The Ultimate Warrior - DC Justice League version

by long night of solace

Humanity is an impressive intergalactic empire. When John-117, supreme commander of human military and his AI friend Cortana discovers a mysterious signal from another universe, the truths and the hidden secrets will force them to ally with the native heroes on a race to save the multiverse.

6. Chapter 6

Disclaimer: I don't own DC or Halo franchise

A/N: From now on, it takes the path of JL animated series fully.

Previously on Justice League...

"Superman and Hawkgirl are trapped inside the spire"

"Mankind may be facing it's darkest hour"
"Then Mankind must face it alone"

"I will take care of this Spire. You go and help Superman and Hawkgirl"

"OUR MISSION IN NEW GENESIS WAS A SUCCESS REGARDLESS-..."

"The whole world is in chaos. I am sending in the longswords and broadswords to finish off the stragglers in air"
"Acknowledged, 117 out"

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"
"Reversed the Ion flow"
**BOOOM...BAAAM**

"Does it burn your pale putrid flesh?"
"AAAHHHH!"

"Cleanse the planet"

"Together we can save the world"

"We would like to discuss something important with you"
"Is it about the explanations on your origins?"

"There's no such thing called UGSC!"
"How much do you know about Alternate universes?"

...

Intro: As the sun rises above the horizon, 8 figures walk slowly towards the front, prideful and confident.
Then comes a man in Bat themed costume throwing a batarang at unknown enemy, then a woman with a tiara and patriotic colored dress, blocking bullets at high speed. A man surrounded by emerald green energy forming a lantern shape as a green costumed man clench his fists as his ring glows with energy. Then a man in a blue dress and red cape smashing through a wall as he flew in. Then a dragon like being morphing into a caped man with yellow eyes.

Then a red costumed figure with yellow lightning streak in the chest sprint towards the unknown. Then in the sky, a woman with wings and a hawk mask carrying a spiked mace flying in the sky.

The finally a tall stocky armored being jump the ground with blast carrying a rifle in one hand and a hammer in another hand as huge dark monsters were ready to kill him as he turned and ran towards them with a hammer slash that cuts to all 8 figures standing side by side and the words 'JUSTICE LEAGUE' forms below.

Chapter 5:

"So you are from an alternate Universe?" Superman asked still can't believe what he heard so far.

"Yes. We have no reason to lie to you. It was only a matter of time we explained ourselves and our reason to be here" Miranda answered.

"Alternate universes are something I'm hearing for the first time, This day is getting weird man!" Flash said in disbelief.

"Actually its not far stretched. In my early days, I too have faced something like this. I once fought a version of myself who dressed up differently than me. He was nothing but a tyrant who would subjugate everyone using his powers" Superman said as he remembered his flashbacks.

"What you say is a parallel universe. But Alternate universes are something else. If I am right, certain things don't even exist or are never heard of" Batman explained.

"Right on that regard, Batman. Alternate universes like parallel ones, exist in the broader Multiverse. The place we come from is just a small part of that" Cortana explained.

"I agree with that. While I was with the Lantern corps, I have seen things like pocket universes, like that yellow lantern Sinestro who obtained his ring from an anti-matter universe" Green Lantern said.

"Did you wind up here by an accident?" Shayera hol asked.

"No, we came here by exactly identifying the dimensional coordinates of this universe from our multiverse map. We are fully aware where we are. We are in fact here on a mission involving certain attacks. We could even use a team like you for our investigation" John replied.

"Wait, so you have technologies and means to travel between universes?" Superman asked wide eyed.

"Yes, a small part of the plethora of our abilities" Cortana replied.

"Even if we chose to believe you, there's the matter of trust. You may have helped us in the past,But still you all are unknown to us and dont have the faintest idea of your motivations" Batman said stoically.

"Why? They did help us and if they are hostile, they could have destroyed us the moment they got here" Diana said as opposing to his opinion.

John then proceeded to remove his armor as the helmet retracted in to 3 fragments and vanished behind his head. Then the remaining body armor fragmented itself as it vanished into the slipspace revealing a 7'7 man in mid thirties wearing a slim fit full sleeved v-neck t-shirt and leather pants with combat shoes. The man was fair with a rugged yet attractive face, deep sapphire eyes with a flat top black hair, expressing untold pain and weariness, yet the aura of having seen thousands of battles. He was muscular and stocky built.

Both Hawkgirl and Wonder Woman were staring at him as this is the first time they are seeing the man behind the armor.

"I am Supreme Commander John-117, Spartan II supersoldier of the UGSC and Captain Keyes already introduced herself"

"Also the present year we come from is 62558 AD" Cortana said that paralysed everyone.

**MULTIPLE GASPS**

"So you are from the future?" J'onn asked.

"No, time flows differently between the two realities. For us, it's just the 62nd millennia. That's all" Miranda replied to the question.

"So that explains the super advanced technologies that you possess" Superman said. Batman for his part though had a stoic look was astounded with the discovery.

"A little history lesson about our universe's Earth will help you understand us" Cortana said as all the others paid attention to her.

"While we look like giants today, our beginnings were humble in the distant past" She said as she brought up a 3D holographic image above the table for every one to see and get a clear view of their story.

"Pretty much after the world war 2 and the formation of United Nations for global peace were the same. But at the dawn of the 21st century, the United Nations began insisting a lot on space exploration and welcomed all the global countries to pool in their resources to pave way for development of space engineering and technologies" she said as she showed UN assembly talks.

"That would be logical. Uniting the nations for a common cause will stabilize the economic stature, though the cost is very high that no one country can bear alone" Superman said seeing the logic behind the move.

"Yes, to capitalize further, The International Society of Civil Engineers was formed on 2021 AD with trillions of currencies gathered for the advancement of space engineering and exploration. But on the bigger picture, for this unification to be stable, the UN agreed on the massive change in political landscape where the world governments would come under the single authority, along with uniting the military branches" she said as she showed how all the nations unified for the greater good that astonished the heroes.

"Our UN could never pull such a feat, let alone agreeing for giving full control of the military" Stewart said.

"Why wouldn't they? Don't the nations work for a common purpose if they see it beneficial?" Diana asked not familiar with the political scene in Man's world.

"Allow me explain it princess, that is if I can call you that" Miranda asked though not sure if she would like that.

"You can call me Diana, no need for formalities" She replied.

"Yeah-..Fine" she said as she continued. "Imagine, uniting under a single control means sacrificing individuality. That means, every thing you wish to do needs the 'go ahead' from the central authority. Now suppose a nation is need of some resources and aid at a critical time, globalized resources will impede the nations access to the said resource at the critical time, in case if it is over exploited some where around the world. Thus extreme necessity will lead to extreme measures that would act as a spark for an unnecessary war" she explained as Diana understood and nodded in response.

"She's right. Politics is a dangerous game. One wrong move, you risk losing everything" John added.

"So what were the immediate effects of the colonization efforts?" Batman asked intrigued by the unification.

"By the mid 21st century, under the UN leadership, we began interplanetary colonization beginning with our neighbor, Mars" she said as she brought up Mars and the terraforming and colonization time lapse.

"You made it habitable again?" J'onn asked loudly.

"It took time, but was successful and even went to colonize the Jovian moons thus the entire solar system" Cortana said.

"Were there Martians there too?" Flash asked.

"No, there were no life signs on Mars. Also none of the so called super heroes and villains, Kryptonians etc. Just us and-...some others" she said with little hesitation which Batman noted.

"Were there any problems with the expansion?" Hawkgirl asked.

"Obviously yes. No matter how much we strive together for greatness, there will always be those would use it for their own selfish gains and propel their own agenda, with the change in Earth based capitalism to space capitalism" she said as she showed images of rallies, protests.

"This led to the formation of the extremists in the left and right wings. One was the Russian Koslavics, a guerilla force formed by Vladimir Koslov and the Friden, formed by the Unified German Republics. The communists aimed at disrupting the UN occupied critical space zones, orbital installations, guerilla warfare like raiding facilities of importance that gives them the edge to seat themselves in the global power. While the Fridens based on the Jovian moons were supported by corporate power reacted to the uprising of the Koslovics , adapting the old Nazi-Communism strategies, the Fridens attacked the Koslovic power centers"

"As you can see, both parties had only one goal in their mind. Colonial independence from the centralized power structure"

"So you say that these Neo-communists and Neo-Nazies were fighting each other for the riht to tell the people that they should follow them?" Green Lantern asked disgusted by their selfishness.

"What did the UN do at last?" Superman asked.

"What anyone would do with the rebel factions, they fought back. The UN can't let two minorities fighting over control that could compromise everything they struggled for"

"When the Fridens shot first at Io on March 2160, the UN responded by sending space navy to retaliate. In support of the UN, every colony saw mass mobilization of arms, gathering people any one who can aim and shoot, fighting proxy wars as the Fridens were still strong" she said showing images of space battles, burning ships.

"Oh my god!" Flash said in shock.

"It got worse when all the three parties decided to fight each other in South America on 2162 which would be called the Rain forest wars. The end result was total destruction of the forest resources, loss of millions of lives and global famine" she said

"This is making me sick!" Hawkgirl said, given the nature of her home world, she knew what it means.

"The UN finally used the Blitzkreig strategy, by forcing both the groups to Mars and commissioning the first contingency of UN space Marine forces. They were dropped to the ground and fight the rebels at Argyre Planitia, marking the turning point of space warfare, engaging in ship boarding assaults"

Green Lantern internally felt the pride of the marine forces.

"This conflict taught us a lot. The necessity of ship based warfare and counter assault from the Argyre planitia campaign led to the changes in the military protocols and conflict engagement strategies approved and commissioned by the UN. This led to the formation of the UNSC, United Nations Space Command. The treaties were signed by the UN with the crushed rebels and they took back what they lost" Cortana said as the insignia of the eagle and the sword was shown. The the 3D images of different classes of ships at the back, an over all appeal of their propaganda.

"Not only that, but it also saw lots of civilian volunteers to join the space marine corps and UNSC command and assault. The propaganda was a huge success as the UNSC academy was commissioned and trained the officers in diverse fields to shape them into the brightest and bravest as they expected" Miranda said as she saw officers in 2D matrix formation marching and saluting. The league members were looking at in awe wondering if they could get to that level someday.

"In 2170, Humanity saw the formation centralized multinational space federation, the Unified Earth Government or UEG for short" she said.

"A logical move, With the war that ravaged everything, costing the repairs in several trillions, It needed an overhaul while Earth healed so to speak" Batman said.

"You are really good, you know that?" Cortana said with a chuckle acknowledging his keen intellect. The others chuckled at her quip too.

"As this was over, the next major issue was the over population. UEG agreed that Earth will become uninhabited if they didn't start to look up to colonize planets in other star systems. Thus was born the theory of Faster than Light travel through slipspace, but Dr. Tobias Shaw and Dr. Wallace Fujikawa. Their theories gave rise to the first production of the Shaw-Fujikawa translight engine that would be retro fitted in the first line of manufactured colony vessels" Cortana said as she brought up the images of two human scientists with their discovery of slipspace and the vessels being fitted with translight engine and the ships entered the unknown dimension. Then the images of Epsilon Eridani, Epsilon Indi, Chi Ceti, Tau Ceti etc extra solar systems being terraformed and colonized.

"That's incredible! But I guess the people who are being relocated to other planets must be selected based on genetic and physical fitness to adapt to new environment" Superman asked understanding the implications of the Inter-stellar colonization.

"That would be right, Superman" Miranda said with a nod.

"By 2490, Humanity would have colonized 800 planets within 100 light years in the Orion complex. The colonies would be split into Inner and Outer where the Outer would be the source for industrial resources and agriculture where as the inner will be the center of military forces" Cortana explained further.

"I wonder if we could reach that level" Flash said.

"If humanity here is willing to overcome all the struggles and still push forward to work towards unity, then it is possible" John answered as other understood his words.

"But, still like the old days, this expansion should caused troubles, isn't it?" Hawkgirl asked.

"You are correct. As the outer colonies became more isolated from the inner ones, rebel faction began stepping in front gathering people, voicing for independence from UNSC, despite they did their best to keep them in line. But as years passed, the outer colonist rebels began involving in attack of government vessels and a full fledged acts of piracy in an effort to over throw the UNSC influence" Miranda said as images of the rebellion and piracy. Diana felt repulsive to such acts that disrupts peace and prosperity.

"Looks like my mother was right about man's world. No matter how much goodness exists, there are always those would do anything out of selfishness" Diana said as others shared her feeling.

"As time progressed, the outer and many inner colonies too started questioning the UEG interference in their affairs" Cortana said.

"Let me guess, they started fighting back" Stewart said.

"Yes, Rebellion and Civil wars erupted that started to deteriorate the development progress in all sectors with huge amount of money being spent for battles alone" Cortana said.

"What was the UNSC's answer to this mass hysteria?" J'onn asked

"Back during the inter-planetary wars, ONI or Office of Naval Intelligence was formed that involved in many secret projects, including human augmentation under certain bio-engineering protocols. But it was a failure back then, so the project was shelved for later. But with more advancement in the 25th century, That project was regurgitated but with success this time, thus leading to the formation of PROJECT ORION or the SPARTAN I program" Cortana said to which everyone turned to look at John.

"I was not part of the original program if that's what you are thinking, but I am indeed a result of it" John said.

"Sound like a black ops to me" Batman said.

"Yes, I can't reveal what was involved. But 65 volunteers were subjected to biological augmentations that gave them superior abilities, to fight the insurrectionists. At the pinnacle of their military might, Their first mission was to capture a space station controlled by hostiles. The mission was a huge success with only one casualty"

"But as more rebels the orions took out, the more cropped up, some even led by former military officers, becoming smart and the super soldiers could only do much. Slowly the age started to take effect on the enhancements as slowly they succumbed to the side effects both physically and mentally. The UNSC was forced to retire them as they were sent back to the civilian population where they would start families and have kids. But this program left a great mark as it gave rise to another faction, the Orbital Drop Shock Troopers or Hell jumpers as their monikers go" Cortana said.

"Hell jumpers?" Hawkgirl asked with raised eyebrow.

"Yeah, it's motto of going 'Feet first into Hell'" Miranda said as the holoimages of soldiers in an EVA being dropped from skies or even space to the planet surface

"Holy shit! They did this willingly?" Stewart asked.

"Yes, they were toughened and hardened SOBs, but those who volunteered for this, don't see much in this line of career" Cortana explained.

"One would say this as madness, but these people must be given credits for such a bravery or insanity to go through THIS!" Diana thought.

"Instead of fighting them, why wouldn't you simply give them what they want?" Flash asked.

"That would mean losing the resources that were critical for other people at that time and making the UEG look weak" Batman explained to him

"Correct again, things looked bleak as one world after another was consumed in civil war. There was even an estimate that if these rebellions were not quell with drastic military efforts, the civilization would be in deep civil war in the next 20 years that would destroy the entire humanity" Miranda said as she remembered them, as her father had told many stories in those days.

"That's when one of humanity's brightest minds, Doctor Catherine Halsey proposed a plan of developing new breed of super soldiers who would be faster and tougher than the previous iterations, the SPARTAN II program" Cortana said, "Would you like me to explain John, or by yourself?" She asked looking at him.

"I will do it. Since I am the subject of conversation" he replied and turned to face the others, "Before I say anything about this, I need you to understand very clearly that this was a drastic measure needed at that time, as some of you might find this topic morally offensive" he said to which others nodded though wondering what he truly meant by that.

"To prevent the hiccups of the previous program, Halsey would choose the candidates meticulously, based on thorough genetic analyses. Their augmentation would be more advanced than the previous one. Then these candidates will be provided the most advanced combat technologies, beyond anything available at that time"

"To choose like that, these candidates must have something in them, right?" Superman asked.

"Yes, that would be the legacy of the orions passed on to their children and grand children. Roughly 300 candidates were chosen, but due to budget constraint 75 was selected. I was one of them and the first one to be chosen by Halsey" he said.

"Wait, you were part of that program? That was in the 26th century. But you said you guys are from 62nd millennia!" Stewart asked as he felt the timeline was inconsistent. John knew what he was getting to as others had the same confusion.

"We will get to that part eventually" Miranda replied simply. Batman was kept a mental note to ask them later.

"What made you special, Commander?" Diana asked referring to him by rank as she heard Cortana and Miranda call him as such.

"I was six at the time of selection, stood taller than most 6 year old, more proportioned physically, superior reflex and a need to win" he said.

"And very lucky, you left that part" Cortana said with a grin.

"Lucky?" Hawkgirl asked.

"Yes, you see Doctor Halsey used a coin to flip it and asked him to say which side it landed. He correctly predicted the outcome 15 times straight"

"What? Give me some break! That ain't possible! Can we test it now?" Flash asked.

"Does any of you carry any coin with you?" he asked to which others nodded as a 'No'.

"Fine, then we will use mine" he said as he reached out to his pocket to take out the very coin that shaped his destiny. Cortana was stunned to see that.

"Wait, is that the same one?" Cortana asked wide eyed.

"Yes" he said as he gave it to flash.

"Alright, let's see how good are you" Flash said as he flipped one so fast.

"Heads"

It was right as he flipped again.

"Heads"

Right again this time. "One more time" Flash said as he flipped once more.

"Tails"

"Tails"

"Tails"

John predicted for the next three outcome that made Flash surprised and acknowledged his luck.

"Man! You're good! You should come by to the Vegas Casino sometime" he said.

"Sorry, but I don't do gambling" he politely rejected.

"Back to the story gentlemen" Miranda said as she was amused at the banter.

"Yes, so once we were selected, we were taken to the primary military facility in the complex where-.." John spoke as he was interrupted by Flash.

"Wait Wait, *SIGH* sorry for interrupting. But did you get a say in any of this? I mean they looked up to you as a kid. But you must have been aware of what this program truly involved right? That you were called upon to fight a war in reality?" Flash asked. John understood what he meant by that. Flash asked whether John was recruited with his formal consent into this program...and his answer is going to shock the others for life.

"He means-..."Superman started.

"I understood his question Superman" John said as his face turned mildly sour as to how they would react.

"..."

"I wasn't asked to be part of this program, Flash. We were covertly kidnapped when we were six from our homes and then replaced with flash clones which would die out in a short time eventually"

"..." Everyone were wide eyed and shocked to hear this.

"Hah hah! Nice joke buddy! You got me!" Flash was completely in denial to believe his words. John and the others could understand, who would believe in such acts.

"I didn't lie. Perhaps, your telepath Martian can confirm that. I can allow him to scan my surface memories to make you believe that I was telling the truth" John said as he looked at J'onn. The others turned to look at him. J'onn looked at Batman who gave him approval to proceed.

"C'mon J'onn! Tell us he was lying!" Flash said confidently.

J'onn eyes glowed as he peeked into the surface memories of Spartan only to have his eyes widen brighter.

"J'onn?" Superman called out as the Martian's eyes stopped glowing as he looked down.

"He wasn't lying. Its the truth" he said to his own depression.

"WHAT! Bu Bu-..But he was just a kid! They were all kids wtih families!" Flash yelled in horror, feeling disturbed.

"We did. But after being drafted to this program, our last names would be replaced with a serial number. In the eyes of our parents, once the clones died, they believed some unknown disease to be the cause. We no longer existed in their world" he said to everyone's horror.

"And you accepted this fate, to be robbed of friends and families only to be wound up in hell!?" Stewart asked equally angered.

"Surely the concept of child soldiers were illegal there too?" Superman asked.

"Yes it was. That's why this program was the most covertly conducted that even in ONI, not many knew about this project. The only information was that we were biologically enhanced soldiers created to defend Humanity from threats" John explained.

"But Children-..?" Diana asked.

"Not even the ancient spartans were denied family. What could have motivated this woman to commit such a cruel thing to children? But he speaks like as if he wasn't disturbed by that" Diana thought to herself.

"I know this offends you, but you need to understand, this becomes the ultimatum for humanity's survival as a race" John said to which others nodded.

"We were taken to Reach, humanity's military hub. There we met a man who would shape us into who we are, Senior chief petty officer Franklin Mendez. He taught us to fight and instilled the values of team work, honor, discipline and loyalty. Regardless of age or gender, he would train us and push us beyond our limits, a training regimen equal to that of veteran marines, may be cruel and brutal but effective none the less. He always made sure we survived whatever he threw at us. In the days followed, we would come to see him as close to a father figure" He said as he thought of the good old days.

"We would would also receive education in Physics, Mathematics, Organics and History to balance our abilities from an AI named Deja. Soon we were formed in to squads and were subjected to field exercises as a fireteam" he said as the images of children surrounding a blue AI that taught many things, then the kids being split into teams by Mendez and then the images of 4 kids standing in front with one black haired boy standing taller than the rest.

"Apart from yourself, who are the others standing besides you?" Hawkgirl asked seeing the 4 boys.

"That would be Fred, Jerome and Kurt. You see, Halsey and Mendez saw these four boys to have the potential to be capable leaders. Mendez firmly believed that Kurt would be the eventual leader of the entire Spartan IIs. But Halsey strongly objected and said John would be the one to fill that role" Cortana explained.

"Her prediction was right and trust me, that was the right choice made for the humanity as whole" Miranda said having seen his incredible track records.

"That's quite an exaggeration. I actually believed in Kurt. I may be considered the most balanced of all in abilities, but Kurt was in a way superior to everyone" John said as he remembered him and even believed that his presence till the end of the war could have saved a lot people than ever, due to his unique abilities to sense traps and miles ahead of planning could have won the war early on. Others could see how he held his comrade in high regards.

"Then there is Halsey, who took care of us like her own children. She always tended to our injuries whenever we are hurt and would play music when we are asleep. She would comfort us looked after our health and always reminded us what we were part of. She was more of mother figure to us. She's the only civilian we would take orders without question and do everything in our power to protect her, even if it led to our deaths" he explained with passion.

While Halsey is still alive, Mendez died at the age of 97 due to natural age and his denial for eternal life. Though until humanity advanced to a point of stop the aging process, Halsey would be kept in cryogenic suspension for a centuries. While the death of Mendez deeply affected the Spartans, they never forgot him even to this day, they see him as their mentor.

"What happened next?" Batman asked though the others had a feeling they didn't want to listen.

"At the age of 14, we were getting prepared for the augmentations, the toughest part of our training, to make us even more better than before" he said kept in mind both the success and the bitter consequences.

"Were there any complications with the procedure?" J'onn asked

"30 of them died due to rejections. 12 were crippled and ended up in wheel chair until they were cured and sent to other branches of ONI. 33 would survive the augmentations successfully" he said.

"What were the immediate effects of these enhancements?" Hawkgirl asked not wanting to think about the 30 dead children.

"Our body mass and height increased, our eyes could see over greater distances and even a sort of night vision. We could lift 3 times our weight, which is 600lbs due to increased muscle density. Our intelligence and creativity grew, Our bones were near invulnerable, enhanced healing and shared a form of telepathy among ourselves which helped us what the others would think and predict" he said.

"All this without the armor" Cortana added with a glee on her face.

"Wait! You mean to say your armor makes you stronger?" Flash asked wide eyed.

"That's the other part of the program. MJOLNIR powered assault armor series" he said.

"Nice way to name an armor, after the hammer of Thor" Diana said garnering looks from others.

"What? My people had studied other cultures extensively" she said.

"And like the legends that surrounds the hammer, only Spartans are capable of donning it" he explained.

"Because only your augmented bodies can withstand the stress of the armor" Batman said.

"And that's score one for the dark knight, people" Cortana said with a clap to which he raised his eyebrow while the others chuckled.

"Our armors were the most advanced piece of technology ever created at the time that would help our survival and fight the insurrections. But what began as a simple military operation, ended up being the ultimate fight for our very existence as a race" John said in a serious tone. Miranda felt a little uncomfortable at the mention of that fight as she was part of that and she lost her father in a battle.

"On October 7th, 2525, we found that we were not alone and that we would be in for the fight of our lives. We met the alien coalition called the 'Covenant'" Miranda said as the holograms showed the images of the beginning of the war.

"By the Goddess! What kind of horror is that!?" Diana yelled as all the others were taken back by the image of a planet burning with raging fire, the planet called Harvest.

"Our enemy came with a message, 'Your destruction is the will of the gods and we are their instruments!' when they burned the planet to glass" Cortana said.

"From then on, it was always one losing battle after another. Their superior technology and powerful ships out paced us. Even if outnumbering the enemies in space by 3:1, our fleet would be completely obliterated before we could make a number on them" John said as the images of multiple Human colonies being ravaged by the covenant was shown. The heroes couldn't tolerate the violence as to why would any species commit such a genocidal campaign and what did they even do to deserve it.

"While these aliens thought, just like we got bent over in space would be the same on the ground. But they didn't know what it was to face us there on our terms" Cortana said as the heroes saw the soldiers fighting with unparalleled violence and brutality to a point of making the covenant realize that victory over one facet of battle is not the same over the other.

"Then came 'THEM'-...to even the odds" She said.

The images of the Spartans jumping from the sky as they drew weapons and began firing at the alien as they all died a gory death. Few in numbers, the sheer number of casualties they inflicted made the covenant fear humans and focused more on eliminating them. The weak willed species run and scream in terror, calling them 'Demons'. The strong ones roar as they charge in front to claim honor by killing the Spartans only to suffer a brutal painful death.

Cortana would explain the different species, their roles and the caste system that made up the Covenant. The high prophets and leaders-The San Shyuum, The warrior like Sanghelli, mindless Jiralhanae Brutes, tank like Mgalekgolo, Unggoy as cannon fodders, Cunning Kig-yar jackals and flying violent Yan-me Drones. The Jackals, Grunts and Brutes liked the taste of human flesh as they ate it as a raw meat. This alone made the heroes to feel disgusted and Flash nearly threw up.

Then they saw John walk into the battle as the entire covenant was focused on killing him as Cortana and Miranda explained that John was the reason for many victories gained against the Covenant, costing them important facilities to entire fleet. The heroes looked at his fighting abilities, leadership qualities and insane feats he pulled off that bought Humanity plenty of time for survival.

Also they saw how it affected him to see millions of dead men, women and even children burned, mutilated in every planet he's been to and were amazed to see him control his emotions as he progressed with the mission and see it finished. One thing they found endearing was that he cared about every soldier under his command and always took responsibility upon himself when he loses them though there was nothing he could have done. Especially the loss of his Spartan brothers and sisters deeply affected him. The league watched how he treated the spartan comrades with respect and always made sure they were safe by jumping blind in any any unknown. Diana while new to the concept of female Spartans saw how they fought with equal tenacity to that of their male counterparts and how they all each possessed a unique quality of their own.

But one thing they all observed was the Sanghelli alone in the covenant respected humans for their tenacity and bravery and considered worthy of joining the covenant.

"The war continued and we were pushed back to our home world as one colony after another fell, until the discovery of the ancient forerunner installation called Halo, a planet sized artificial structure that turned the tide of the war and the real reason for Covenant's genocidal campaign" John said as the images of the giant weapon platform showed up which held new meaning in this war and the deadly secrets inside and the horrors it contained.

Then the images of the flood, an ancient parasite whose only purpose is to consume all as it mutated the bodies of living and the dead alike which traumatized the heroes and made them feel sick. And that the fact that Halos are galaxy sterilizing weapons to wipe out the flood and that no one would be available to reseed the galaxy.

"Bloody hell? This is worse and they are nothing like we have seen in our lives!" Stewart said horrified. The others shared the same sentiment.

Then the images of covenant invasion on Earth, John's stunt from Cairo station to destroy a carrier with their bomb that stunned the heroes, then the battle on 2nd Halo, The great schism that led to Elites siding with humanity, then the fight from New Mombasa to the Forerunner installation-the Ark, the images of the flood gravemind and the suffering that Cortana endured at its hands that made the heroes sympathize with her, revelation of the Prophet's lies then the final battle at 3rd Halo and its destruction, Miranda's death that led the others to look at her puzzling to which she promised to explain later. The last moments of John, Arbiter and Cortana as they escaped the Ark where the Arbiter reached Earth, where as John and Cortana left drifting the unknown space.

"Then the war was finally over after 3 decades. The recovery would resume for the next 5 years as humanity began new alliances with the former covenant species who rejected the Prophet's lies though there would be some that would still carry on with the covenant like the Jul M'Dama" Cortana said as the images of the covenant remnant faction still hell bent on disrupting peace. Though this time, Humanity had advanced further were ready to come face to face with them.

"What happened to you both" Superman asked as the Spartan and Cortana went missing.

"While this happened, myself and John crash landed on a forerunner planet and accidentally awakened the last living forerunner who was in stasis for 100,000 years in a cryptum. His name is the Didact" Cortana said as she brought the image of the forerunner as he used the constraint field to incapacitate John as the golden eyes forerunner glared at John with so much hate.

"If you haven't mastered these primitives, then man has not attained the mantle. Perhaps your ascendancy may yet be prevented. Time-...was your ally, human! But now it has abandoned you. The forerunners have returned-...But this place?-...shall be your tomb!" Didact spoke as he threw John across the room. The league members were were looking stupefied at the majestic forerunner spoke with a grudge.

Then the images of John and Cortana working together with the crew of the ship Infinity. Diana was disgusted by the ship's captain Del Rio who didn't give much thoughts to the threat at hand, calling John as aging hallucinating spartan.

"How could one be so selfish to save their skin when there is a threat awaiting humanity!"

"So you defeated this Didact?" Hawkgirl asked.

"Yes, a personality imprint of his wife, the Librarian gave us a glimpse of the history of bitter rivalry between Humanity and Forerunners in the distant past. Humans and Forerunners were once the dominating species of the Milky way. Didact hated for humans due to their violent nature. But Humans were the first to encounter the flood and took necessary action when it threatened every being. But forerunners were blinded by hatred and failed to see the real threat. After losing many resources and military strength, Didact defeated the Humans and devolved them hunter gatherers" Cortana said as the images flowed.

She explained the stories of pre-historic times that culminated with the Forerunner-Flood war and the firing of Halo arrays. The league members were astounded by the rich history and the bloody conflicts. One thought on everyone's mind was that the humans in their universe has suffered a lot beyond comprehension.

"Didact was planning to compose the humans with the composer to destroy us once and for all. But we managed to stop him by destroying his ship and the weapon with a havok nuke. But-..." John's face became sullen all of a sudden.

"What happened?" Batman asked though he believed there was another sad story behind this expression.

Cortana and Miranda understood as only Cortana could feel what it was.

"But at the cost of my life" Cortana said as the others looked wide eyed as the footage of Cortana saying her final goodbye as she protected John from the nuclear explosion and vanishing from the place only for John to be floating in space. He was then escorted by a pelican as he was welcomed home by UNSC as a decorated hero. Then the footage of Lasky and John in the observation deck talking. The moment that made John realized he was the machine all those times. Only through the loss of Cortana, he discovered his humanity.

"Chief, I don't pretend how you feel. *SIGH* I have lost people I cared about, but never anything like you are going through"

"Our duty as soldiers-... is to protect humanity...Whatever the cost"

"You say that as soldiers and humanity are two different things. Well, soldiers aren't machines! We are just-...People!" Lasky said as John turned to look at him realizing he was right on that regard.

"I'll let you have the deck to yourself" Lasky said as John was pondering on his words.

The league members looked at John with sympathy as they all understood, with many of his spartan brothers and sisters lost, he also lost another good friend.

"Can't imagine how did he endure all that and kept moving on! He has lost so much than we could imagine" Diana was lost in thoughts.

"So how did you get back?" J'onn asked. John and Cortana shared a warm smile as she went on explain how her matrix reached the domain and how one of her rampant personality used its power to control forerunner guardians to subjugate the galaxy.

Then the images of how John and his blue team members found an ancient precursor AI, Abaddon in a forerunner Maethrillian. Footages of John convincing the AI to help separate Cortana from the Domain. When John proved he would go to any lengths to protect and save those he cared a lot, Abaddon was convinced and used its abilities to sever Cortana from the domain. Though this saved Cortana and fully restored her fragmented personality, the guardians were not stopped. The blue team then found that the assembly of forerunner AIs calling themselves the Juridicals were controlling the forerunner guardians. While no one were able to hurt the guardians with any amount of fire power as it used its powerful EMP bursts to disable all technologies, Cortana used her experience in the domain to create a logic virus into the juridicals that severed its control over the guardians. Then from the planet, Absolute Record, Cortana used the interface terminals to destroy the guardians by forever trapping them in a slipspace bubble in an infinte time loop that prevented its escape.

"With this conflict over, humanity focused on rebuilding and progress. Post guardian conflict, Doctor Howard Brown was a key figure in humanity's ascension" John said as then the images further technological advancement and the image of Doctor Brown's theory on hyper-accurate slipstream navigation and developing his own prototype slipspace engine surrounding that theory that was on par with forerunner drives. His invention alone propelled humanity to new heights. His prototype engine was retrofitted in a second infinity class ship, UNSC Eternity. With that vessel and new crew of explorers, humans discovery of the Large Magellanic Cloud and the presence of vast and rich resources was an eye opener for the species. Now with the availability of excessive resources, humans began researching into new technologies like dense materials, armor technologies, energy shielding, directed energy weapons and large space ships with powerful energy weapons, quantum computers and communication.

The league members were astonished with humanity's progress in a short time with the resources available and watched how they ascended to new heights becoming close to a tier-1 level species by 47th century, colonizing 343,000 worlds in Milky way. They also showed the remaining spartan IIs subjected to Genetic therapies and augmentations that increased their abilities and life span. That's when the Justice league members realized how the Spartan IIs and by extension John was still alive to this day.

"But there's always a catch. With advancements, comes even more trouble" Hawkgirl said stating the obvious.

"Yes, but not the civil war. It was with the return of our ancient enemy, the Flood" Cortana said.

"They were back again!?" Flash asked shockingly.

"Yes, but this time, they were in greater numbers. They invaded the entire galaxy" John said in a grim tone as the images and footage showed the flood conquering planet after planet through old infected space ships. This time the flood had enough mass to form interstellar key minds that can control and coordinate the flood forms across the galaxy. All the species united by force to combat the parasite but the flood was too intelligent and had to suffer severe casualties and loss of thousands of ships. Even at their technological height of that time, they and none of the other races could stand up against them. At one point, UNSC HIGHCOM even suggested the use of Halo arrays to better destroy all life in Milky way instead letting them consume everything and ruin the lives in other galaxies too.

The heroes were horrified at the images as the entire galaxy was on the verge of extinction as the war continued for 995 years.

"Oh God! I wish I never saw that!" Superman said as others too were distressed.

"Yes, this is highly disturbing!" Diana said as it was even too much for her despite being a warrior.

"I know, that's why we hesitated to show this part. But when all looked bleak, our humanity's hero here.." Cortana said pointing to John, "-...came up with a brilliant idea to fight the flood. People used to call it the 117 game plan"

"Interesting name, what did it involve?" Hawkgirl asked interested in the strategy.

"Well, luring the flood vessels in random slipspace jumps and finally dropping them at the galactic center" John explained

"Towards the black hole?" he asked surprised even beyond his stoic demeanor to which he nodded. Even the others considered this move to be totally insane.

"But won't your ships get caught in the singularity too?" J'onn asked.

"Yes, that's where our understanding of slipspace lies. When huge masses in greater numbers enter slip space at the same time, no matter from were within a particular radius, the stress in the normal spatial fabric becomes too much that ships would be forced to exit to under go a process of paradoxical healing" John said after which Cortana continued.

"We used this to our advantage by asking the all the species to move their ships in just a 5000 light year radius in sufficient size and numbers with one target fleet that lures the flood vessel to the black hole's accretion disk. I was the one who did the necessary calculations to make that we don't end up the same fate as our enemies" she said.

"Did it work?" Stewart asked amazed by such a move.

"Yes, but still there were couple of instances where even our ships get caught in singularity and destroyed. While this can't be done all at the same time, we took 10 days just to wipe out their fleet all over the galaxy. In the end, this worked and the morality was boosted several folds with every being believing they can win the war"

"You said this keymind can control flood on galactic scale and is very intelligent. Didn't it find out your plan" Diana asked the logical question.

"Yes, there comes the second part of the plan. Perhaps the most stupidest decision ever made by this barbarian!" Cortana said quite disappointingly which made others to glance at each other in confusion.

"Well, that was long time ago and still a success" John said calmly. Others were confused by her ill humour.

"What happened?" Diana asked though from Cortana's expression, it was something she's not gonna like.

"I am sorry, but that's a highly classified information and under no circumstances, I made sure no one except a select few individuals including my spartan team would know this. What you need to know is that we located the keymind's location and bombed that place. Without the Keymind, the remaining flood forces were running blind and became feral. The next five years we would spend to clean all the flood infected worlds thus bringing the 1000 years war to a close by 57th century" John said.

"Why wouldn't reveal the second part of the plan? Its not like we are gonna say or anyone would believe in it" Flash said with a shrug.

"The decision I made was extremely unconventional and even quite immoral, but a necessary one if this galaxy needs a chance of survival. I was even declared AWOL for going against the HIGHCOM's objection. They even sent other spartan fire teams to apprehend me. But I did it eventually and once finished, I was put in a lock down for a year before I continued my service" John said determined not to reveal the information. Others kept pondering on the mystery though they knew they won't get any answers.

"Fine, so what happened next?" Stewart asked.

"Next, was nothing but our advancement, growth and evolution" Cortana said with a smile as she showed the images of humanity colonizing the neighboring Andromeda galaxy, beginning their journey and expanding their empire on inter-galactic scale.

"Incredible! You guys colonized other galaxies!?" Superman asked astounded by humanity's progress as others were equally astonished.

"Yes, at present, we have colonized 50 galaxies and few hundred satellite galaxies" Miranda said which stunned the others.

The league members have never met any one species that alone conquered other galaxies. But humanity of this universe had done something that no one thought possible. As they watched humanity making technological leaps and bounds, developing extremely powerful star ships, extremely powerful quantum computers, entropy dilation chambers, extremely advanced medical technologies, abilities to manipulate the fundamental forces of the universe, constructing mega structures like planets and shun-space Dyson spheres, orbital particle cannons, harvesting energy from quasars and other dimensions, humanity research into multiverse and discovery of 125 alternate dimensions and finally the metaphysics and the Spartan IIs unlocked potential for metaphysical powers. And the commissioning of Spartan IIs as the leaders of their military, formation of UGSC with John 117 as the supreme commander by 32nd millennia. John with his unparalleled skills and abilities guiding the human military to several thousands of operations. Humanity reached tier-0 in their technological scale.

"With all the nourishment, then came the next great war with the Ceph in the 40th millennia, a 120 million year old hive beings with advanced technology outside our frontier. Like the flood, they used engineered a pathogen that break any being's tissue to Ceph nanoshells and then use them as a biological power source to sustain themselves" Cortana explained which terrorized the league members.

"Like a battery?" Batman asked to which she nodded

"By the gods! And I thought the flood was the worst you faced" Hawkgirl said feeling a pit in her stomach regarding the nature of Ceph.

"We first heard of them when a science team accidentally activated their scout ship in an outpost that was by their radioactive dating was under the rock for 3 million years. This scout was the harbinger of their entire armada. They opened up a wormhole and sent the entire fleet and Ceph fighter units that began attacking our colonies" She said.

The Ceph were a whole new level of enemies as the league watched they were the first race in 30,000 years to inflict damage and casualties among humanity in large numbers who were the giants, apex species at that time.

"The Ceph were brutal, merciless and mindless killers. But the Spartan IIs found that these ceph forces are remotely controlled by a bigger hive mind, the alpha ceph and the omega Ceph-a galactic hive mind" John said as the images of the alpha ceph coordinating the ceph ground forces with unparalleled skill that managed to outsmart the human military. Though humanity was able inflict equal damage and casualties among the ceph, this war was getting them no where as their invasion was very aggressive and hell bent on destroying the humans. The heroes could see that the ceph were the most brutal enemies they ever faced. Finally the Spartan IIs realized severing the psychic link between the alpha and omega ceph and the other ceph forces to defeat them.

The 117 game plan while successful, still couldn't get the job done completely as the ceph were in huge numbers, thousands of times than what the flood brought in, in the past.

"So you guys found a way to defeat them?"

"Yes, we Spartan IIs commissioned the construction of pocket dimensions- Dyson spheres constructed inside shun-space bubbles. Shun-space is an alternate dimension that cuts off access to all the space-time zones. Every galaxy has two such installations" John finished as Cortana picked up.

"We had them follow us into the Dyson spheres and destroyed the alpha and omega ceph who couldn't control any ceph forces outside the bubble. Once they are gone, we took care of the remaining hostiles by engineering their nano spores to target them on the genetic level finally and pushed them back to their home galaxy, thus bringing the 1200 year war to a climax" She said.

"And then, it was peaceful till now. We progressed even more and thanks to my Spartan here, he and his comrades were keeping the entire human empire safe" Cortana said. Miranda then explained how she got back alive and got to this universe and been here for 5 years. Stewart claimed that his lantern corps have met the Dhorians a long time back.

"This is our history that you need to know and once this discussion is over, there is something I need to tell you" John said to which others nodded in agreement.

"One question...You mentioned about the Precursors in the ancient human-forerunner history. Who are they?" Batman asked.

"Precursors are omniversal entities with ability to move across the multiverse, create life and accelerate their evolution, hold a form of metaphysical power to manipulate the very fabric of reality. Abaddon is their AI or knowledge engine as they called and the only thing close to a precursor we have met. We are unaware of their fate" John explained.

"This Mantle of responsibility?" Superman asked.

"Well, its the Precursors belief that the superior race should hold responsibility of guardianship over the other inferior species without selflessness. But we rejected that belief as the way we see it, every one should help each other out and promote unity and equality" Cortana explained.

With that John, Miranda and Cortana finished the explanation of their history as silence reigned the hall for a minute.

With all that they heard and viewed, this moment was an eye opener to all the league members and each held an opinion about John and all that he went through and the opinions on humanity in general.

The common among them was that the league couldn't believe that this man had been serving the military for 60,000 years non-stop with out a break and with utmost dedication. He was a caring soldier despite his terrific appearance. The heroes were confounded with the fact that humanity had been revered as deities by many thousands of inferior civilizations as of 62558 AD due to their advanced nature and the help they provided whenever the other races were in danger or have asked for help with any situation.

Superman was the first to ponder on his origins. At first he was quite troubled by the fact that he was kidnapped as child to fight a war. But then he remembered how Darkseid brainwashed him and manipulated him to his benefits, but came out strong and never gave up and against insurmountable odds. The courage he showed, the trust he instilled, Superman felt himself and the Spartan were almost similar in that regard.

Batman had the same opinion and even though distressed by the use of guns, he could understand considering the brutal life he led for a long time. And he's a soldier after all. A part of him wanted the spartan to join the league despite having issues with his methods. But his resolve to see through a mission resonated with his own.

Jon Stewart for his part, at first was quite irritated by the spartan's guts and thought him to be no more than a hotshot rookie. But now he realized he was no only the best soldier humanity could ever have but also a great leader who always tended to other people's welfare. He also agreed that he could have never accomplished all those that the spartan did till now. He also believed that he was worthy of joining the lantern corps.

"Damn! If not for his willingness to take lives, he would make a damn good lantern. Huh, I should have known my role and position, instead let my ego vent out against a man who is a military leader. Hope he doesn't pull rank on me!"

Hawkgirl was having the same opinion as the others, though her predicament was different. She was from a world filled with war like and barbaric beings. But seeing the spartan's life and their humanity, it was too much for someone like her to digest. She was in actual an advanced agent sent to Earth to help with the Gordanian invasion, but she never expected to join this league of superheroes. The spartan reminded her of Tallak who was tenacious and would do anything in pursuit of victory for his people. He was not only a soldier, but a leader who has steeled his nerves and bones in millennia of warfare. She didn't want this man as her enemy.

"Thank god, my people aren't trying to conquer this world, definitely not with this spartan here" she thought though unaware of the Thanagarian's plan for Earth and the imminent consequences that would be incurred upon her and this world.

Wonder Woman had nothing but respect and sympathy for the man who had known nothing but the life of war, no matter if he was a soldier in front lines or a military leader. He fought and lost his family, friends and people he cared about so that his people could have a peaceful sleep at night. Though the fact that having been fighting one battle after another for 60,000 years and still not broken down physically and mentally, giving into madness was beyond her. Her people were warriors by nature, but her sisters would have broken down long ago before seeing the end if they were in his place, she may not know more about men, but the spartan was special to her.

"His people are lucky to have someone like him as their leader. May be I can help him seek some peace in his life. And no one should go through what he did" Diana thought somberly.

Flash being so carefree for all this time became serious now.

"Chief? Commander? Ugh-.."

"You can call me John, that's fine" He said.

"Yeah, John? Honestly, I would choose to trust you to watch my back if I ever came across a life threatening situation" Flash said.

"Aren't you uncomfortable that I use guns?" he asked folding his hands.

"Listen, I get it. You are not just a soldier, but you are also a leader who makes decisions that affect the fate of an empire. I know you had to make choices about when to take a life and when not to. I would trust a man with a clear state of mind than someone who's conflicted by their own morals. But still we'll make sure that you never get to cross the line and kill as a last resort"

"What if it comes to that, anyway?" he asked

"Then we need to observe your actions in all perspectives. C'mon guys, he's not like us. And we have never been in his shoes to be a soldier that he was. If he killed, then we need to accept that we would have done the same thing if we were him" Flash said as others were surprised and gazed at him.

"What? Something on my head?" he asked puzzled.

"No-...Nothing!-...You usually don't come with such an insight about a situation" Superman said to which the others chuckled.

"Hey! That's cold! I can be serious whenever I wanted to be. Besides, he can do a lot of good in our league" he chided back at them.

"League?" John asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, the Justice League as we call it. Superman believed that together as a team, we could be a formidable force to protect this world" the Martian explained.

John viewed Superman similar to himself. He was an outcast to this world after losing his people. But later adopted this world as his home and did everything in his powers to defend it with his life.

"Yes, and we hope you could join us. We could benefit from your experience and knowledge and that of your companions as well" Superman said. John was perplexed to come to a decision. He was used to work with his spartan fire team and alone, but never in a team that he's not familiar with. But he found the team could be valuable in his new mission to save the universe.

"I need to think this through. Its a tempting offer, but-..." John stumbled

"John, C'mon. You can do this. After all we are here on mission and the team could help us sometime" Cortana said.

"I agree with her" Miranda also said.

"You both want me in this?" he asked in mild confusion.

"Being a good samaritan now and then doesn't hurt, Commander. Besides, after learning about this place, Even I feel quite intrigued. Just keep the body count low" Miranda said with a smirk. John was speechless as he couldn't make his mind.

"You also said you needed help with your mission, you can explain it now" Superman said.

"Yes, what was it about?" Diana asked the spartan. Contana decided to explain them on John's behalf.

"In my universe, in the void near the galaxy Eye of Sauron, We received-...""...-The prometheans have some how found a way to enter this place through the domain. From our last engagement, we believe they are after the mother box" Cortana gave full explanation. Superman, Green lantern and Batman were the most troubled by this revelation as the three knew about mother boxes and how dangerous they are. Also coupled by the fact the Gods of New-Genesis have lost them, that means the new enemy is even more powerful than them.

"So these promethean AIs are back after a long time? In search of these mother boxes? I'm worried about what whoever's stole them is planning to do" Superman said despondently though he agrees with the UGSC members that it was odd for them to go to a universe that is very far from their own.

"There is another box here at STAR labs. I will talk with Doctor Silas stone to give it to us so that we can hide it" Batman said seriously.

"The third one is lost. But I still can do something about it" Stewart said rubbing his chin.

"Planning to call upon some old friends?" Hawkgirl asked.

"Yes, I still can pull some old strings in search of the third box" Stewart said.

"Even if the prometheans are seeking the mother boxes and if they are powerful as you say, Then we must assume they will be after other artifacts of great power" John said.

"Agreed. I even have an idea what would be the next intended target, the white lantern ring. The only ring capable of controlling life and death and even reality. If the unknown enemy is capable of snatch a mother box from the High-Father's grip, then we need to be a lot more vigilant" Stewart said from his early experience in the corps and the stories shared by Hal Jordan.

"What makes you believe that?" John asked.

"Trust me. Its the next easily reachable power that's foolishly been kept in the line of sight. I am not sure, who wears the ring now" Stewart said with little discomfort.

"Then can you help with securing it before the hostiles get any nasty idea?" Miranda asked.

"I will definitely do what I can" he said with a firm nod.

"You could have avoided this all together. But still you chose to aid in this even if this is not your place" Superman said as others too wondered why would he leave his place to help others.

"Yeah man! I mean, this is not even you place" Flash agreed.

"While what you say is right, I can't sit idly when someone reach us for help. Though all these events were not planned by anyone, but I was right to be here, especially when I saw my enemies in this universe. It's not only logical, but a right choice to help ending this threat" John replied as they found his words filled with honesty.

"Then you have our gratitude. We are with you in this one. From now on, this is our fight" J'onn said placing his hands on his shoulder.

"Thanks, then if its good with you, I am in. No promises, but will make sure I will strive not to let you down" he said as he, Cortana and Miranda shook hands as a sign of friendship. While others were having a friendly chat for quite sometime,

"So Cortana?" Flash called out with a childish glee.

"Yes Flash?" Cortana asked, shrinking her temples in suspicion.

"Sooooo-... What are you actually made of!? Your face look kinda familiar-..." Flash asked as he began to act awkwardly to which Cortana internally laughed.

"Are trying to flirt with me? That ain't gonna work, lane. Perhaps, you can try your charm with the captain" She said with a chuckle.

"Really?" he asked not getting her jest.

"Yeah, but don't come to me complaining for getting your bones broken and balls crushed!" she said with a jest.

"What? I-..UGH!...Never mind!" Flash said rolling his eyes in exasperation, though Cortana enjoyed it.

The further discussions were how the UGSC members would blend in and share some technologies that both the league as well as Earth benefited.

...

One month later...

John, Cortana and Miranda were inside the watch tower looking over the upgraded installation along with the league members. The UGSC team upgraded the internal systems like providing them hyper-accurate sensor imaging systems to get detailed geotechnical map of a planet that's located even hundreds of lightyears away, couple of retrofitted mini energy towers to deal with space ships that are trying to invade Earth, then finally a 2mm layering of NC-D(Titanium-Iridium degenerate nano composite) material for the watch tower's hull reinforcement. Then for the Javelins, laser cannons were fitted at the bottom bay and an anti-deutrium fusion power plant with boosted fusion drive for propulsion.

Apart from already available state of the art medical facility, Cortana added a flash clone facility and advanced CDC. She also retrofitted the surgery places with sterile field generators. Due to security reasons, John decided not to give them the regeneration serum with the fear of falling into wrong hands, So he gave advanced tissue sealants-Bio shells for instant treatment of severe wounds and external hemorrhage. Then an enhanced poly-pseudomorphine drug to numb severe pains. Both the bio-shells and morphine drug drew Batman's attention as the tissue sealant had record breaking cell replication, triggering instant healing and as for the morphine, it was the most powerful pain killer he had seen. While doing a little research, he found the drug had unidentified organic molecules with some kind of addiction inhibitors. He found them to be not only useful for the people but also for himself given the nature of his work dealing with super human criminals.

John made sure the league was familiar with the advanced systems since some of them are never before seen and requires a little manual study to become handy with them.

26 days ago, John, Miranda and Cortana took the league members to a tour inside his ship. Though spending a whole day, they only saw one fourth of the ship and its facilities. Batman was amazed the technologies inside, especially the Argus drones intrigued him a lot.

He too planned to have drones like them as security measure in his watch tower. Argus was highly advanced and that even given blue prints, the understanding of its engineering and functions is beyond even that of Wayne tech's capabilities, so John agreed to provide upgrade schematics that can make Batman's drones efficient and effective for both the tower's security and maintenance. Same goes for the hibernation capsules, the concept of manipulating entropy on quantum scale for time dilation fields is something unheard of. Batman himself acknowledged that it was beyond his understanding. But John gave Batman some technical blue prints of a class-5 battle suits generally worn by the current non-spartan military officials, where he would reverse-engineer some aspects of the armor to incorporate in his prototype bat-suit v8.02, like triple nano-composite body armor with a layer of gravito-electromagnetic fluid that changes density depending on the altitude of fall and the amount of impact it gains that can be released back as electro-kinematic shockwave that could stun anything in a one meter radius, along with a fluid and lethal speed maneuvering.

Miranda was finally brought to the ship building facility in the bottom floor by John and Cortana to show her new ship, a dawn class destroyer that was battle ready, loaded with all the supplies and gears both civilian and military. Though she will find use only after they returned to their reality. She also took time to explain the league members about different military strategies that they incorporated during the covenant war to defeat their enemies. Though it may not be needed at that time, one never knows when and how knowledge save our lives. Having been invaded by aliens, some tactical moves can confuse the enemies and help in defeating them with less catastrophy if this Earth ever come across another invasion.

Diana on the other hand wanted to learn about the Spartan. Diana is no slouch as she herself is 5000 years old. But John was 12 times older than her and has unparalleled experience as a warrior. She asked him a lot about his fighting techniques. John patiently taught her the basics of espionage and covert recons. Also he taught the morals of when to fight and when to recede. Receding may be seen as weak for her. But in John's view, preventing the deaths of innocent lives is more important as he believed they should never get caught in the cross fire. He also told her about the difference between wasting life and spending them, a teaching his mentor Mendez would teach him as a kid which he kept close to his heart till this day.

She found his down to earth personality tantalizing despite the power he possessed and the life he was subjected to and also surprised by his treatment as an equal which she never saw before joining the league and meeting the Spartan. Apart from the league members, the spartan was another man she considered to be noble. She even began questioning her mother's cynical view of man's world. Surely she was right, but not everyone was like that, John was closer than others.

One thing she found lacking in him was his socializing element as she discussed this with Miranda and Cortana once.

"Does he always spend time alone?" She asked.

"Well, you all know about his life. The nature of his upbringing never left even a little room for socializing. Not only that, time and time again he watched losing the people he cared about. After all the battles, all the wars, he needs to spend his time alone for peace of mind" Miranda said having known him long enough.

"But what can he do if he spent all the time alone? Shouldn't he mingle with his friends or the other people to relax?" Diana asked still confused about his personality.

"Everyone has their own coping mechanisms, Diana. For John, he finds comfort in solace, clearing his mind, sharpening his senses, making sure that everyone around him were safe. *SIGH* you are looking at a man who knew nothing but war. Then he goes to extended meditation that helps him strengthening his emotional intelligence" Cortana said sadly knowing John and the Spartan IIs. She always wished no one should ever go through like what he did. Diana was quite stumbled after hearing more about John.

"Did he ever regret having this life?" she asked.

"No. Ever since he was inducted into this life, he never regretted one bit as he and the other Spartans went through all those trainings, he believed he had found purpose in his life. To protect his people as best of a soldier he can be. The abilities he gained from the augmentations, he saw it as a gift that he can use it to protect humanity and be more responsible in his duties. In our opinion, he is cherishing every single moment of it" Cortana explained with a smile.

Diana realized that John has sacrificed everything in his life so that the others could have a future, that too from a age where family was the most important treasure for a child. But the fact he kept moving on with no regrets was beyond her understanding.

Meanwhile Green Lantern informed John that he sent a word out to his contacts to look for the white lantern ring to which he thanked him.

The UGSC members and the league made sure every thing they planned for the month was taken care of to the letter.

...

John was in his room drinking a cup of hot coffee looking at a hardlight display placed in the glass table as he was peering into something important. That's when he heard faint footsteps as he observed someone was walking into his room.

"Mind if I join you?" It was Miranda Keyes.

"Of course not captain, please" he said politely.

"Please! I thought we were already on first name basis" she said chuckling.

"Habits, can't help. Then you can call me by name cap-...Miranda. Deal?" he asked raising his eyebrow.

"Deal. Huh, you haven't changed one bit. I...I mean in character" she said

"Is that a complaint? You know me from the old days"

"*SIGH* Yeah, those days. The last thing I remembered was barging through a glass window in a pelican to save Johnson" she said as she filled another cup of coffee from the electronic maker as he took the cup and sat opposite to him.

The name Johnson brought back quite somber memories as he lost a damn good friend that day when 343 guilty spark went rampant to protect its Halo. "Send me-...With a bang!" . Those words still echoes in his mind. While he was glad to see his former superior officer back alive, he wished Johnson too was, but he knew some things gone are forever gone.

"Yeah, Me and Arbiter were too late to get there, else we could have saved him" he said with regret.

"It's alright John. There's nothing you could have done that time. It was-...was-...*SIGH* Just fate" she said with an evasive smile.

"Speaking of which, Is the Arbiter's still there?" She asked as she knew some of the important members in humanity were too valuable to lose as they alone were kept immortal through advanced gene enhancement. But she didn't know the fate of the other species.

"Thel and R'tas, both are alive. They are too valuable for the new orion alliance. An alliance with the former covenant species that Thel and R'tas worked hard to form" he said smiling at the reference of his old Sanghelli friends. Thel and John had been through a lot together, since the days days of the covenant war.

"Wow! Glad to hear your friends are still alive" she said feeling happy for them.

"Just wondering...How is my mother?" Miranda asked curiously.

"She's doing-...just fine" he replied understanding her concern for her though Miranda and Halsey were never close as many would believe. She even changed her surname to Keyes.

"Hmm, fine. Not sounding excited, but she's all that I have in my family" She said which made him wonder if the terms between them were not that good in the past.

"One more thing, until we get back to our place, Take me to the field work in future missions. Sitting here in a ship has started to wear me of" she said chuckling.

"Isn't that what a captain's supposed to do, sitting and wearing off?" he said as a dry remark to which she was quite surprised.

"Hah ha! Never knew you had the elements of humor. I'll not forget this in a long term. But jokes aside, please. I need to keep my senses sharp. Feels like I lost touch with UNSC warfare" Miranda said. Though John was hesitant, He knew she was a capable fighter, so he agreed.

"Fine, I'll have Cortana make you a class 5 battle suit worn by all un-augmented soldiers" John said to which she smiled and nodded. For the next minute it was silence, but then decided to ask one last thing that has been itching her mind

"Why did you do that?" She asked blandly which confused him.

"Do what?" he asked.

"The flood war. Why would you get yourself captured by a keymind? To get yourself tortured to buy the other people some time?" She asked which stunned him as he wondered how did she knew about this as he gave a grim look.

"Wondering how did I know? Cortana managed to add that little classified information into the history booklet" she said which confirmed his doubts. Its the only way she could have known.

"*SIGH* The choices I made was purely out of necessity. All life in the galaxy was threatened and our fights didn't get us anywhere. My actions made a huge difference and I am glad I did-...what I had to" he replied casually.

"Still, to go that far? No one would ever have the guts to do that. But besides, What if you had failed and the flood won?" She asked still troubled by the fact.

"A risky gambit I had to make. Our duty as soldiers is to protect innocent lives-...Whatever the cost" he said with a stoic expression and tone. Miranda was surprised at his calmness when he said that and she realized she would never understand him. After all, not even his spartan family and Cortana knew everything about about him despite having known him for eons.

"Well, I won't pry. Anyway-..."

"John? ?" Cortana popped up from a console.

"Yes Cortana?"

"Just now spoke with our league members. They have decided to reveal the existence of the team to the public through a UN hearing" She said to which John was wary.

"Great news. Looks like you got your hands full John. Time to say cheese!" she said with a laugh.

"Do I really have to be there?" He asked as he never liked being surrounded by cameras.

"There we go again! Aren't you part of the team? Full time or part time doesn't matter. You're gonna be there" she said though in a strict sense that left no room for further argument. John gave a stoic look that drew a smile from Keyes.

"*SIGH* Fine, I'll get ready" He said as he got up from his seat as he walked out.

"Don't forget to smile!" Miranda humored him loud before he vanished from the place.

"How did I even get caught into this?" he thought.

A day after...
In the UN assembly hall...

The UN hall was filled with world representative each in their seat and the media in front of the stage where the heroes are in due to appear. Superman asked this meeting to be arranged to discuss the future about the protection of this world.

As the main door opened, the heroes that defended the planet during the invasion walked in as everyone turned to look at them in awe as multiple photograph lights flickered up them.

Superman was in the lead as the other heroes followed him. the next was the Wonder Woman in her patriotic armor, next walked Batman with cold expression in his face, then Flash and Green Lantern followed by Hawkgirl who had strapped her spiked mace in her side waist, then finally walked J'onn and the Spartan in his Armageddon suit looking tall and stocky which drew lot of attention from both the assembly ministers, military officials and the media as there were lot of murmuring voices directed towards his presence.

"Its been a while since you were in a conference, penny for your thoughts?" Cortana said in her speakers who was observing everything through his armor from the ship.

"Yeah, been in this a lot of times" he replied to her using the internal speakers.

"Though a very long time, this always reminded me of your award show in Cairo and the day when the Spartan IIs were declared as the leaders of UGSC in all galaxies"

"Honestly, I wish I never were here" John said.

"Look at them, John. They all look at the heroes in awe, as their saviors. Just like you are in our place, a hero every human looked up to" She said in exuberant tone.

"I was doing my duty as a soldier, no one has to decorate or honor me for that" he replied calmly.

"And that is why precisely you ARE a HERO...To everyone!" She said as he could feel the warmth in her words.

As they all walked towards the podium standing side by side facing all the people in the entire hall. Superman steps forward to look at the chairperson of the council.

"Ma'am, if I may be allowed to address?" he asked politely.

"Of course Superman" she replied as she stepped back to allow him speak in front of the mic.

"Honorable members of the council, Our world was threatened by an alien invasion a month and a half ago. Led into deception without knowing, I disabled the earth's defense systems. But thanks to J'onn, the Martian..." he said holding his hands to J'onn

"And the Intel he provided, we managed to repel the invasion on time. He brought us all together to defend this world" Superman said and leaving a pause for others to process what he said.

"I once believed, I could protect this world, I call home all by myself. But the invasion proved me otherwise. So we have decided to form a team, a formidable force that will defend Earth from all the threats, both inside and outside"

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you...The Justice League!" Superman said with a smile to which he received a standing ovation.

*HURRRAYYY...**CLAP CLAP CLAP**...*

He then pointed out each and every member of the team.

"J'onn Jonzz" he said as the martian stepped front and gave a bow.

"Flash". Flash stepped front and "Nice to see ya!" he says loud and waves at the crowd.

"Batman" he said as the dark knight gave a simple bat glare.

"Green Lantern" he said as Stewart gave a nod at them.

"Hawkgirl" he said as Shayera adjusted her wings outward and give a small bow.

"Wonder Woman" he said as she brought her right arm to her chest, make a fist and bow in a warrior's fashion.

"And at last, Spartan 117" As John stood at ease and gave a nod to everyone. As the ovations and claps were over, little silence reigned the hall as Superman spoke further.

"I know everyone has their questions to ask us and we will answer them to the best of our abilities" Superman said.

"I have one question for the Spartan" a military official raised his hand. John saw him and his visor instantly displayed his details. He is a General in Air-force as the wing insignia can be seen in his left chest.

"Greetings General" John said in a mellow tone and gave him a respected salute for his commissioned rank, though he outranks him in all aspects.

The General returns the salute and could see a true soldier in him when he paid the respects.

"General Calvin Swanwick, US Air-force, Head of the northern command. Where are you from, soldier?" he asked though it sounded rhetorical.

"I don't know, if you would believe this. But I am from an alternate universe. Here on a mission to contain a threat originated in my place. The league has agreed to aid me" he replied to which lots of murmuring noises raised as people were curiously talking to one another.

"Yes, I have seen the report, briefing compiled about the team's individuals by Superman before this meeting. Yours in particular is quite intriguing. There is also another line that you come from 62nd millennia in your-...Universe?" he said shrinking his temples.

"That is correct and before anyone asks, I am not some time traveler. In may place, its the year 62558 AD and I am indeed Human" he replied leaving no further room questions on that part.

"But what you say is far stretched. There's is no way its possible. How can we believe you are telling the truth!?" one of the council members rose from his seat and spoke.

" , we have corroborated his story. They are real and authentic" Superman came to his defense.

"So you are some kind of soldier? What is your rank?" Another military official asked, he was an Admiral.

"In my place, I am the supreme commander of the human military and its governing body, UGSC" He replied in a tone that made every military officers to feel the overwhelming authority.

"So you are from Earth?" a media person asked.

"No, I am human, but not from Earth. In my place, Humanity is an extra-galactic species, our empire spanning a sphere of 250 million light years" he said as the people's voices raised even more, garnering so much attention.

"So an advanced human civilization, Is that it? Will you be sharing technologies with us?"

"I have agreed to share some modified versions of technologies as discussed with the league that might prove useful to this world at this point of time and its current stage of advancements. Weapon schematics are out of the question" he said that created some protesting noises in the hall as he raised his arm to silence them.

"The technologies we possess are too advanced for this world and it would take centuries to understand and I don't want unnecessary accidents to occur, tempering with them. Second, there are people in this world who would do anything in their power to bring untold amount of pain to the innocents which I won't allow that. I will defend this world and work to complete my own mission before I leave this place for good. I thank the league for letting me in and I have promised never to cross the line" He finished.

"Excuse me? Angela Chen from Metropolis News Network. When you first appeared to help Superman and Supergirl in a bank robbery, you appealed yourself to be a user of rather extreme force, like using guns and explosives?" she asked accusingly, being a rival to Lois Lane from Daily planet.

"The gun I used was loaded with an ineffective ammo, used solely for one purpose, Not to create hostilities with the people here. I may be human, but I don't belong here to kill someone right away with prejudice. That much I am willing to restrict myself from such harsh encounters" he said justifying his actions.

That's when Flash stepped in front.

"I will take care of this one, Spartan"

"Listen guys, I know you are quite disturbed by his early actions. We talked among ourselves about this and he himself has agreed to be more easy-going. That's the first sign that he is not a threat as many of you would assume as such. But if it ever comes to crossing that line, we wouldn't be surprised as none of you has ever seen what kind of horrors he has faced in his reality. If you did. then you would understand his way of reacting to threats. But despite all that, I would still have him watch my back if it ever came to my own life or death situation. so, all I am saying is we can help him prevent the use of such extreme measures" Flash said as the others took some time to process his words.

Flash turned to look at the spartan for him to give a gentle nod.

"Though I would warn anyone who would try to test my resolve by harming innocents, will get to know the real spartan" he said in a cold voice that carried tons of weight supplemented by his stature that made everyone look at him warily.

"Is that a threat ?" asked General Swanwick.

"A statement, General" He said to which glared evasively and sat down.

"I have a question for the Wonder Woman. Just like the Spartan, You too are unfamiliar. May I know where you are from, Miss?" another reporter asked.

"I am an Amazon princess, from Themyscira. J'onn sent out a signal to help protect this world. I couldn't stand idly while the outside world was burning with evil. So I came to help the league. Like my fellow team mates, I shall defend this world with pride and honor" she replied with a salute as the cameras flashed.

...

Unknown planet, Unknown part of the galaxy...
Somewhere in a ruin...

A man in a green suit and green ring was being hung in mid-air through some kind of constraint field as the machines around him generated the field as it stretched his arms and legs in 'X' fashion.

"GRRR...RRRR" the man was struggling to get out, but couldn't do anything as he was weak.

"I WILL ASK YOU ONE MORE TIME!...WHERE-...IS-...HE?" A tall being almost standing 12 feet asked in a growling tone as it was completely covered by a long cloth as a cloak. But one could see a burning eyes that send chills through spines amidst the hidden shadowy face.

"Piss off, Jack ass! I ain't telling you nothing!" The Green Lantern named Hal Jordan was spitting on the being. But the mysterious being was unfazed.

"HUMANS!-...ALWAYS RESENTING-...NEVER REALIZES WHAT THEY ARE OBLIVIOUS TO...HMM HA HA!" The being said as it fetched a slug like thing from a glass container.

"BUT-...YOU WILL TALK-...ONCE THIS GET INSIDE YOU-...YOU WILL WISH YOU HAD TALKED!"

"RRRR-...RRRR-...-RRRAAAHHHH!" the Green Lantern yelled in pain as the slug was thrust into his mouth.

To be continued...

And that's it. Let me know if you liked it so far. I know you would see similarities with story written by Harbinger of Kaos, but some of the elements in my story are different, though I will admit I was 100% inspired by his work. Also I am pretty much excited for our Spartan to face Hades as it will be a lot different. As the story progress, the relationship between Diana and the Spartan will too.

Also hope you too excited to see what it would be like for Darkseid to face a 60,000 year old super soldier.

See ya all later...