Avenger, Research lab
Michael walks into the Research Labs, seeing scientists around researching technology and items of interest. Not many, normally XCOM could house over 200 scientists, however they don't have the resources they used to have, but still enough to research and create gadgets.
Michael walks forward with SP-5 as they see some young scientist working on some gadgets or looking over the data the Avenger has. Data that they swear not to spread or advertise, not yet anyway. As Michael walks forward to see one doctor that called him. Michael sees Roqutte, Engineer and LookOut talk to a Teutonic man of medicine, wearing a white doctor's shirt with vest and red gloves.
(Medic from Team Fortress 2)
Dr. Ludwig or as some of the people call him, the Medic, What he lacks in compassion for the sick, respect for human dignity, and any sort of verifiable formal training in medicine, the Medic more than makes up for with a bottomless supply of giant needles and a trembling enthusiasm for plunging them into exposed flesh. The data on XCOM gives him large motivation to study and learn everything he can from the archive.
"What is it that you have for me?" Michael asked them as they stopped to see the commander.
"Aaa Commander, wonderful for you to join us" A German accent voice of the Medic greeted as Roqutte glared at the ex-doctor.
"Did we really have to wait for the kid to return, I could have at least read your notes" Roqutte mutters, Medic turns to glare at her.
"Are you in charge vermissen Roquette? Or is it Rrosser now? I can never remember what to call you" Medic said thinking about it, poking fun at Roquette having to change her name to not be targeted.
Roquette just crosses her arms and fumes, she doesn't like having to do a witness protection program but she has to. Legally her name was Sara Rrosser as Serling Roquette died in the fire from her home. While here in the Avenger everyone calls her by her original name everyone outside knows her differently, something she finds annoying.
"Now darling, you know we need to inform the boss on what we discover and what our next action we need to approve of next" Engineer explained to her as it was the Commander's decision on what they work on.
"My boss shouldn't be 10 years younger than me" Roqutte grumbled as Michael shook his head, LookOut turned to face Roquette.
"But the Commander has been in charge of XCOM for more than 10 years and you worked for Star LAB under Adam Strange who was only 4 years younger than you, does the age of your superior have such a negative effect on you?" Lookout asks through her telepathy as everyone gets used to hearing a female voice in their head.
"No it does not LookOut, it is a personal preference nothing more" Roqutte explains to the floating ball with a sign as she got used to LookOut asking random questions with such concern.
"Anyway, what is it that you have for me?" Michael asked, wanting them to get to the point as Engineer waved his hand as Roqutte sign and Medic grin widened.
"Well my dear leader, I would like to first thank you for hiring me in your herrlich base and giving me a wunderbar opportunity to learn and study this exotic data, the very idea thought lost to me until now" Medic flatten Michael as he nods his head.
"While I appreciate the gratitude would you please get to the point" Michael politely asks to move it along with a firm voice as Medic chuckles nervously as the other watching grin as the ex-doctor under the commander's eye.
"Yes yes of course, first I got to look at the infamous Venom of that Bane Abschaum," The Medic took out a picture of the Venom formula in front of everyone.
"This substance Venom is a neo-steroid strength-enhancing drug, its effects causes a huge and sofortige increase in muscle mass, enhancing the muscles, granting the person superhuman strength and durability." The image shows a human body getting the drug getting bigger and more muscle than before.
"However this is only temporary. As Venom is more than a normal drug, for you see when the drug wears off the body not only returns to normal but can sometimes even make them schwächer than normal as the drug is a heavy tax on the body. Afterward, they are hit by a horrific case of withdrawal like normal drugs but worse" The image now shows a human body shirking and a size shorting now.
"Now the Blockbuster on the other hand complete change the body, as show ingested, the serum vastly increases muscle mass of ordinary humans and creates a thick hide underneath the skin, causing the original skin and facial features to slough off" the image show a human body turning into a monster as Michael recalls the mission Robin told him about when they first started.
"Now combining the two creates a creature three times stronger than Venom and permanent as well" the image shows a human turning into a monster almost identical to the creature Michael mind controlled in Santa Prisca.
"So it's just super steroids and monster juice combined, how is this useful?' Roqutte asked them while finding the information interesting but wanting to see the points.
"If the bad guys are making an army of these junkies, it's best we know all about them" Engineer said looking at how strong the drug makes you.
"True but with more research I can make a more stable version of the drugs, as Venom is based on an old drug that was stated to give Mann an hour of super strength, with the samples combine with XCOM Research I could make something better than Kobra-venom" The ex-doctor grins as they all look at him.
"So we are going to inject our men with drugs and turn them into monsters now," Roqutte said in shock and a little frightened at the idea.
"Our soldier would be faster and stronger and the enemy already uses it, it helps to even the fight" LookOut said looking at the benefits of using the drug.
"Now hold your horses there, we aren't turning our men into monsters now" Engineers try to stop that train of thought.
"But the benefit are useful" LooKOut tries to say
"No," Michael said, stopping the discussion as they turned to him.
"Medic you can use our research to study the drug but you will not test the original on anyone, until you create an original drug with minimal side effects" Michael orders after looking at the data as the Doctor grins, SP-5 floats around the screen as Michael gives his Gremlin a pat.
"I can usher you Commander, with the research and the Nth Metal we gave, it will be far superior then what the enemy uses" Medic grins as they look at the Data as Michael looks at the Nth Metal in question.
"What has your studies show on Nth Metal?" Michael asks as he picks up one of the Revager's swords, testing the weight and feel of it.
"The Nth Metal my dear Commander, is one the most fascinating materials I've come across, xeno metal with gravity negating effects. Has many possibilities" the Doctor said looking at the metal in question before putting the screen of Ravager's body.
"As can be seen by young Ravager, her body has increase healing when holding the metal, it increase her body to a higher density level then Durchschnitt and the metal can generate heat in order to heal the body and has interest reaction to energy" the screen shows the energy be absorb and controlled while it show the heat of the metal healing Ravager's body.
"How is the crazy girl by the way?" Engineers ask with a grin as Roqutte hits him, he smiles cheeky.
"She earns enough time to gain access to the training ground, under supervision of course" Michael explains seeing Ravager earn enough trust to grain free time, slowly she learning from some of the merceries under XCOM, and a few other class that teaches her ongoing education, self-evaluation, and positive thinking among their peers of XCOM. It worked so far, but they would still keep an eye on her.
"Explains how the Hawks can fly, their wings would need to be bigger to lift a human body" Roqutte always wanted to know how the Hawk heros couple fly with such wings.
"Wait, they can't fly with their wings?" Engineer asked as LookOut pulled out a screen of the Hawk couple flying and fighting.
"Actually using the Nth metal gravity negates flying at such speed and their wings only help control their flight path" LookOut explains as the Commander looks over the images of the usefulness of the metal.
"I could make great weapons out of this nth metal" Engineer said as the Medic looks insulted.
"The experiments that could be used and you want to make a simple waffe? How brutish of you" The Medic said as Michael somewhat agrees.
"Using the sword can make powerful weapons but the shield would be more beneficial technology with Nth metal, order what you can from the black-market" Michael said seeing too much benefit not using Nth metal.
"Another resource in question is the Kryptonite from that bomb you got, is this green mineral emits potent radiation that weakens kryptonian in its vicinity." The image of the glowing green mineral shows on the screens.
"The mineral absorbs solar radiation and converts to the energie, such energy convention would be a breakthrough in the energie convention theory." Another image of kryptonite absorbing solar power to maintain the glow.
"However the radiation is just as dangerous to humans as it is to the kryptonian, slower than humans but can cause incurable cancer" the Doctor grins as he looks at the effect it has on the human body.
"It affects humans too" Roqutte is surprised as the famous mineral affects humans just as Superman does.
"Does that mean Superman has Cancer?" Engineer asked if it gives Humans cancer and superman fights against Kryptonite more times than the average person.
"Hardly, the kryptonian only needs a Sonne bath to recover from the effects of the radiation, what I would do to that kryptonian body, hehhehe" Medic chuckles fantasising about dissecting the famous kryptonian under his scapple.
"So weapons and a new kind of power source?" Roqutte said, looking at the benefits for the Kryptonite as Michael nods.
"Research the conversion rate and make prototype generators, look into weapons later" Michael said as the Engineer holds some written notes.
"Seen you're here boss, I want to show you what I found after looking at those Amazo designs' ' Engineer pulled a screen with a diagram of the Amazo drone.
"Drone has the most advanced camera and scanning operator I've ever seen, able to gain so much data on analysing power, states and other useful data. The drone creates tech to mimic the powers of the metahumans, it is amazing" Engineer said looking over the drone with wonder as the others look at the drone as well.
"Such a mächtig drone, how did the justice league beat it" Medic asked, how was the drone to copy metahuman power how was it destroyed.
"It can only mimic one meta power at a time, it constantly changes technology to mimic the powers" Engineer explains, as Michael looks at the robot in question.
"Should we create our own Amazo drone?" LookOut asked as they turned to Michael.
"No, the drone data analyser we can look into and then the meta power mimic, but we won't start making the Amazo yet" Michael said, knowing the Amazo drone is too expensive to make now but the components are more affordable.
"Easier to make then that Lex bomb cord" Engineer said looking at the competent as he thinks about that new bomb cord, useful bomb in certain areas.
"While we're on the subject get the team to look into a new design for the Inhibitor collars," Michael said seeing how they affect metahuman ability, they need new designs for the collars, cuffs, rope, net and other devices that can capture a meta human.
"And have you integrated that new clothing from Belle reve?" Michael asked, recalling the latest thing that was brought from the covert mission.
"The texture was surprisingly simple but effective Thrawn, the texture has been added to every XCOM uniform. Surprised, a bunch of criminals manage to create something so useful" Roqutte explains as she feels the new clothes she is wearing. You could wear a short sleeve top on a snowy day and still feel hot in them, how criminals can make something worth millions is beyond her.
"This surprises you darling, after all the criminals have to keep up with the heroes otherwise it will be too easy to put criminals away." Engineer said, knowing the enemy would always change to match the heroes.
"True but this alone makes anyone millions, they could stop being criminals with just one of these gadgets" Roqutte said with a frown, seeing how smart people are turning to crime instead of doing someone for the public and themselves.
"vermissen, a man must follow his passion. There is more to life than simply doing the 'normal thing' why shouldn't a mann or frau follow their passion." Medic frowns at Roquette disapproval for people following their passion as Roqutte turns at glare at him.
"Following your passion is one thing, but breaking the law is another issue" Roqutte glares at Medic glares back.
"Why should the law hold you back? Look at us now, working in an illegal private military with more money for you to research than ever before." Medic pointed out her hypocrisy.
"At least we're not killing random for the fun of it or doing unethical experiments" Roqutte glares at him as Engineer tries to calm them down.
"Now calm down will you, why it true we not with the government we not some terrorist group either, we are an independent organisation. Like those Justice leaguers" Engineer points out as he tries to pacify the agreement as both parties stop auguring but keep glaring at one another.
"Also to note commander, I revived some information from Sphere the last time she visited" LookOut said, getting Michael's attention.
The Sphere AI comes and goes here every now and then, normally the Sphere stays in the cave with Conner but sometimes follows Michael to his base.
LookOut and Sphere hit it off straight away, somehow LookOut can understand Sphere, or The New Genesphere, as it truly called, is an extra-terrestrial artefact from the world of New Genesis.
New Genesis is one of the home planets of the New Gods, an arrogant and prideful x-ray to name their race new gods, either way they have very advanced technology, if the scans from Sphere have anything to say about.
"What more do you have to say LookOut," Michael asked as she floated to him.
"She's been getting signals every now and then, from the new gods" LookOut informed as Michael narrowed his eyes.
"Either these 'new gods' are trying to get the Genesphere back or they've already been here for a while now" Michael thinks about it seeing the signal as he looks at LookOut.
"Track down these signals and keep a radar out of them, report where they come from and where they're sending" Michael orders LookOut , LookOut nods her floating body as she gets to work. Michael turns and leaves the scientist to argue as the other scientist gets to work while ignoring Roquette and Medic ague.
LINE
Ravager grunts as she throws on the ground, again.
"Is that all you got lassy, I expected more" Scotmen said as Ravager grunts getting back up, ready for round five or was it eight now.
Even since she was captured Ravager has been trying to escape, like she normally does when caught and sent to prison. Sadly none of her tricks work, she couldn't pick the lock, the vents are too small to squeeze through and the robot guards can't be tricked no matter what she does like faking a heart attack.
So she grinds her time, stretching and waiting as she tries to think of a plan, after a few months the Commander lets her out. Saying she gave her a trial run of the training ground, Ravager tries to make a run for it. But she was stopped by a short angry Scotmen.
Since that day she tries her best to beat him but it is not working.
Ravager tries to punch Scotmen but his powerful arms block each punch, getting pissed she flips over and tries to kick his head with both legs.
Keyword tries as Scotmen grabs both legs and swings her body on the ground, smashing her face on the mate. The other soldiers watched and winced around the impact.
"Mahahahah, jumping around like a rabbit on coke won't get the best of me lassy, I thought that deathstroke's daughter would be better than this" Scotmen comments , having seen her file and being aware of her father's reputation. Words that shouldn't be said as Ravager got up and changed at him with a yell of rage.
"Ahhhhhhhh"
She charges for his throat as she jumps him with her full weight in order to ring his neck, but it doesn't change the outcome. As Scotmen grabs her arms, keeping them both away from his neck and smashing his thick skull on her face.
Blood came out of Ravager's nose as she fell down in pain, holding her face as she tried to get up but struggled to even stand up.
"Youa letting my remakes trigger ya, come on warriors should be made of stone, insults should be water off a goat's horns, otherwise you'll be running in your own swords" Scotmen advised, seeing Ravager has potential and tries to help out.
Ravager growls as she holds her nose, trying to stop the blood as she gets blurry vision from her eyes.
"He right you know" A voice said, making them both turn to see the Commander holding a Medkit ready to heal.
"Oe Commander, just showing the lassy how to fight, but don't worry she won't leave my sight, not with these grunts watching" Scotment said, a Ravager must be under the supervision of a member of XCOM Soldier, soldier with a rank of Captain. Michael nodded before turning to the other soldiers.
"Anger is useful, the energy, adrenaline, and aggression are all useful in combat, but used to hastefully and you would only become predictable, depleted and beatable. Such as the need to balance rage and discipline, only then when you control your own emotions do you have control of the battle." Michael explains to his soldiers as they each nod in understanding as Ravager grunts in response.
"That's beautifulll Commander, never felt more motivated then beforeeee" A drunk voice said causing everyone to turn and see Demoman walking in on training holding a bottle of weird colour rum as he sway back and forward.
"Ooo what you done now you idiotic donkey kicking drunk" Scotmen said to the drunk fellow scotmen as his words don't effect as he walks toward the Commander.
"IIIIII neverrrr thank youuuu for thiiis jooobb Commmmdmerbbblaaaab" Demoman burps as Michael looks concern at Demoman, seeing him more drunk then before, Michael looks at the bottle Demoman is drinking.
"Demoman, where did you get that Rum?" The Commander asked him as Demonman looked at the bottle in his hand.
"Ooooh burp found thisss stuff while lookinggggg arrround, burp, never tasted something sooooooo goooodd BURRRP" Demoman burps as everyone holds their nose from his breath.
Michael looks at the green bottle of rum, that's Muton Rum, Muncol, extremely potent Muto liquor. A drink meant for Mutons and their strong stomachs. And it can destroy a human liver.
He knows because Ban as more than once destroyed his liver drinking the stuff,
Quick Flashback
"Hey Everyone, lets sing a happy song for Commandy returd! I'm so exicted and I just can't hide I'm about abot" Ban ties to sing in celebration after drinking Muncol, but.
BBLELEEEEEEEEEE
Ban vomits all over the floor, rum and blood.
"There goes liver number 4…and here comes mmmambo number 5" Ban cheers as he starts dancing.
WAAAAAHAAAAA
Now a drunk Ban starts dancing and singing to everyone's nerves, as some block their ears in pain of Ban singing.
Flashback over.
That's why we label drinks, not all of it is for human anatomy but Demoman must have a very stomach liver.
"Theeyy goanna make me retiree, I'mmmm a Blackk Scottish Cyclops, Everyyy sinceee that Supppperman cammme about peopleeee stopppp making useee of soildersss or merecers, thinkkingn all off them are crimmmalss, I beee out of the jobbb and haveee too turn to crime" Demoman starts to cry as everyone look at him in shock, even Ravager. Demoman turns to Michael.
"Buutt you didddn't turn me away, youuu gave me a jobbbb, hire meee for my sericeess, I'cannt thank you enoughhhh weheehee" Demoman cries as he hugs Michael, the Commander didn't know what to do but give the man a pat on the back. Comforting the crying man as Scotmen and a few man gather around him.
"It ok Travish, take him to the Infirmary" The Commander orders as Scotmen nods as he grabs the crying man and he and the soldiers lead him to the Infirmary.
Ravager watches in surprise, never seeing something like this before, while she knows working as a mercenary has been going down as people look to superheroes then mercenaries, forcing many mercenaries to turn to criminal action in order to make a living. Ravager never really saw the damage it can do until now.
"Not everyone is a criminal for fun, Rose, most people only do crime due to poverty or peer pressure, people either can't afford to live or are forced to do crime. These people just need an opportunity and a chance to do better. This is your chance Rose to make something more of yourself" Michael turns to Rose Wilson as she stares at him in shock.
Michael waits away leaving Rose Wilson with her thoughts as he thinks about what she just witnessed and what to do now.
LINE
Michael and SP-5 walked back into the cave after sorting out Demoman in the Infirmary, his liver is ok but he needed to stop drinking for a while, lucky everyone was there giving him the support he needed.
Genosphere rolls around but stops before turning to see Michael walk forward, the AI rolls to Michael with excited beeps as Michael pats the rolling ball.
"Hello Genosphere, how Conner has been treating you" Michael asked as Genosphere did a many beeps as Michael nodded and SP-5 hover beside the sphere.
"That's a very good sphere, LookOut would be happy you're making friends" Michael has a basic understanding of the beeps as SP-5 did a few beeps as well.
Michael was aware Sphere has a bond with the clone, a good thing for both of them. Michael looks around, seeing Conner and Megan kissing, Michael raises an eyebrow at that.
"I think you both need to learn something about privatising," Michael said, causing Conner to stop dead in his tracks at that. M'gann 'eeped' and began turning into a Red Martian.
"It is not what it looks like" M'gann tries to deny it as both she and Conner blush as Michael just chuckles.
"Well whatever it is, best to hide it better if you don't want others to know, or fuck it and be open with it," Michael advised as the happy couple blushed.
"What's happening party people?" Wally comes by.
"Conner put a part in the wrong place on the bike," M'gann responded quickly.
"Michael was just helping out" Conner said giving Michael the eye as Michael just chuckles, ok they want to keep it a secret, ok.
"Yeah Wally gotta fix that bike" Michael said, smiling at the couple as they looked away.
"You guys have been working on that bike for a while," Wally noted, not seeing the obvious
"Everyone has a hobby Wally, our favourite clone at least found a productive one, don't you have hobbies " Michael comments as Wally nods.
"I have a few hobbies myself, want to see Megalous" Wally asked him as M'gann giggles and Conner narrows his eyes.
"Have you been keeping busy as of late?" Everyone turned to see Kaldur walking over to them having been alerted by the commotion as well.
"Not really," The Martian shrugged,
"Beside cooking, school and cheerleading there is nothing much I do" Megan said as Michael looked around.
"Have any of you seen Red around, I have something to discuss with him" Michael asked them looking for the red android.
"Well he's not here right now," Kaldur responded.
"Wait he isn't," Wally asked, turning his attention to the Atlantean.
"He's covering for Green Arrow on the WatchTower," the Atlantean responded.
"He has a date with Canary," Kaldur said,
"So we have no supervision correct!" The speedster exclaimed. "Oh, we gotta do something,"
"Like what?" M'gann asked, as Sphere rolled around chasing SP-5, trying to catch the flying drone.
"We'll figure it out," Kid Flash dismissed. "This is an opportunity to have some fun!" The fastest teen alive cheered. M'gann and Kaldur looked at each other before smiling. Michael and Conner look at each other before shrug seeing they have nothing else to do.
"What do you have in mind?" Kaldur asked. What could go wrong?
Of course, that was when all hell broke loose.
LINE
Artemis sighed as she landed in front of the disguised Zeta Tube. Today has been a long day. She started her first day at Gotham Academy and a particularly slow day on patrol as well.
She was still confused about the comment from that freshman.
'We'll laugh about this someday,' she remembers him taking her photo before disappearing.
What the hell did that even mean?
She'd wonder about it later. Right now it was time to head to the cave.
"Artemis?"
The archer jumped at the call of her name. She turned to see Robin looking at her with a smirk.
"Robin?" She responded not expecting him at all. This was not good.
"I, uh," She stated intelligently.
"Random that you're in Gotham City instead of Star City where your Uncle Green Arrow lives," The smile on his face never left
"I'm here to see family," Artemis responded coolly, having regained her bearings. She quickly thought up a lie.
"She was in the state spelling bee here in Gotham City," It's a lame lie but a lie nonetheless.
"C-O-O-L," The boy wonder responded nonchalantly.
"Did she W-I-N?" he asked. He had to know, he was way too calm about seeing her.
"N-O," Artemis growled, narrowing her eyes at the younger hero.
"D-R-A-G," He sighed dramatically,
He definitely knew.
"Yeah," Artemis scowled. "Let's just go to the cave,"
"Ladies first,"
"Your town," Artemis countered. "You go," Robin kept smiling before complying and entering the Zeta tube.
Recognized Robin B-0-1.
"Are you sure about that," He asked before disappearing in a flash of red. He definitely knows.
"Smug little shit," Artemis grumbled, getting into the Zeta Tube.
Recognized Artemis B-0-7.
All she could do was put it aside and walk through the zeta tube.
"Get down!" Artemis looked up at the sudden command.
"Or not!" The archer shouted as she dived to the side to avoid the colossal fireball.
"This day will never end," She grunted as she felt the heat from where the fireball hit, behind her.
"Who are we fighting!?" Artemis asked as she began firing off arrows in the direction the fireballs were flying from.
"Like I know!" Robin retorted as he threw a few shurikens in the fray as well. There was a clang and suddenly the two heroes could make out two silhouettes within the smoke though they couldn't tell who they were.
Another stream of flames was blasted out and the two teens moved so as to not get fried.
"So much for a relaxing evening," Artemis grunted as she notched another arrow. Unfortunately, she was too slow. She hadn't expected another fireball so soon and had to dodge once again. She hadn't expected to be halted by running into Robin.
The two looked at each other in surprise before looking into the smoke. They had been boxed in without realising.
Neither could do anything except brace themselves for the oncoming flames that would more than likely kill them.
"Cover your eyes" A voice call our as both of them see a two bomb throw to them as they both cover their eyes.
A loud bang and flash is heard as the attacks set back from the flashbang and another created a large cloud of smoke on their position.
"Michael!" Artemis had never been gladder to see him than that moment a he rush though the smoke and grab them
"This way!" Michael shouted. The two heroes looked towards him and began running towards him.
"Michael, where are the others," Artemis asked as they ran through the halls.
"They're captured!" Michael answered as they continued to run.
"What about that?!" Artemis said Michael turned to see water flooding the area quickly.
"Come on" Robin said, leading them as they all quickly ran away from the water.
"Where are we going? '' Artemis asked as they ran through the halls.
"To the library" Robin said as they turned
"Why the library?" Artemis asked as they moved through the water easily.
"There's a secret passage behind one of the bookshelves," Robin explained as they had to turn to avoid a wall of fire.
"We can hide out there and wait it out until the league arrives," Robin said, turning around with the other following.
"They cut communications," Michael scowled, seeing the fire as they turn around
"What!" Artemis cried, seeing the flame before following
"I tried contacting them but nothing got through, these assholes trapped us in and cut off any connection from the outside world" Michael explained, as the place starts to flood and fill up the area with water. Michael and Artemis follow Robin as they see him swim up.
Robin opened a vent in the ceiling. The boy wandered for them to come as they swam over to the younger teen. The teen closed the vent as the water stopped
"What the hell is happening," The blonde archer hissed. "Who's attacking us?"
"Better question how did they know to come here," Robin added. Soon the two gazed at their third companion who was scowling.
"Cunts came out of nowhere," Michael began
Flashback
The explosion blew through the entrance where the teens had been standing.
Conner had been the first to recover as he shook off the heat and began scanning the area for who attacked them.
He wouldn't get the chance to find out as his eyes laid on an unconscious M'gann.
"M'gann!" He called out to the downed Martian. How could he forget she was weak to fire!
Michael looks up to see SP-5 damage on the ground.
"SP!" Michael called in shock seeing the damaged drone as he tried to get to her.
"Who's attacking!" Kid Flash asked as he slowly got up,
"I don't know!" Aqualad responded as he pulled out his bearers and began concentrating on the lake. A moment later he realised that the water wasn't responding towards him. He realised why when a giant wave consumed them all.
The young heroes scattered through the water but somehow the water curved and consumed Kaldur and M'gann, tossing them out of the water.
Michael jumped through the water during the distraction and took a large breath before getting ready to go back under and grab Superboy and Kid Flash.
He would receive no chance as the water seemed to surge under him and literally threw him into the air. Into the path of an oncoming fireball.
Flashback end
"They knew what they were doing," Michel growled. "They took control of the water before Kaldur could and surrounded him and M'gann in a column of fire. They drowned Conner and Wally until they fell unconscious."
"What about you?" Robin questioned. "You managed to escape,"
"It was more dumb luck then anything" Michael said, as he explains.
Flashback
The fire doesn't affect Michael thanks to Fortress making him immune to fire hazards, Michael lands on the with a roll, he turns to face his attacker but stopped as a wave surged towards him causing him to move.
Whoever was attacking them wasn't giving him a chance to try anything.
"Michael get out of here" Kaldur called out through the smoke as Michael tries to see him.
"Kaldur!" Michael called not seeing his friend through the smoke
"Michael ran!" Aqualad called out. "Find a way to contact the League!"
Michael scowled in frustration, knowing he was right before running deeper into the cave.
"Just stay alive!" He yelled as a column of fire came toward him.
Flashback end
"I tried contacting the League and warn you not to come,"," Michael growled, seeing how communication was jammed, and he couldn't even contact the Avenger somehow.
"But they jammed the coms," Artemis realised.
"They did more than that" Michael began. "They have control of all exits short of blasting the place with some bombs,"
"This isn't good," Robin scowled.
"It gets shitter," Michael continued. "I sense no living being attacking us, which mean their most likely machines, so my psionic won't do much damage to them"
"Machines that shoot fire and control water" , Artemis said in confusion.
"Have you seen what they look like," The boy wondered, questioning.
"No," Michael shook his head. "I believe that was on purpose"
"So let me make sure I got all this," Artemis grunted. "We have we're dealing with powerful robot bad guys, no way to contact the league, our friends have been kidnapped, and our one powerhouse is useless against them,"
"Not really" Michael getting their attention.
"The enemy knew where our base was, they have control over the natural elements and their not living minds against us" Michael puts these facts out there as Robin connects the dots
"Thanks for summing up the problem," The archer sighed, but Robin wasn't defeated.
"You think Mister Twister is back" Robin said in surprise as Artemis looked at them confused.
"Who Mister Twister?" Artemis asked,
"A fuck off android that was sent near the base searching for Red Tornado, his designer made him superior to our favourite android and was sent to capture him but face us instead" Michael explains to the archer as Robin continues.
"Mister Twister must have recorded the fight then sent two more androids to find the base, they must be after Red Tornado" Robin said, figuring out as Artemis looked between the two.
"So robots that control fire and water have trapped us in our base and either want to drown or burn us. How does that help us" Artemis sums up the situation.
"Knowing the enemy is a start, we know their strength and weakness, now we just need to plan" Michael said as Robin starts to crawl.
"We keep heading to the library," Robin answered. "There's an access tunnel underneath one of the shelves, once we get out of here we can plan our next move"
"A secret entrance in a library," Artemis scoffed. "Know anything else about this place Freddy," Robin grinned despite their situation at the pun.
"Not much Daphne," The youngest teen jokes. "But I will,"
"Jinkies gang, let's stick together for once" Michael smiles, as they all let out a chuckle before heading through the tunnels with smiles on their faces.
LINE
The trio had made their way to the library stopping through the kitchen so Robin could download schematics of the cave as well as access the cameras to keep an eye out for their mysterious guests.
The trio watched the cameras and recordings to see if maybe the robots could be seen from any angle.
Artemis and Robin felt a pit in their stomach as they watched their friends be taken out as Michael described it.
Michael looks at the fight with narrow eyes, seeing Sphere stuck in the wall, the Martian and Atlantean are in a fire cage and the clone and speedster are covered in some kind of concrete while SP-5 are stuck on ground still damaged from the attack.
"There fucked," Michael promised, seeing the damage they had done to SP-5 and his friends.
Eventually, the group found themselves in the Library. Robin went in first, his shuriken at the ready should he need them. Artemis came in with her bow at the ready. Covering the boy wonder if he needed it. Michael picked up the rear, ready should he have to defend his allies or pull them out.
"Do you know which shelf it is," Artemis whispered to the protégé of Batman.
"No," He answered honestly, "But Batman designed it and I know his habits so this shouldn't take too long,"
"Let's hope not," The blond archer scowled. "How you holding up Michael,"
"I'm still breathing," He answered. "Just thinking about how I'm doing to rip those machines apart"
"You and I both," Artemis agreed with a wry smile. The sound of the library doors hit their ears. The trio was on their guard instantly. Robin signalled to his companions to follow him and the three hid in the shadows of a particular obscure section of the room.
Michael looked around seeing if the robot could appear anywhere, they are powerful and smart enough to ambush them but are cunning enough to catch them.
"Artemis?"
The trio blinked as the speaker's voice registered with them.
"Robin?" The familiar voice called again.
"It's Red Tornado," The Archer cheered, Michael got suspicious, if Tornado was here then why weren't the androids fighting him now, Red Tornado not known for subtlety. Michael quickly grabs Artemis and holds her mouth.
"What areMuuffff" Artemis tries to stay but Michael quiets her before hiding behind the books.
Artemis was about to fight out of it but her eyes seeing it wasn't Red Tornado,
He was tall. At least 6'5. Across his chest was a yellow inverted trident symbol with a similar image on his head. But there was one deeper, more haunting fact about him that shook Artemis as well as Robin and Michael to their core as they all got a look at him.
He was red. Human shaped, like Tornado.
"Skirmisher '' the Tornado look alike said, looking around for the young heroes as they remained hidden from view. The three walked back as the robot looked around until another one shown up.
His partner had arrived. The heroes eyed the new intruder.
Like her ally, she was red with a yellow stripe going down the middle and another yellow stripe on her left thigh.
"Have you found them?" the female tornado asked but the male just stared at her.
"Negative, the lure is ineffective" the male robot said.
"Then we will use our hostages" the female bot said as they both left the library.
"We gotta move!" Robin whispers to them. He led the archer and commander towards the shelves as they quietly left undetected.
The trio made their way down the stairs just as the shelf came back down hiding them from view.
"Why did we run!?" Artemis exclaimed.
"Because we need a plan!" Robin shouted back.
"We could have ambushed them!" The archer argued. "They were right there and we could get the drop on them!"
"You don't know if that would have worked!" Robin countered, Michael was thinking about the two androids, the male controls water and the female controls fire.
"They didn't see us!"
"That's because Michael stopped you from revealing us!" Robin said as Michael gets annoyed at this.
"Artemis, Robin, Skirmisher," A voice spoke into the intercom.
You have ten minutes to surrender," The voice continued. "If you do not your allies shall be eliminated,"
The speaker went dead.
"You see!" Artemis snapped. "Because we hesitated, our friends are in even more danger than before!"
"They were planning to make that announcement if they hadn't found us,"
"That's an excuse and you know it!"
"Shut up!"
The two arguing turned towards their third companion. Michael gazed at them both before taking a deep breath.
"While we could have ambushed them, there are still unknowns about them, but we know the others are alive, we need to move forward otherwise their lives will be forfeit" Michael stated grimly.
The two teens slowly nodded in agreement. Their faces filled with conviction.
"Now," Michael looked at them,
"They know about you two but they don't know me, that gives us an advantage" Michael said as they nodded.
"Why do they call you Skirmisher?" Artemis asked as Michael shrugs.
"Perhaps their lack of knowledge of me must have made an assumption or maybe they wanted to be the one to name me" Michael said as Robin nodded.
"Probably to get famous, the inventor wanted you to take a name he came up with to further his legacy" Robin said, villains have their own egos and having something take a name they give immortalises them in a twisted way.
"It doesn't matter, right now our enemies are machines with power control of elements, but they have one big weakness," Michael said, looking at them until Robin hit his head.
"Oh. Duh!" Robin sounds lighter when he continues speaking.
"They're machines, and one electromagnetic pulse will shut down any machine within range." He figures out.
"Great!" Artemis gives a bright smile and a very sarcastic before her face shows how annoyed she still is.
"Except you better have an EMP emitter in your utility belt, because I know I don't have one in my quiver." Artemis said as Michael look thoughtful
"I'm fresh out." Robin smiles despite his words.
"You have some on you Mike?" Robin asked as Michael looked at them.
"Not here, but I have some weapons and armour stash encase Tornado went rogue" Michael said as Artemis looked at him.
"Why against Tornado?" Artemis asked, as Robin and Michael looked at her.
"Encase Tornado is hacked or robots attack" Michael said as Robin nods, agreeing with the plan, as they follow him to the armour.
"But we need a larger EMP blast, big enough to take them out" Michael said as Robin looked at him.
"You think you can telepath the others" Robin asks Michael as he nods before closing his eyes.
LINE
Conner growled in frustration. This was bullshit! He was supposed to have super strength! He knew there were alloys he couldn't break but he highly doubted this was one. So why couldn't he move?!
The clone looked over at his speedster companion who seemed to be having a similar inner turmoil about his current situation.
"Why can't I vibrate?" Wally scowled.
"I thought you couldn't faze," Conner spoke.
"I can't faze," The fastest teen alive nodded.
"But I should be able to vibrate which would shake this thing to the point it would crumble eventually depending on how fast I go," Wally explains as he tries to get out.
"But for some reason, you can't," The boy of steel muttered.
"I'm guessing you're having a similar problem with your super strength," The scowl on the kryptonian face was all the answer he needed.
"Though I'm more worried about them," The superfast teen looked upward and Conner followed his example.
"Yeah," The clone grimaced.
The fire prison that was holding Aqualad and Miss Martian. While Superboy and Kid Flash's prison kept them immobilised it wasn't killing them.
"Aqualad," Superboy called. "How's Miss Martian,"
"She breathes!" The Atlantean rasped out. He looked down at his unconscious friend with a worried expression. "But I fear for not much longer," He admitted. "And I will soon follow,"
Suddenly the fire-wielding robot returned and eyed the cage she made. She held her hands out and increased the flames of the cage.
Conner saw red.
"I'm gonna rip you two to shreds!" The clone roared as he began struggling with renewed vigour. But try as he might, he couldn't move an inch.
'M'gann!' The teen panicked mentally. Hoping to hear from her. He would receive no such luck.
"Guys are you still alive" A familiar voice calls out to them as they all felt the mind link.
"Michael, we still breathe but not much longer," Kaldur said, explaining the situation to them.
"I have a plan but we need a huge EMP bomb built, you know how to make one KF" Michael asked the speedster, knowing he know more engineer then the others.
"Whaddya say, KF doable?" Robin asked though the link.
"Totally doable." The redhead smiles,
LINE
"5 minutes" the red siblings called out as they searched the area for the remaining young team members as they waited for them to rescue the hostages.
The red siblings search for them as they count down the time to pressure their enemies.
They move around until a gun fire is fired at the fire robot, shooting her down making the male bot look at where the shoot came from.
Everyone turns to see Michael in the suit he wore during the Amazo mission, with his claw gauntlets, weapons and helmet.
"You will pay Skirmisher" The female bot said as she fired a fireball at his directions.
"Since when was he called Skirmisher" Kid Flash asked as they watched the robots face the now called Skirmisher.
"It doesn't matter save M'gann" Conner yelled as Skirmisher jumped down and aimed his gun at them.
Both bots close in on Skirmisher ready to take him down but arrows are shot at them, few hitting them and damaging their armour as they turn to look at Artemis on the side dewing another arrow.
Flashback
"The plan is simple, you and I will distract the reds, my guns and armour can get me in close distance while your bow can get them long range" Michael explains as he puts on the Skirmisher armour as he explains the plan.
"You know my arrows won't keep them down" Artemis said, knowing her arrows can't do much damage.
"No but it will keep them off balance, we keep their eyes on us, while Robin set up" Michael explains the plan as Artemis nods
Flashback Over
Artemis fires more arrows at the reds, the water red waves his hand as water surrounds him, ready to hit Artemis but a gunshot hits him, making him drop the water.
The damage hurts his programming as he turns to Skirmisher aiming a gun at him.
"Eyes on me, red machine" Skirmisher said in a distorted voice, as he walked around the reds as the fire one tried to shoot fire at him.
The red machine gets close to set a fire ball on Skirmisher but Skirmisher runs through the flames.
"What are you doing?" Kuldur yelled seeing his friend run into the fire.
"You're crazy" Kid Flash yelled scared for Michael, the red woman continued to shoot fire at Skirmisher expecting him to burn alive in pain but he ran though the flame as she walked back trying to keep her distance but Skirmisher got in too close.
Skirmisher give the red robot a Reckoning, tearing the armour of her breast plate off, the red woman uses her fire to fly away from the hero, as the Red woman looks at the damage chest piece on her body, seeing the slash mark and circuits expose as she looks at the bigger threat in the room.
The red male also sees the damage to his twin as he too sees Skirmisher as the biggest threat as aims his water at him.
Skirmisher smiles under the helmet, the female robot is weak in close combat, her flames are dangerous but that more to keep others away from her weaker body compared to her brother. The water one on the other hand is stronger with it driving into the water, making him more dense than the female.
Meanwhile Robin quietly walks to a damaged SP-5 as he tries to give the drone an electric shot to reboot it.
Flashback
"While the two they are on us, you need to reactivate SP-5" Michael said to Robin confusion,
"Why your robot?" Robin asked.
"SP-5 has anti-robotic protocols, once he reactivates the reds attention would be on us completely, giving you enough time to set up the bomb" Michael explain give Robin an Amp like tool to him.
"This is an Arc Thrower, its electric shocks can be used to repair SP-5 but it also can be used as a short EMP weapon in case they catch you" Michael hands Robin the items as he looks it over.
"Why does he get it and not me?" Artemis was a little annoyed that she was not getting the items.
"Sadly I only brought the one" Michael shrugs as Artemis glares at him.
"Don't worry, I show them the aster" Robin grins holding the Arc Thrower.
"Ok Operation Red Electro begins" Michael said as an electrified spark from his gauntlets.
Flashback over
Robin uses the Arc Thrower as it sends an electric shock to the drowned drone, SP-5 starts flashing as it slowly hovers back up looking at Robin before looking around.
"Sorry but we don't have time, Michael in trouble" Robin points out the Drone as Sp-5 turns to see Skirmisher dodge water and fire from two red human robots as Artemis shoots arrows at the two.
SP-5 knew what she had to do and flew into the fray.
Skirmisher dodges more water blasts as he shoots the water to drop the control, each gunshot stops the water from forming as the red robot has to keep forming it to use it.
Artemis fires arrows at the female but she uses her flame to burn the arrows, the Red fire woman creates fire as she throws it at Artemis.
Artemis seeing the flame ran around to avoid it, the red Female tries to chase her but High Voltage electric shock her, the girl felt the voltage travel through her as SP-5 flies behind her.
SP-5 flies around until it hovers behind Skirmisher.
"You ok SP?" Skirmisher asks as SP-5 hovers up and down as to show she fines, Michael smiles in relief before turning to the robots who he has their full attention now.
Water robot came like a torpedo, right at Skirmisher, But Skirmisher uses his grapple to get away as the torpedo water passes SP-5, as the drone shocks him with Voltaic Arc. Having a huge effect on the robot as he quickly jumps out of the water and short circuits, not down but slow as the red man twitches when getting up.
It tries to move the water but it moves more slowly then normal, but an explosive arrow hits him, sending him back, as he turns to glare at a smirking Artemis.
While his was happen Robin was sending up the large EMP bomb while following Wally's instructions.
"KF what do I need next," Robin answered as he makes the bomb
"Inside the X-Ray machine, you'll find a small vacuum tube called a vircator that converts high energy pulses," The fastest teen alive said into the com that had been disguised in the shuriken Robin had thrown to communicate with him.
"Reprogram the unit's microwave conversion from X-rays to EMPs with a cascading energy vector directed outward," Kid Flash says as he explain how to make the bomb.
"Would it work?" Robin asked setting it up,
"It's the best thing I can think of, at least you got the right gear for it" KF said, Conner looks at the heat sensitive heroes and sees M'gann looking worse to wear.
"I don't believe Miss Martian can hold much longer, and I would soon follow," Kaldur said, holding a dying Martian as Conner got pissed.
"Save M'gann" Conner yells as both Artemis and Skirmisher look at the fire cage increase in heat as it kills them faster.
"Artemis we'll focus on the Red torpedo, while SP-5 hacks Red Inferno" , Skirmisher telepathy said to Artemis who nods.
"Red Torpedo, Inferno?" Artemis raises a brow as she chokes her bow.
"Have to give them something" Skirmisher shrugs as he aims his gauntlet at Red Inferno, Whiplash her and sending electricity to her circuit as she stuns by the shock.
SP-5 flies behind her and begins hacking her, slowing lowering her data protection and lowering the flames on the fire cage, as the atlantean breathes a slight of relief before passing out.
Red Torpedo sees the hack and tries to stop it but Artemis shoots explosive arrows to keep him distracted as he tries using water to shield himself.
"It ready" Robin calls out as everyone turns to see the device on the power generator powered up; SP-5 dismounts Red Inferno as behind Skirmisher.
"Now Artemis" Skirmisher calls out, Artemis complied. She fired the arrow and it struck true to her target.
The two androids try to stop it but Skirmisher shoots both of them like a Battlelord.
A pulse blew through the entire room. Just before they're attacks could be produced the two robots fell over. They had been shut down.
"How's M'gann!" Conner called worry laced in his voice. Skirmisher walked over to the two and checked them over.
"They're ok!" Skirmisher shouted, SP-5 gave each member a Medical Protocol to heal any injuries.
"Get Kaldur into the water," Robin climbed the stairs. "It should speed up his recovery,"
Michael nodded and picked up the unconscious Atlantean, and tossed him in the water to recover.
LINE
Aqualad had recovered soon enough after they got him into the water. M'gann soon followed after she cooled down. Now the teens surrounding Superboy and Kid Flash are still trapped in the substance that kept them immobilised.
"So how much longer are we going to be stuck in here," Kid Flash groaned.
"Until someone shows up," Robin answered. Both he and Michael have been scanning the concrete like structure to try and get them out and Michael to gain data on what the substance is to keep a speedster and a half blood kryptonian bound.
"How's your drone still hovering" KF asked seeing the drone flying around scanning, he bored and trying to kill time
"Gremlins have a magnetic shield that protects them from damage and EMP burst" Michael explained as he looked at the scan of the stuff.
"This stuff is really dense," Michael said, looking at the data from SP-5 scans.
"It'll take time to figure this out now" Robin said, also looking at the data.
"Luckily it won't come to that," Artemis muttered, noticing the cave entrance open up. Red Tornado walked in and looked at the teens who were all staring at him apprehensively.
"What has occurred," RT asked.
"Your killer family is what's occurred!" Artemis growled.
"Family?" The tornado creator asked.
"Them," Robin responded, pointing a thumb towards the two damaged robots lying on the ground.
"I was not aware I had any family," RT said walking over to them.
"Where have you been anyway," Kid Flash growled.
"Monitor duty on the watchtower," The red themed warrior answered.
"When it became clear cave communications were down, I attempted to investigate, but your zeta tubes were also non-functional," The robot continued. "I headed for Providence and proceeded here," He turned to the heroes before the hero then turned his attention to the downed robots and kneeled next to him.
Suddenly Sphere came out of the wall and landed next to Michael and made a few bees before rolling towards Superboy.
Then the device in Artemis hands went off before Archer let the trigger go.
"The EMP's off," Robin realised. Michael looked over to Tornado as he reached out to the two bots. And Michael saw it. A small electrical shock zap Tornado.
Everything went to hell after that.
Tornado turned on the group and created a vortex sucking the literal air out of them.
"Tornado," Aqualad rasped. "What are you doing?"
He received no response. All he could do was watch as one by one his teammates passed out from lack of air. He soon followed.
Michael, being the only one conscious, looked up at the hero with an angry expression. Tornado seemed to notice he was still awake and looked over at him. Michael tries to get his gun out but Tornado blows him to the wall, SP-5 tries to provide Red Tornado some Shock Therapy but Red blows her away too.
Michael passes out on the wall.
LINE
Artemis opens her eyes to see Superman looking at her with concern.
"Superman?" Artemis asked, rubbing her eyes.
"What happened here," Superman asked the question to Artemis.
"What happened," The Archer growled. "The Reds happened!"
Superman's eyes widened at the hostility in the girl's voice.
"Tornado and his… wait where is Tornado?," Artemis asked, noticing he was missing.
"Tornado," Michael called out slowly getting up.
"He's gone," Robin answered. "He and the other two, they're all gone,"
"Dammit should have known to disable those bots" Michael holds his head in pain, as he looks around.
"SP, I need some help" Michael asked looking around not seeing SP-5
"SP?" Michael called out as the heroes looked at him.
"SP-5! Where are you?" Michael called out, as Robin held his shoulder.
"It's gone, tornado took it" Robin said gravely as he pulls a video of Tornado grabbing SP-5 before taking her and the other robots away.
"Fuuuuuuuccckkk" Michael said, horrified by what he saw, SP-5 was kidnapped, and if they destroy her or do anything to her.
It could be the end of XCOM, then the world.