I do not own DC

Death

Two months and I have gotten used to life in this world. What I have gotten used to wasn't only the abstract idea of being in the DC universe. Surprisingly I don't think of that fact while going about my daily business, instead what really affects me is the more immediate everyday things; things like adapting to the limitations of this era, my crappy apartment, fighting crime and villains, and most importantly having superpowers.

I found out that besides a great many inconveniences and strangeness of the DC universe - and the era - this is just normal earth you know? It doesn't feel like a comic book. Granted that does not blind me from the precarious nature of the world I am in or the darkness of this period of time.

Even now good men are busy fighting a war already won in my own world. And yes I'd like to be in the front line too, but it is what it is. I have a relatively easier job of fighting supervillains that appear far and in between than compared to what those soldiers have to face in the battlefront. Sometimes I feel a little useless, like I am just slacking off while others do the fighting.

Logically I should not think that way because I know the importance of stopping the villains, but it's just too easy to fight villains, to me, as to compared to the baseline men fighting the war. Plus villains don't appear everyday, and usually it's just like I'm on vacation or something.

Of course I'm not blind to the fact that with my superpowers fighting regular people in the war will be even easier for me than facing Nazi villains in the home front. But then I'd see the impact of my effort quicker, in the former, by regaining territories and taking out enemy commanders or big weapons. With my strength I could end the war in a single afternoon. It is a very strange feeling.

I am not the only one that feels this way. Most in the Squadron would like to join the war. And you couldn't blame them. Imagine the impact I or the average mystery man could have in the war? It sure as hell beats sitting ducks in Gotham, or any city, chasing shadows at least.

Since that battle in Gotham city there haven't been any major supervillain activity. There were some rumors about Captain Nazi in Mississippi or even Axis America attempting to free Gundra but that was it. Black Canary thinks we have beating the bad guys so hard they wouldn't dare crawl out of their holes to find trouble. I think they are just bidding their time.

Because I have gotten used to life here, everything has now became a routine. Wake up in the morning and do some mild exercise to stay fit, have breakfast before or after getting the morning papers. After that is some science in the lab where I could be done in minutes or even the next day; eat lunch or dinner after that, depends which I skipped, then go out to patrol in the evening. I would also occasionally check out the Squadron HQ.

What started like an exciting turn around in life has become dull. Don't mistake me, I appreciate my powers a lot and wouldn't give them away for anything in the world. Plus DC is kind of fun, but sometimes I find myself eluded of purpose, therefore feeling depressed. Maybe that's just my nature, I get bored quickly and it didn't help that there are no phones or entertainment here to distract me.

It was beyond just that though. Most times I can't sleep at night as I imagine what my family and friends are feeling at my absence. Am I in the missing person list? Do they think I died? Most of those guys I served with are like my family, or even closer, so they must be worried about my disappearance too.

Beyond that I just miss them, everyone of them, even the annoying lady next door that won't stop playing loud music. I try not to think about it, often times I fail.

Anyway the fact is that I am idle. And no matter how I want to deceive myself, these experiments in my apartment, with scarce resources, doesn't cut it.

To thrive I need a job in some high tech company. My problem could be divided into two paths; one is a lack of direction, while the other is a lack of resources. I have giving it some thought, a good job will solve both of these problems and let me do something I could be proud of.

Of course I could just steal resources, and I still might if I find one belonging to a villain, or a bad guy. But deep down I wanted to do something great in the technology front, call me vain or just shameless since I plan on claiming people's inventions from my earth as my own. That means getting a job in a big company, there's also the fact that I'd make a lot of money and fame if I can recreate future technology.

Future technology could also change the war, make it end faster with lesser death. Also I need some influence in this world to be able to make things happen as I plan to be a voice in the fight for racial equality and social justice. Being a Mystery Man in this era already makes me someone a lot of people would look up to and I didn't plan to let them down. Thinking of it I do have a lot of responsibility and also a purpose, sometimes I just forget.

xxx

Monday morning, February 23, 1942

Braving the cold to get the papers on a snowy morning has become a regular reoccurrence, for me, that I feel the days overlapping like I am in some time lapse. However reading the fresh news in the paper will break the spell and give this day some individuality. Still fresh news is scarce these days.

Besides reading the news my plan was to check the usual job advertisements that comes with the papers. Of course finding a job in this troubling times was stupidly easy with lack of workers because many adult men have joined the war.

However I don't want just any job. I have a degree in engineering for god sake, that is so I wouldn't be doing just any job. The problem is I don't have my certificates, left in a different reality and time period entirely.

Not to talk about proving my qualification, the fact that I am black, in this era with the struggle for racial equality thrown backwards, told me that getting the kind of high level job I'm looking for would be difficult. Still I hoped that somewhere in the newspaper they'd be a job advertisement that could satisfy me. I would worry about how to get it later.

Talking about racism, it's surprisingly not as bad as I'd expected when I first arrived here. Obviously things are not as good as in my era but this the 40s, what do you expect?

Still it was relatively better than my earth's at the same era if you compare history to what I observed here. Firstly racial segregation was banned since 1936 in this earth, there are surprisingly blacks in high political positions right now. There's already a black governor!

Maybe it has something to do with the fact that this is the DC universe? Don't know.

Anyway finding a good job would be difficult but not impossible, and the difficulty might not be because of my racial identity but my lack of ID and certificate. That's what was in my mind as I returned to my apartment only to find a beautiful woman sitting on my desk, waiting for me.

Besides the desk and my bed there was no other place a person could realistically seat comfortably in the room. My lab was the table at the left, with different equipments and half finished drones atop. Above the lab hung a low light bulb that brightened the room with yellow light.

"Dinah?" I said in surprise. Obviously I showed her my place in case of anything unexpected but I didn't really expect the aloof woman to come visit one day.

Seeing me Black Canary rose to her feet. "Put on your costume Jim, we gotta go,"

"Did something happen?"

She pursed her lips. "Yeah Jimmy, Dr Fate is dead, that's what happened,"

"What?!"

"Just get ready to go to HQ, there's an urgent meeting, I'll explain on the way," saying that she walked out of the room to give me privacy. Stunned I quickly changed to my costume. And that's how I found myself heading to New York City first thing in the morning.

Flying while holding her waist, Canary took the opportunity to explain the situation. "Yesterday night someone had attacked Dr Fate in his home and killed him."

"How's that possible?! I mean that guy is a wizard, he has like a million ways to cheat death! Who killed him? Wotan?"

"I don't know the details too," she shook her head, "Liberty Belle didn't explain much over the phone but I believe we'll know when we arrive,"

I nodded and didn't say a word more for the rest of the journey.

xxx

"I'd be dammed, you guys have no authority here. You can't just walk in here and expect us to bow to you!"

"Yes this is the squadron's base not the JSA's so you have to abide by our rules,"

"That's right we have our own leaders. Here you are just ordinary members, stick your noses a little lower!"

"You are not making any sense Liberty Belle, we are the JSA how can we be ordinary members?"

"Are you looking down on us Atom?"

"No I am not, but let's be honest, you can't handle this stuff. Your Squadron is just a ragtag team filled to the top with members with no experience in this kind of things. Besides, Dr Fate was one of the JSA, I think it's only fair you guys let us lead the investigation,"

Arriving at the Perisphere what I met was a quarrel. On one side was the squadron members while the other side was the JSA, both seemed to be arguing about which side will lead the team. On the squadron's side was Johnny Quick, Liberty Belle, Shinning Knight, Firebrand, and Tarantula, among others, while on the JSA's side was fewer; only Hourman, Atom and Green Lantern.

Many members of squadron and JSA were not involved in the clash of ego's though. They just stood by the side watching with frustration or interest. Wonder Woman, The Flash and Wildcat were part of the latter while the likes of Star Spangled kid and Stripsy found something amusing in the debacle. The most strange one, however, was Hawkman. He was sitting in the auditorium with a dazed look, lost in thought, his mind obviously not interested in anything happening here.

It was a total mess.

Without much deliberation me and Black Canary walked to the place Wonder Woman, Wildcat and the Flash were standing. The three turned at us as we approached.

"Hey," I said.

"Hey yourself..." Flash replied with a friendly smile. Wonder Woman just nodded politely. She looked the kind of pissed you know she wasn't in the mood to talk to anybody.

"Greek and Black Canary, finally," Wildcat greeted coolly as usual.

"What's happening here?" Black Canary asked curiously.

"There are fighting over authority," the cat themed hero said flippantly.

"The JSA thinks the Squadron is beneath them," Wonder Woman added bluntly. Wildcat glanced at her then kept quiet.

The Flash snorted. "Hourman is getting more overbearing by the day, at this rate the JSA is going to lose all respect,"

I frowned not understanding one thing. I mean Diana should be bigger than this right? Why is she letting this continue? "But that's besides the point right?" I said. "We are here to investigate the death of one of our own, why are we wasting time? Why are you not stopping them?"

Wonder Woman gave me a cold look then looked away folding her arms across her chest. She stayed silent for a moment, not looking at me, finally she sighed. "What do you know Greek? Both sides wouldn't listen to anybody, let's see how long they intend to quarrel!"

There is something people don't know about Wonder Woman. Hiding behind her gentle and kind personality is a fiery temper. Hearing her words I understood everything; she knew what they were doing is wrong but because of her anger she wouldn't continue persuading them after they ignored reason when she tried earlier.

I smiled despite myself seeing this side of her. "Do you want me to stop them Diana?"

Diana gave me that emotionless look again . "Do what you want," she snorted. She paused before adding in a softer tune. "but I doubt they'll listen,"

"They will," I said confidently. "Look closely they are already tired of this farce. I guess this have been going on for quite a while now?"

Wildcat nodded. "About quarter an hour, I think,"

"Good, at this point they already realized what they are doing is disgraceful but their egos wouldn't let them take a step back. They just need someone to intervene."

"I don't think so," Flash shook his head solemnly. "That Liberty Belle doesn't look like she's playing,"

"I agree with Flash, damn that woman is fierce," Wildcat said.

I looked at the woman who was challenging Hourman head on and couldn't help but agree too. "Well some on the squadron's side are genuinely angry, after all they believe they are in the right. But I believe the JSA's side are already regretting starting this after meeting such fierce resistance,"

Saying that I didn't waste any more time and walked over to the bickering heroes. "Okay that's enough mean words for one day guys!" I said as I drew closer.

Everyone turned to me. "Well isn't it James Greek?" Hourman sneered. "Shoo, go away, no one cares about your opinion!"

I grinned. "I suspected you'd say that Hourman, however I come with a solution to your problems, so zip up and listen... Hmm of course you can choose to ignore me. But I warn you, should you continue this nonsense you'll be kicked out of this place,"

"Are you here to escalate things Greek?!" Green Lantern growled angrily.

Hourman's response was more tamer, somehow speculative. "You are gonna kick us out huh?" He said, almost to himself.

"Yes, everyone that's wasting time and delaying this sacred meeting should just leave." I said angrily. "And God knows I don't give a fuck if you refer to yourself as a Squadron or a JSA member!"

A tense silence immediately shrouded the hall. Hourman and many JSA members glared at me, some Squadron members didn't seem too happy about my threat too. However judging by their expressions, there was another group, mostly from the Squadron and few from the JSA, that supported me.

After all even though I'd ruffled a few egos, it was a fact that we have all gathered here for an important meeting, these guys are delaying us, and I was making it right. It was a fact that I have the biggest justification in this room; that makes me invincible. And if things turn for the worse, I wasn't scared of a fight. Though it'd be best if it never came to that as I stepped up to mediate not to escalate things.

"What do you have in mind?" Liberty Belle frowned and asked, breaking the silence.

"Your argument is not going anywhere..."

"We already established that," Hourman snapped not missing a chance to take a bite at me.

I ignored him and continued. "So we should both take a step back here. The JSA wants leadership? How about choosing one of you to be temporary co chairman of the squadron alongside Wonder Woman and Johnny Quick?"

"I accept," Hourman thought for a moment then nodded.

"Good, you got what you want. What the Squadron wants is simpler; we want respect. This is our place, you follow our rules or you fuck off! Does the almighty JSA accept this too?"

"You are gloating," Atom glared at me. "You held a grudge about last time and wants to embarrass us,"

"Think what you want," I shrugged.

"I accept," Hourman said again. I nodded at him then turned and returned to Wonder Woman and the others.

Because of the amount of energy I have in my body my hearing was quite good. "He held a grudge for what?" As I went I heard Liberty Belle ask quietly. Glancing behind I saw Johnny Quick whispering something to her.

"Good job Greek," Flash gave me thumbs up when I returned. I nodded at him politely.

After the quarrel ended everyone quickly settled on their seats. Hourman and Hawkman had a brief discussion with Wonder Woman, Johnny Quick and Shinning Knight. Something was said before Hourman, Wonder Woman and Shinning Knight stepped unto the stage.

Hourman scanned the room with scowling eyes under his mask. "Good morning everyone," He said. "First I'll like to apologize for my behavior earlier. Delaying this meeting or even disrespecting this gathering was not my or the JSA's intention. Dr Fate was a good friend of mine, I'll never do that,"

He cleared his throat then continued. "Yesterday night Dr Fate was attacked in his civilian home and murdered," he said coldly. "I know you might have all heard the rumors; the rumors are true, Dr Fate was killed by Obermensch the leader of Axis America. According to trusted intelligence this group is a newly formed Axis mystery man team, consisting of members from all the major countries of the axis alliance.

"German, Italy and Japan. In short the Axis's answer to the All Star Squadron. The US government has long known of this group's existence after their unsuccessful attack on Alcatraz prison a month ago, were we believe they had attempted to free Gundra. The surprising thing is that Hawkgirl actually aided them this time!"

The hall burst out in an instant commotion. The Superheroes were aghast at the fact that an American Mystery Woman betrayed us. I didn't feel that much from the news though. Maybe I have grown numb to these things, but about Hawkgirl turning traitor, I smelled foul play at work. No way she'd just willingly switch sides, it didn't make sense. Plus there's the Spear of destiny in the enemy's hand to give my thought some weight.

Hourman waited till the commotion died down then went on. "As some of you would recall, Hawkgirl was one of the JSA members abducted on the eve of Pearl Harbour. But unlike most of us, Hawkgirl was never rescued,"

By his side Shinning Knight nodded and said, "It pains me to say this, but because of our incompetence it appears the enemy has found the will and time to manipulate Hawkgirl's mind,"

Hourman nodded. "We must strike the enemy back and rescue her swiftly!"

"At least that's the plan," Wonder Woman added with a sigh. "Unfortunately while we can strike back at the enemy and hurt the Axis alliance, we do not know where Hawkgirl or the Axis America are hiding to achieve the second goal,"

"Rescuing Hawkgirl would have to wait," Wonder Woman continued. "For now we have to give the Axis a swift and painful reply. The allied forces has information about the locations of several Nazi secret bases that are not in the axis territory, so there's no risk of being affected by the spear of destiny. We'll strike all those bases today and stop the evil going on there,"

Saying that Wonder Woman nodded at Hourman. He nodded back then looked around the superheroes gathered in the hall. From where I was sitting he had his back turned to me. I noted offhandedly how stupid this seating arraignment is.

A horseshoe seating arraignment would have been more practical as the audience could all see the face of the person addressing the hall without that said person having to turn around often.

"This mission comes straight from the president. We are to coordinate with the air force to strike these targets. Now we'd have to head to an allied air force base in Europe where you'll proceed. Because of the possibility of sensitive information leaking out, you are not to know anything more about this air force base or the mission until you arrive at your destination."

Hourman paused for a moment to let that sink in then continued.

"To transport everybody smoothly the JSA has brought two of their anti gravity jets. These jets were a gift from the Dominions after the JSA helped them during the gods war. As an alien ship it can travel very fast. Though one can only seat ten people at a time, its speed means it can make the round trip quickly so it'll not be long till everybody is transported,"

"The Jets are already outside, you have fifteen minutes to settle your affairs, should you require it, after that you are to gather in the field outside and wait for your turn to be transported. If anyone has any reason that they can't participate in this mission they should outright state them out. Consequently if they are any of you that are ready to go now, we need not wait and could set out immediately..."

After Hourman finished the briefing the crowd of superheroes followed him outside. Everyone's eyes were immediately drawn to the two black airplanes sitting on the lawn covered field. The aircrafts were squat and heavy looking, covered in black metal, with dark tinted windows.

These jets did not have any tires and had no use of runways. Instead they could just downright hover in the air and take off.

Without wasting any time the first twenty people to depart were chosen. I wanted to join them too but Wonder Woman held me back by grabbing my arm. "You are with me," she said. I stared at her for a moment, feeling flattered, then nodded.

A round trip was all it took for the jets to transport everyone. Each jet took about ten people, twenty people all together, plus the superheroes capable of flight that went along. After two hours and two trips, everyone that was supposed to be gone was gone.

I found myself left behind, standing together with the hand picked heroes that, like me, curiously didn't go with the rest. There was seven of us; me and Wonder Woman, Hourman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkman and Shinning Knight.

Shinning Knight being here is understandable since he's the person arranged to guard the place today at everyone's absence. The rest of us being here was odd though.

Quietly Hourman led us back into the Perisphere.

"What's this about?" It seems I'm not the only one confused, after entering the meeting hall Flash asked.

"We have a more important mission everyone," Hourman said hastily. "While the others are busy overseas our mission is to grab a weapon that will win us this war,"

"What kind of weapon are we talking about here Hourman?" I asked curiously. Is it a nuclear warhead?

"A time machine,"

What?!

"What are you talking about?" Wonder Woman asked curiously.

Hourman gave her a look and deadpanned. "We know where a time machine is and we are gonna get it,"

"I support that," Shinning Knight snorted. "If I have any idea as to what you are saying,"

"There's a group of smugglers in metropolis called the Legion which we believe are affiliated with time travelers. The FBI has been keeping an eye on their leaders and it's discovered that they have a time machine hidden in their little club," Hawkman explained kindly. "Imagine what a time machine would do to us, we can win this war with that,"

I vaguely felt something was wrong in this somewhere but didn't know what. We wouldn't be by any means walking into a trap would we? I looked at Diana, she glanced back at me and shook her head. She wasn't sure too.

"Hey listen," I said placidly. "Not to burst your bubble but did you get this intelligence from a trusted source?"

Hourman scoffed. "The FBI has an under cover agent in the Legion. Trust me, we know everything about these guys,"

"When are we setting off then?" Green Lantern cleared his throat and asked.

Hourman glanced at his watch and said, "This very moment. Those of you that can fly should fly, Green Lantern and the Invisible plane can carry the rest,"

There was only seven of us. Besides Wonder Woman, only me, Hawkman, and Green Lantern can fly. Shinning Knight have a flying mount but he won't be coming with us cause he'll be standing guard in HQ. So besides Diana, the Invisible plane only had to carry Hourman and Flash. But it has four seating space originally so I saw no reason to fly on my own and decided to squeeze into the remaining space.

As we walked to the invisible plane I quickly slipped into the copilot seat, letting Flash and Hourman to sit in the cabin seats.

"I thought you could fly," Hourman said.

I glanced at him. "Don't you use cars despite having legs?"

"Fair enough," He muttered gloomily.

I shook my head and looked back forward. As the Invisible Plane rose to the sky I spotted Hawkman and Green Lantern flying ahead of us through the windshield.

Glancing back again I said, "We need details Hourman. Who are the Legion exactly, where did you get the mission and why did you single out just the few of us?"

"I brought you guys along because you are the only people I trust," Hourman said answering the last question.

"Also because you can't do it on your own," Flash snickered.

"That's another reason," Hourman shrugged. "As for where this mission originates from, me and Hawkman decided on it and the president approved it... Though he told us not to make a mess of things. Needless to say we'll take responsibility if anything is to go wrong,"

"How comforting," Wonder Woman said with a cold smile. "The JSA is so trustworthy that we can blindly trust their words that they'll not put the blame on others for their mistakes,"

Hearing the sarcasm in her words I chuckled and couldn't help but gloat. "You flatter the JSA Diana, I'd be surprised if they are capable of working together enough to even give a uniform report that would successfully frame someone."

Glancing behind I saw Flash frown, after all no matter how good hearted he's, he is still one of the JSA; I wouldn't expect him to throw me a parade for insulting his team. As for Hourman I couldn't see his face behind the mask and hood but I could feel his anger.

"I get your grievances," Hourman grunted coldly. "But can you guys put it aside till after we complete this mission? After that we can bicker all you want,"

"Just like you bickered in the hall earlier?" Wonder Woman scoffed.

"I was trying to set the line of command straight before it becomes too late. I thought you'd understand that Diana, considering..."

"Considering what?"

Hourman set his lips in a straight line and said nothing. Diana looked just as pissed, looking into her eyes it was smoldering with a cold fire of anger, obviously she was barely holding herself from saying something she'd regret.

I didn't say anything, interested to see how they'd resolve this.

After a few minutes of silence Diana sighed softly. "I guess you are right Hourman, it would have been messier had you not taking action. But isn't there a better way to do it? Why can't we be more honest with each other?"

"I... don't know Diana,"

"Hourman, after this mission let's fix this pervasive evil that have seeped into the JSA and Squadron. Let's weed out all the spies and make the Nazis weep and fear taking a step into our turf,"

Hourman was silent for a moment then nodded. "For a long time I'd been distracted by the wrong things, by power and fame, forgetting about the things that matters, the togetherness, the unity. Dr Fate was a good friend of mine, he'd saved my life more times than I could count. I always felt safe whenever I stepped into battle knowing he was with me!

"Remember the earlier days when the justice society of America was for justice? I agree Diana, I... we'll fix the JSA and the Squadron, we'll give the people a Mystery Man team they deserve!"

Hourman was burning with a righteous energy that surprised me. I'd always taking him for an emotionless yet power hungry monster, a clueless cancer afflicting the JSA not knowing his rights were wrongs, and stubbornly continued on his path.

But looking at it now, I started having doubts. Perhaps I was wrong. Perhaps I had underestimated him; Maybe Hourman is no ordinary monster, but a politician.

I didn't believe for a single moment he'd set things right.

xxx

"What we are hitting is the base of a gang of thugs but don't let your guard down, these guys are dangerous. The leaders of the Legion are weird... Being time travellers didn't explain many things, for the past month they have been arming the mobs of metropolis with exotic weapons that the cops can't keep up with,"

After the brief interlude which took us off track Hourman started giving details about the mission.

"Their top leader is a mysterious Mystery Man called Eobard Thawne who the FBI recorded to have had meetings with Vandal Savage and other top Nazi villains over the past few months. The meetings weren't friendly, however, and the two sides often tries to take a bite from each other. A sort of strange war between both sides, so we'd decided to keep watching until now.

"But the government's stance changed after this incident. We are now headed to Legion's HQ in metropolis where we'll soften the place up for the FBI to come take a look. Besides the time machine they might have valuable intelligence,"

"Like what?" I wondered.

"Anything that can lead us to Hawkgirl and the Axis America,"

I almost couldn't hold myself from asking him about the real plan. I might be paranoid but I didn't believe he was telling us everything. Anyway as far as it doesn't harm me, he can withhold information I guess. I agreed to join this mission knowing how much of an asshole he's, so anything that happens I got only myself to blame.

Infact if Diana didn't ask me directly, why will I come with the JSA after everything they did?

We continued the journey while discussing many things; according to Hourman a team of FBI is waiting to assist us in our destination. Besides Eobard Thawne the FBI believes the Legion has other mystery man helpers. It's gonna be a long day as we are digging up dangerous villains here so he warned us to be prepared for a bitter struggle.

Ten minutes later metropolis came into view. The 'city of the future' was not a impressive as you'd expect after all the hype in comics; the buildings were not that tall nor particularly futuristic. But after giving it some thought I understood; this is the 40s and Lex Luther hasn't taking over yet.

Most likely he wasn't born yet. With all I discovered, I might have to wait till the next century before Lex rise to power. Not that I am a fan so there's no anticipation.

Diana steered her plane under Hourman's guide, traveling through the bright cloudless sky of Metropolis. Just few miles separating the two cities but the bitter cold of Gotham did not affect Metropolis.

Here it was comfortably bright and warm with little moisture in the air.

We flew to the center of the city, there Diana landed the plane atop a tall building under Hourman's direction. As we walked out of the Invisible Plane Hawkman and Green Lantern alighted on the rooftop too.

Hourman glanced down at the busy street below then walked to the side and picked a walkie talkie left on the edge of the roof. He brought it to his mouth and said, "Hourman here, send a guide over, we are ready to beat up these guys,"

"The building you are standing on is under our control. Get out of sight, you look like a giant rainbow there. I'll be right over," the reply swiftly came from the radio.

Looking around I had no idea where the person might be observing us.

"He means we should go in," Hourman said as he lowered the radio.

Flash nodded then pulled open the hatch door.

"Who was that?" Wonder Woman asked.

"Americommando, that guy from New York, remember him?"

"Yes, I thought I heard that voice before,"

"Yeah only few people will ever forget that baritone," Flash laughed. He went down into the building followed by Green Lantern and Hourman, I followed them in listening to their jokes.

Hawkman was silent as he followed right behind me while Diana held the rear. I couldn't blame Hawkman for his awful mood, who wouldn't be in despair after his wife or girlfriend help kill his friend? I'd be totally creeped out if he was in the mood for jokes.

We descended into a bare room filled with scattered construction equipments. Two men were crouched by the window staring out to the building opposite but quickly rose to their feet when we came in.

They introduced themselves as Agent Fears and and Agent Hilton of the FBI and started explaining stuff to us. "That building over there is the base of operation of the Legion. It is a bar but doubles as a fighting club," Agent Fears the older blond man said.

"These guys know how to party," the other agent laughed. He was a bald man in his thirties with a burn scar on his left cheek. "We'd been watching them for weeks eh, and it seems like it is the only thing they do,"

"That and vanish for days. You can never know how they come and go, very mysterious,"

"Well there are Mystery Men Charles, what do you expect? Now we got ours on the scene to deal with them, thank god,"

A loud bang soundly rocked the world shaking the building. We quickly walked to the window seeing the cloud of smoke that rose outside. Beyond the cloud of smoke and white dust, the bar, the building the agents were just discussing had its upper floor smashed apart as if by a powerful bomb.

Though it couldn't be that because while the bang was loud, the explosion would have been louder. A bomb that turned a whole building's floor to pile of rubble would have spread up to us even if in just shockwaves. Yet the glass windows we stood behind were unharmed.

I heard the whirl of engines and looked upwards to see a black jet fly past over the top of the building I was standing in. Closely following the aircraft was a bald man in blue costume and a dark haired woman with giant wings flapping on her back. That woman has a halberd held in her hand.

"I am not sure who that guy is but that's definitely Hawkgirl," Green Lantern said.

"Obermensch of the Axis America," Hourman said calmly.

"You knew this?" Wonder Woman asked.

"I counted on it," Hourman admitted. "I always suspected the Axis have a way to listen up on us. Instead of a spy in our midst, that would make more sense," there was a sense of relieve in his words as if he feared the alternative too much.

My thoughts where flying quickly as I started piecing all the information I had in my hand together. If the Nazis were listening to us in the Perisphere then everything that was said in there might be just lies or only partly truthful.

"You lured the Axis America out with the time machine didn't you?" Diana asked just as I came to the realization.

Hourman shrugged. "I needed a bait,"

Hawkman took a step forward towards the window as if intending to break it and fly out but Hourman grabbed him by the shoulder. "What are you doing?!' Hawkman immediately snapped with a furious glare.

"Not yet," Hourman said.

"Try stopping me!" Hawkman brushed away Hourman's hand, yet Hourman's follow up words made him freeze.

"We show ourselves now and we risk losing everything, can you stomach that?"

Hawkman turned to the other man with resigned anger, gritting his teeth unwillingly. But he didn't try to go out again. If Hourman had threatened him with anything else Hawkman wouldn't have stopped but he couldn't stomach failing to get Hawkgirl back this time.

"We are gonna get her back," Hourman promised. Hawkman just scoffed and said nothing.

"I am curious, is there really a time machine?" I asked breaking the silence.

"I don't know," Hourman said.

His bluntness surprised me... So he didn't know? I took a moment to consider what else I wanted to know before asking, "How did you even know they want a time machine?"

"Who doesn't want a time machine?"

"No one I guess..." I took a deep breath and peered out the window.

Down on the street a few thugs holding strange guns suddenly rushed out from the bar and started shooting at the sky. Hawkgirl swerved, flew down and attacked them. Every swing of her halberd reaped a life, an uncanny grin on her face as she did that.

"What are we waiting for exactly?" I asked again. It seems I'm the only asking questions.

"We are waiting for our allies to arrive," Hourman replied.

"Those jets didn't take them to Europe did they?"

"Holy shit don't tell me," Flash grinned. "Hourman you despicable bastard!"

"It was Diana's doing," Hourman shrugged.

We all turned to Wonder Woman in surprise.

She frowned. "Stop looking at me that way. He didn't tell me his plans... He just asked for a favor to redirect the aircraft back, some Squadron members might not agree if only the JSA requests that. The first jet indeed went to Europe but in the second jet I told Johnny Quick and Liberty Belle to agree to everything Atom and Wildcat says,"

"Atom and Wildcat already know some part of this mission so there should be here... about now,"

Just as Hourman's words fell a squat black jet appeared in the air as if it was teleported here, blocking the sun. No sign of how it got there.

"Hello ladies and gentlemen, this is the All Star Squadron. Surrender or else!"

Following Atom's words, dozens of hidden barrels slid out of the jets sleek surface and pointed down on the street. The threat was clear, surrender or you die.

The JSA wasn't playing today.

Link: Pat - treon. - com - / - Ensii99