well, I certainly did not expect such a change in your demeanor myself, or at least not as quickly as it happened. If you had asked me last year if I saw myself playing chess with the man who accused me of murder, I would have called you mad."
"Yes, I… profusely apologize for that. You must understand my actions were never personal. "
"Believe me, I am aware of that. You see, I looked into your mind, and by extension, your heart. You were taught to believe that alien life was dangerous and unpredictable, but deep down, you had hopes that there would be races beyond the stars willing to extend a hand in friendship. That hope for the future filled my heart with hope as well."
Faraday smiled in response. All of a sudden, alarms started sounding throughout the facility, causing the two to stand at attention.
"Director!" Dr. Miller called as she rolled into the room. "Something just breached our upper atmosphere!"
"What?!" Faraday let out.
"We're tracking it on the satellites. It's a single ship from what we can tell, but it seems to be biological in nature."
"Biological?" J'onn repeated. "Show me."
…
Dr. Miller led Faraday and J'onn into the observation room, where several other scientists were trying to track and identify the mystery ship. Kari took up her position, typing on the computer before bringing the image on screen. When J'onn saw the ship, his eyes went wide.
"It can't be…"
"Can't be what?" Faraday asked.
"Martian technology is based in techno-organic construction. Our ships respond to our mental commands as living beings of their own free will. This… this is a Martian Bioship."
"A Martian ship?" Kari realized. "But I thought you said you were the last Martian."
"The last green Martian. Since only a artian could pilot a bio-ship, then… a White may be onboard."
Kari went pale.
"Track that ship's trajectory, and prepare a response team," Faraday ordered. "J'onn, I want you to accompany us. If the ship's piloted by a Green, then you'll be best suited to coaxing them out."
"And if it's a White, you may be the only one who can stop it," Kari added.
"Of course."
…
After determining where the ship would land, a dispatch of DEO agents quickly assembled to intercept the ship, and its occupants. J'onn was leading the agents, Kari by his side as they all surrounded the ship. J'onn attempted to psychically reach out to whoever was inside the ship, but was coming up empty.
"Whomever is inside, they are not responding to my psychic calls. They are either injured, scared, or hostile."
"I'm desperately hoping it's not the latter," Kari let out. "An evil you is the last thing we need."
"Agreed."
J'onn flew up to the Bioship and phased inside. Once in, he started looking around for its occupants.
"Hello? Is anyone here? Come out now and you won't be harmed."
"Uncle J'onn?" a female voice echoed in his head.
A small figure peeked out from behind the Bioship's console. J'onn went wide-eyed at the sight.
"It can't be…"
…
Outside the Bioship, Kari was drumming her fingers nervously on the arms of her chair, waiting for J'onn to come out. Finally, an opening in the Bioship appeared as a ramp extended downwards to the ground. All the agents readied their guns for whatever might be in there, only to see J'onn coming out.
"Hold your fire!"
Kari quickly waved down the agents, getting them to lower their weapons.
"J'onn?" she called out. "What did you find?"
"Someone I never thought I'd see again," J'onn replied before turning back to the ship. "It's alright. You can come out now."
From inside the ship, a small, green martian emerged. They appeared feminine in form, and seemed quite young as she approached J'onn, carefully taking his hand. Kari gasped, a hand going to her mouth at the sight.
"J'onn… who-?"
"Her name is M'gann M'orzz… she is my niece."
"Your… your niece?"
M'gann gave a small, nervous wave, clinging to J'onn desperately.
"Let's get her back to the DEO," Kari insisted. "I'll check her out and make sure she's not hurt."
…
At the DEO, M'gann sat on a table in Kari's lab. She had a shock blanket around her and a mug of warm coffee in her hands. She was looking around, more than a little nervous.
"What is this place?" she asked J'onn. "Who is this strange being? What do all these creatures want with us?"
"You are on a planet called Earth," J'onn replied. "This place is known as the DEO. They are good people. You can trust them."
"The one in the strange chair keeps saying my name, but I cannot understand the rest of what she is saying."
"Of course. I had forgotten. Perhaps this will help."
J'onn's eyes flashed red, as did M'gann's. Suddenly, she could hear exactly what Kari was saying.
"M'gann seems to be perfectly healthy. I suppose she has her Martian physiology to thank for that."
"We Martians are quite resilient," J'onn replied.
"Clearly," Kari nodded before turning to M'gann. "I know you're probably scared, but I promise that no one will hurt you here. My name's Kari, Dr. Kari Miller."
"H-hi."
J'onn placed a comforting hand on her.
"It's going to be alright. You're safe now."
"Not for long," M'gann insisted. "We can't stay here."
"What?" J'onn replied. "What do you mean?"
"He's coming for us..."
"Who's coming for you?" Kari asked.
M'gann's hands were shaking as she curled up slightly.
"Ma'alefa'ak..."
J'onn went wide eyed at the name.
"Ma'alefa'ak? He's alive?"
M'gann nodded.
"I don't know how he found me, but he did. I ran, trying to find somewhere to hide, then I heard rumors of a Green Martian on Earth. I came to warn you, to tell you to run."
"Hang on," Kari insisted. "Who's Ma'alefa'ak? Why are you so afraid of him?"
"Ma'alefa'ak… is my brother."
"Your brother?!" Kari replied in shock.
"Yes. My… twin brother. He is… also the one responsible for the massacre of my people."
Kari's hand went to her mouth in shock and horror.
"And now he's coming here," M'gann warned. "We have to leave before he finds us."
J'onn looked at his niece, then over at Kari.
"No. I will not flee. This planet is my home now, and I made a promise to protect it. Even from him."
M'gann looked shocked.
"Uncle J'onn, he turned on our people. He wiped out our entire planet. We failed to stop him before. What makes you think this will be any different?"
"Because this time, we will have aid," J'onn replied before activating his comms. "This Martian Manhunter to the Justice League. We have a situation at the DEO."
…
A few minutes later, Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, and Aquaman arrived at the DEO. They could see soldiers all running around as if preparing for battle.
"I know J'onn said this was urgent, but I didn't think he meant this urgent," GL commented.
"Who are we up against?" Aquaman asked.
"He didn't say," Wonder Woman replied. "I'm assuming we'll be debriefed inside."
The group made their way inside, seeing J'onn talking with Faraday and Kari, M'gann standing by his side. The sight of the smaller martian had everyone frozen in their tracks.
"Is that…" Superman let out.
"Another green Martian," Diana finished. "He's not the only one…"
The group went over to J'onn, M'gann spotting them and ducking behind her uncle. He gently placed a hand on her head in what he hoped was a soothing manner.
"Thank you for coming, my friends."
"Of course," Diana replied.
"What's the situation?" Superman asked.
"J'onn has an evil twin," Kari declared. "One that's on his way to finish what he started on Mars."
"What he started?" Batman questioned.
"My brother is the one who incited the revolution between the Whites and the Greens. He is also the one who poisoned all of us with the fiery curse."
"And I thought my brother was a piece of work," Aquaman responded.
"Why would he do all that?" Wonder Woman asked.
"My brother..." J'onn's fists clenched. "He was ostracized from my people after he committed a terrible act against my wife. For his crimes, he was stripped of his mental abilities and left to wander the red deserts. He has hated the Greens ever since, and me especially. It was he who..." his voice broke, "who murdered my family before my eyes."
The League was shocked upon hearing the tale, with Diana actually going forward and hugging J'onn. Kari took his hand, giving it a squeeze.
"Don't worry J'onn," GL reassured. "We won't let this creep hurt you, or… uh… I am so sorry, who is your friend here?"
"M'gann M'orzz. My niece."
"Right. Your brother won't harm you, or your niece."
"Thank you my friends."
"How can we help?" Superman asked.
"For now, I need to ensure those I care about are somewhere safe. For that task, I request the use of your Fortress of Solitude." J'onn's eyes drifted down to M'gann as his grip on Kari's hand tightened. "Ma'alefa'ak will use them against me, and I will not lose anyone else to him."
"You don't even have to ask," Superman reassured.
…
Sometime later, Superman flew both Kari and M'gann into the Fortress of solitude. Once there, he took them into one of the cozier areas of the Fortress, something more akin to a living area than a trophy room.
"I hope you two will be comfortable here."
"I wish I could be out there helping," Kari admitted.
"J'onn was insistent on protecting you. Besides, I don't like the idea of M'gann being up here alone after all she's been through."
Kari glanced back at M'gann, the young martian still looking scared. Kari's face softened and she nodded.
"I'll do what I can for her."
"Thanks."
Superman then flew off to return to the others. Kari took the opportunity to roll over to M'gann, gently reaching up and patting her arm. The girl jumped and the scientist gently shushed her.
"It's alright. You're safe here."
"I know…"
Kari began looking around, trying to find a distraction. Her eyes then fell on a TV with a vintage VHS player. She rolled over to it, smirking to herself.
"Of course Supes has a VHS player."
She saw a box of VHS tapes, sifting through it for a bit before her eyes went wide.
"No way! How the hell did Supes get a copy of this?"
"What is it?" M'gann asked.
"This show I used to watch when I was a kid," Kari replied, holding up the tape. "It's called 'Hello Megan'. This could be just what the doctor ordered."
Kari popped in the tape into the VHS, then rolled herself next to the couch, patting it. M'gann carefully sat down on the couch as the tape began playing.
…
Back at the DEO, the rest of the League was meeting to work out a strategy for when Ma'alefa'ak arrived.
"When can we expect your brother to arrive?" Batman asked.
"I am unsure," J'onn admitted. "I can only assume that he will be armed, and will make use of my weakness to fire."
"Any chance he's got the same weakness?" GL asked. "We can have Supes go all heat vision on him."
"I'm afraid not. Ma'alefa'ak does not share my fire weakness because it is a mental affliction he linked to all Martians. Because he has no mental abilities, he is immune."
"If he has no mental abilities, could that make him vulnerable to mental attacks?" Batman proposed.
"I am unsure, but I have no desire to even glimpse into the vile cesspool that is his mind."
"Then maybe the attack should come from somewhere he won't expect," Aquaman suggested.
"What are you suggesting?" Wonder Woman asked.
"You know my ability to communicate with sea life? Well I've been itching to see what it can do to other creatures."
"You even sure that it's gonna work?" GL questioned.
"Not entirely, but at least coming from someone other than J'onn, he won't see it coming. Giving us the element of surprise. Something I imagine we're gonna need a lot of dealing with an evil Martian."
"Well, I can't think of any better ideas," GL admitted.
"Nor I," J'onn replied. "And I am willing to try anything."
"We still need a way to contain Ma'alefa'ak once we stop him," Batman reminded.
"I don't suppose the Meta collar will work on him," Superman spoke up.
"I am unsure. Though I don't wish to take the risk if not."
"We need to immobilize him," Batman insisted. "I've dealt with shifters before. The only way to stop them is to freeze them."
"Anybody got a freeze ray we can borrow?" GL remarked.
…
Elsewhere in the DEO, Professor Hamilton was monitoring the deep space network, sitting in Kari's lab. He looked around her erratic lab with mild disgust.
"My word Dr. Miller, how did you ever get anything done in this pigsty?"
Just then, a blip appeared onscreen, catching his attention. He took a look, his eyes going wide as he realized what it was. He grabbed a radio, contacting Faraday.
"Director, a second bio-ship has just entered our atmosphere."
"Ma'alefa'ak?"
"It would be my guess, yes."
"Very well. I notify the air force to scramble interceptors. Hopefully, they'll at least be able to slow him down until the League finishes their plan."
"For all our sakes, I hope they have one."
…
Meanwhile, a grey Bioship descended from the atmosphere and streaked across the sky. Inside it's cockpit was a green Martian with blue tattered robes that left his chest exposed and covered his mouth. His red eyes gave off a menacing glow as he piloted the ship.
"So this is where my brother chose to hide. Such a primitive planet."
As he spoke, a squad of fighter jets began circling the Bioship, causing Ma'alefa'ak to smile. He maneuvered the Bioship to pull upwards, looping around and opening fire of the jets. Once the jets were engaged, Ma'alefa'ak phased out of the Bioship and flew to engage the jets head on. He passed through one jet and tore out its engine, causing it to plummet to the ground. He then flew towards another jet and tore its wing off, causing it to fall downwards as he tossed the wing at a third jet, destroying it.
"Is this truly the best this planet has to offer?"
Ma'alefa'ak then flew down towards one of the falling jets, yanking out the pilot before the plane crashed to the ground.
"Where is J'onn J'onzz?"
"I-I don't know!" the pilot exclaimed.
"We'll see about that."
Ma'alefa'ak then transformed into a massive, fanged monster that tore the man apart, letting out a shriek before flying back towards the bioship.
…
At the DEO, several soldiers were prepping for Ma'alefa'ak's inevitable arrival.
"I want all nonessential personnel evacuated to the lower levels!" Faraday ordered. "Have every floor locked down and sealed, and all soldiers surrounding the premises immediately. Sooner or later, that martian is going to come here, and I want everything ready before he does."
"Yes, sir!" several soldiers replied.
…
In another part of the facility, J'onn was in a meditative state, hoping to get a telepathic fix on his wayward brother before it was too late.
"Ma'alefa'ak… where are you?"
As he reached out, he felt something dark and sinister latch onto his mental message. A deep chuckle entered his mind as the face of his brother forced itself into his mind.
"Hello, J'onn."
J'onn's eyes snapped open as he came out of his trance.
"He is near… He felt me."
"Then he will be here soon," Diana dreaded.
"Sooner than any of us anticipated," J'onn dreaded. "He was waiting for me. While he has no mental powers, I opened my mind to him when I searched. He knows where we are, and he is coming."
"Then we'd better get ready," Batman declared.
…
Soon enough, soldiers were lined up at the main entrances of the facility, ready for any attack that Ma'alefa'ak would make. Each one had their finger on the trigger, ready to fire at a moment's notice.
"Any sightings of the martian's Bioship?" Faraday asked Hamilton.
"It's closing in on our position. I estimate it will be here in a matter of minutes."
"I want you in the bunker with everyone else."
"But sir-"
"I won't risk losing anyone to this monster. Just do it."
"... alright."
Reluctantly, Hamilton made his way out of the lab towards the bunker. All of a sudden, the lights in the facility went out, drowning everything in darkness.
"He's here," Faraday realized. "Switch to infrared!"
The soldiers all switched on their night vision goggles, looking around for any sign of Ma'alefa'ak. Nothing seemed to appear at first, but then one of the men screamed as a monstrous roar rang out, followed by a sickening crunch. Some of the soldiers turned to see the soldier on the floor, seemingly dead. Just then, as one of the soldiers started looking around for the one responsible, a hand phased through his chest, making him freeze in place as he choked on his own blood. The soldier dropped to the ground as the others opened fire, prompting Ma'alefa'ak to go intangible and allow the bullets to pass through him.
"Foolish humans."
He simply walked forward as the bullets continued to fly. He phased his hand through a soldier's head, the guy foaming at the mouth before dropping dead. Ma'alefa'ak then transformed into a massive serpent, whipping his tail to knock several soldiers back before flying through two of them. As one soldier fell to the ground, Ma'alefa'ak returned to his original form as he landed right in front of him, ready to finish him off. Before he could make a move, something flew right up to him and knocked him aside. He collided with a wall and slid to the ground before looking up and seeing J'onn hovering over him.
"Ma'alefa'ak."
"J'onn. It's been some time, brother. I thought you would have been smart to flee when you sensed my presence."
"I made a promise to protect this world from every threat against it. Including you."
"You failed to save Mars. What makes you think Earth will fare any better?"
"Because he's not alone," Superman added as he and the other Leaguers joined him.
"More fools brought to the slaughter," Ma'alefa'ak remarked.
"You're not the first person to think that pal," Aquaman retorted.
"And you won't be the last," GL added.
"We shall see of that."
Ma'alefa'ak then flew forward, ramming into Aquaman and slamming him into a wall. GL quickly reacted and formed a clamp around his neck so he could throw him off. Ma'alefa'ak landed hard, then phased through the floor disappearing from sight before rising up behind GL, arm poised to he could strike, Wonder Woman's lasso shot out and wrapped around his arm, pulling him away. Before Wonder Woman could strike him, Ma'alefa'ak phased through her and landed behind her, spinning around and smacking her across the head. She hit the ground hard, prompting Batman to throw several explosive batarangs his way. Ma'alefa'ak transformed into a massive, winged serpent with massive claws.
He used his claws to slap the batarangs out of the air, knocking them aside. Batman then ran forward, pulling out a bat grapple and shooting it at Ma'alefa'ak's neck.. He zipped upwards past Ma'alefa'ak and towards a nearby pipe. He quickly looped the grapple around the pipe before leaping down, choking him. Before it could do much damage, Ma'alefa'ak transformed back into his original form and slipped out of the grapnel, charging right at Batman before getting blindsided by Superman.
Ma'alefa'ak was sent tumbling through the air as Superman flew up to punch him in the face repeatedly. Finally, Ma'alefa'ak phased through Superman and put him in a choke hold. The Kryptonian clawed at the vile Martian's arm, but the slippery shapeshifter made his grip impossible.
"You will die with the rest of your kind, Kryptonian," Ma'alefa'ak swore.
"Not today. Aquaman, now!"
Aquaman then focused his mental power on Ma'alefa'ak, trying to get in his head. Feeling the strain, Ma'alefa'ak actually faltered for a moment, releasing Superman as he clutched his head.
"What… is this? You are no martian!"
"True, but I can be pretty handy in a pinch."
"Now you know a small portion of the pain you've inflicted on your own kind," J'onn declared. "And at long last you will pay for your crimes!"
J'onn aided Aquaman in the psychic attack, causing greater pain to Ma'alefa'ak's mind. He struggled against the assault, clenching his fists as he snarled through gritted teeth.
"Do not think… you are safe… or your… friends… I know of M'gann… and the broken human… you keep close…"
In shock, J'onn recoiled, releasing Ma'alefa'ak's mind and allowing his twin to rise to his feet.
"I know about them now… and as long as you hold them close, you will never be able to-"
Just then, Batman threw some capsules at him, causing them to break and quickly encase Ma'alefa'ak in a thick sheet of ice. J'onn backed away from the ice, seeing his twin's malicious face staring back at him.
"He was done," Batman declared.
…
A few hours later, Ma'alefa'ak was thawed out, collared, and thrown into the most secure cell the DEO had. J'onn stood on the outside of the hexagonal glass cage, watching as his brother threw himself against it.
"This isn't over, J'onn!" he swore. "I will get out of here! And when I do, I will hunt down M'gann, the broken human, and every last insect on this planet that you care for! I will skin them alive in front of you, and make you watch as I take EVERYTHING from you!"
J'onn didn't even respond. He just walked out of the room, his brother's screams echoing in his ears as the doors slid shut behind him. He let out a long breath as Faraday approached him.
"You going to be alright?"
"I hope so," J'onn replied. "I should check on Kari and M'gann. I hope they are doing alright."
…
"Hello Megan!"
M'gann laughed, sounding more like a normal teenage girl with every episode that played. Kari was laughing along with her, nearly doubled over in her chair.
"Oh man, I had forgotten how hilarious this show was!"
"Are all Earth shows like this?" M'gann asked.
"Not all of them, but a few. I can recommend some if you want. P.A.L.S is a favorite of mine, as is The Workplace. You'll like those."
"I might have to check those out."
"Kari! M'gann!" J'onn called out as he and Superman flew into the Fortress.
"Uncle J'onn!" M'gann called out.
She vaulted off of the couch, flying towards J'onn and hugging him tightly. He returned the hug, looking beyond relieved. Kari rolled over, giving the pair a smile.
"I take it you're down an evil twin?"
"Yes. Ma'alefa'ak cannot hurt us anymore."
"That's great, Uncle J'onn!" M'gann cheered.
Superman glanced over at the living area, seeing several snacks and more than a few VHS tapes scattered on the table. Kari glanced over, wincing.
"Sorry about the mess. We got sucked into a Hello Megan marathon and we got hungry."
"It's more than alright. I can clean up no problem."
"So, what now?" M'gann asked.
"Now, we go home. You are more than welcome to stay with us. That is, if you don't mind Kari."
"Eh, what's one more Martian. Besides, it seems the two of us have similar tastes in TV shows." Kari then turned to M'gann, giving her a smile. "Show him."
M'gann smiled, then shifted into a human form. She had caucasian skin, short red hair that came to her chin, and was wearing a white blouse with a red sweater and red skirt.
"Hello Megan!" she cheered.
J'onn couldn't help but smile in response. He then hugged his niece once more, beyond relieved to have family once more.