I do not own DC
CH 11: The Team
January 2 1942
The wind howling against my face was blocked by the purple forcefield around me.. Black Canary was also well protected in a thin veil of light; My hand was snaked around her waist, holding her close so it wasn't hard for me to expand the forcefield to cover her. With the better control of my ability, I now have, covering someone else with my forcefield is a piece of cake.
I could feel her softness, smell her perfume and hear her breathing, making this flight a distracting affair. I am a man after all and hasn't gotten laid for quite a while. Yet here I was, practically hugging one of the most gorgeous woman I'd ever met or even seen.
So you can't blame a guy for being a guy. In fact it'd be strange if I wasn't affected. This was not anything romantic though, it was just a method I devised for me to carry her during longer distance flights.
Anyway we were flying through the sky together this early morning, cutting a purple streak in the air. I was wearing, of course, my tactical jacket and jeans, but I'd modified the jacket to fit my taste. I gave it a hood and also covered the hole in the chest with booster metal. With this the hole in my chest will be closed yet I can still shoot energy from it. And even make the blast stronger! Added with my modified booster watches and the hood that I mostly left down, it made my outfit way cooler.
Like a real superhero. Yet with some roughness in the edges that added to my steez. I love staring at myself in the mirror wearing my costume. In truth I would have preferred to go with a purple color scheme but the grey theme could not be avoided though, since that's the color of the tactical jacket.
Black Canary or Dinah - as I call her privately after she revealed her secret identity - was wearing her usual black skintight cat suit. Made - I suspect - with the sole purpose of tempting men.
If that's really its purpose, then it succeeded splendidly. I looked down at the blurry landscape trying to take this woman out of my mind and hide a certain physical reaction from her. All the while looking forward to reaching our destination quickly to see what it offers.
About 10 minutes later we arrived in the sky of New York City. The sky was bright, promising a sunny day today. Though it was another thing if it'll keep the promise. Staying closer to the tall roofs and ignoring the passerby's that would occasionally point at us, I headed to the Trylon and Perisphere.
Even from the distance I could see the tower and the spherical structures standing next to each other. Yes this were the theme center of the 1939 New York world fair. Trylon, the tower, was over 600 foot while Perisphere, the round structure next to it, was up to 180 feet in diameter. In short they are impressive structures of this era.
And these impressive structures are the base of the All star squadron.
I landed in the compound covered in lawn. Together with Black Canary, I walked unto the winding walkway that led to the entrance of the spherical building.
The walkway was long and I would have cut the time if I just flew to the entrance directly. But where's the fun in that? The walkway was made to be walked, while you enjoy the beautiful view of the compound after all. At least this once I wanted to experience this.
Black Canary was able to understand what I was thinking judging by the sly smirk on her face. She placed a hand on her chin and pretended to be in thought before saying, "you could have flown directly to the entrance, why?"
"Why ask something you already know?"
"That you are a hopeless conformist?"
"I am far from being a conformist,"
"Oh right," Canary snorted. "You think I haven't been observing you? You break rules a few times here and there yes, but only as a necessity. You hate lying or even playing tricks on, and I mean it, even your enemies. Even if you do those things quite well, admittedly."
The blond superheroine smirked triumphantly - as if she'd had me all figured out - and pointed a finger at me. "But don't mistake yourself with people like me who thrives in trickery and deception Jimmy boy. In fact, I don't only thrive in it, I love it!"
"Good to know,"
Inside the Perisphere - which was filled with superheroes - was bright and distinctively well equipped. Forget the statues standing in parts of the hall, the building had that science fiction kind of feel, though I didn't see any technology that backed that notion. The screen at the front was large and chunky after all, instead of flat screen or even holographic display that this universe offers.
At the side was a set of seats, placed in a circular seating arrangement where the round stage was at the middle of three layers of seats. One could stand at the center to address the people seated there. This is the famous All Stars meeting room.
A few mystery men were already seated, talking to themselves.
"Looks like fun," Black Canary said, scanning the room with no expression under her eye mask. Feeling a little amused, I chuckled. "What?" She snapped.
I shrugged. "For a minute there you looked out of your depth?"
"And that's funny for some reason?"
"Forgive me but seeing your feathers ruffled is a rare sight that I can't help but savor,"
"Is that a bird joke?" A voice said. We turned to the newcomer; a man in black cat themed suit that approached. Wildcat. "James Greek, it is nice to finally meet you,"
We have seen each other a few times but never really interacted with one another until now, so I understood what he's saying. We shook hands. "Yeah nice to meet you too Cat, Gothamites spoke a lot about you,"
"Nothing scandalous I hope?" Wildcat asked.
"No, all the good guys spoke of you in high regard. You had kept the street safe in your time,"
He grinned. "I hear you been keeping it safe these days,"
"Well I have a good partner," I said eying Black Canary.
Black Canary frowned in response. I thought she'd respond to my teasing but she instead turned to Wildcat. "Are the JSA also attending this meeting?"
"No and yes," Wildcat said after a brief pause. "This is the All star squadron. In paper this team is the combination of every other team. Normally the JSA ought to be here, but Hawkman and Hourman are not interested; therefore they didn't inform the other members to attend. Yet they couldn't just ignore such an important gathering so they sent me as a representative,"
"This way no one could say there's no JSA presence here," Black Canary whistled.
"Yeah, of course I am only required to attend the very first meeting, as it is already agreed that the JSA would mostly act separately as a detached force of the squadron. So no one will expect us to show up here except for very important missions that requires the strength of the full squadron or for official ceremonies,"
"Makes sense," I grunted getting fed up by the politics of it.
"Hey newbies!" A blond man walked over. He was in a bright costume that consist of a red shirt, yellow pants in between, and red boots. He also had a black eye mask on his face to hide his identity. He flashed Canary a bright smile that made his handsome face glow. "How about a tour of the fancy place?"
"Sure," Canary said.
"Johnny Quick at your service,"
"Black Canary,"
"Greek,"
"Oh nice to meet you," Johnny Quick shook hands with me then turned to Black Canary. Instead of a handshake, he bent down and kissed the back of her hand, before guiding her gracefully away. Canary received his service naturally like a noble lady in court.
Like that the two walked away together, leaving me and Wildcat to stare at their receding backs. Doubtful I asked, "Hey Cat, do they know each other before now?"
"I doubt it," Wildcat said.
Johnny Quick is suppose to end up with Liberty Belle right? I thought. Anyway it doesn't matter... "Why don't we catch up with them?" I suggested. I also wanted a tour.
We quickly followed the two. Johnny Quick led the way pointing at stuff. He pointed at the large screen that was as wide as the wall of my apartment room. "That big television there is used to contact the president,"
"What about those equipments in front of it?" Canary asked.
"Those are a set of communication devices themselves; radios, telephones, and even telegram machines!"
"So we have all the good stuff," I said in appreciation. It doesn't have to be said how important swift communication is in times of war. Now as far as I have a telephone or telegram machine, I'd be able to contact the Perisphere anything I want and vise vasa.
Johnny moved past the screen and pointed to the seats I noticed earlier. "That's the auditorium, we will conduct meetings there,"
Two superheroes in yellow and blue costumes, respectively, were leaning against the railing that surrounded the auditorium chatting to themselves. Johnny greeted them as we passed. They waved back.
Just as we passed them I came to a stop as I noticed Wonder Woman at the other side of the hall. She was standing beside the auditorium talking with a blond guy in an immaculate black suit. I decided to go over and say hello but Wildcat notice my movement and gave me a look.
Taking the chance I pointed towards Wonder Woman. "Who's that guy?"
"Captain Steve Trevor," Wildcat paused for a moment before replying. "United States navy seal turn spy, then war hero,"
Across the room the blond man seem to sense our gaze and looked towards us with an expressionless face that soon turned into a bright smile. He said something to Diana, she followed his eyes and noticed us, then nodded and they started walking over.
Did he just ask her to introduce us?
"Also dead guy come to life," Wildcat whispered. "Be careful of him Greek," he patted me on the shoulder and walked away, quickly catching up to Johnny Quick and Black Canary that had went ahead.
Suddenly alone, I stood there and waited as Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor made their way towards me. I wondered briefly what Wildcat had meant. Dead guy come to life? Be careful?
What do I have to fear from a baseline human? I scoffed. Wait, in the first place isn't coming back from death the tradition in DC? Why discriminate? Or is there something different in Trevor's case?
As I was thinking of all kinds of things the two finally arrived in front of me. "I am relieved to see you here Greek," Diana smirked playfully. "You said you would think about my offer but I worried you might think too long that the fun will be over by the time you made a decision,"
She was sneakingly slighting me... this woman. My lips quirked in amusement. "Wouldn't that have been a pity?"
"It would," She was as immaculate as ever in that armor, a smile on her beautiful perfect face and her dark glossy hair cascaded freely to her back. She looked like a goddess.
"You look good today," I said before I knew it.
"Thank you James," she smiled then gestured to the man beside her. "This is Captain Steve Trevor of the US navy seal, Steve this is James Greek,"
"I have heard alot about you," Steve said offering his hand.
"Likewise," We shook.
"Oh what have you heard about me?"
I smiled. "That you died and came back to life. You are a good lip reader, Trevor, so you should know that already,"
He grinned at me and I grinned back. There's just something about this guy I just didn't like, I realized. Honestly it has nothing to do with the fact that he's Diana's love interest in comics or movies or that I was jealous of how close they seemed, whispering to each other earlier. I am not that childish. No it has nothing to do with those, I just didn't like this guy!
There's something wrong with him, I swear. I could sense it, a sort of pervasive darkness around him that made my skin crawl. Something inside me warned me that this guy is evil.
Unknowingly I put more power in my grip. The man's baseline hand give in under the strength of my super strength, yet Steve Trevor's smile never left his face, it was at this moment that I realized that this guy is a fucking psycho.
Thankfully that made me come back to my senses and quickly let go of his hand before Diana noticed anything wrong. Suddenly I felt terrible and guilty; this guy had done nothing to me yet I was outright hostile to him. I also feared that he'll tell Diana what just happened, but to my surprise he withdrew his hand calmly and shoved it in his pocket as if nothing happened, saving me from a great deal of embarrassment.
I grunted in gratitude.
Wonder Woman looked at the two of us in confusion but her attention was soon taking elsewhere as a loud voice rang out.
"We are about to begin. Please take your seats comrades in arms!"
I spotted the man in medieval garb, armor and helmet, but in red and gold instead of the silver armor you'd expect from a knight. This is Sir Justin of the round table, AKA the Shinning Knight. One of the oldest superheroes in DC. How well known he's? That's another question.
Everyone standing around started walking to the seats after his announcement. That broke off our little confrontation. Me and Steve Trevor gave each other one last look before we went our separate ways; he expressionless, me disgruntled.
He'd won round one, I admitted as I walked away.
I met up with Black Canary and Wildcat first before heading to the seats. Johnny Quick was nowhere to be found, by the way. When I asked Canary about it she said 'he's a jerk' and refused to give details. I gave Wildcat a glance but he just shrugged in reply.
Okay, I decided; it's none of my business. I wasn't really curious about it anyway.
Black Canary chose the outer layer of seats, the highest that overlooked the others. We sat side by side with me at the middle, Wildcat and Canary on my left and right respectively.
After everyone settle, the Shinning Knight climbed up the stage in the center and looked at all the gathered heroes calmly.
"Good morning ladies and gentlemen," he said with a Saxon accent? "My name is sir Justin one of King Arthur's knight of the round table, in age past. But I mostly go by the name Shinning Knight now."
"Hey Stripsy does he really expect us to believe he's actually an Arthurian knight?"
"Forget being a knight kid, there's no evidence Arthur even existed,"
In the seats in front of me two superheroes were whispering to each other. One was a kid in blue star spotted costume and the other was a brown haired adult man in red and white stripped shirt.
"As you all know, the president has named Wonder Woman as the leader of the All Star Squadron. However after much deliberation, it was decided that the Squadron will benefit more from a dual leadership which consists of two co chairmen,"
An instant murmur spread across the room as people discussed the implications of that. I also gave it some thought; it didn't make sense to me to have two leaders, usually I'd say it is better to have that one leader at the top to avoid clashing egos. The key word is usually though. In reality if the two leaders are charismatic individuals then it might work, maybe that's what the president is going for.
DC superhero teams, no matter how awful, didn't lack good leadership after all. Even the Suicide Squad which is literally a band of criminals didn't do bad. In comparison Marvel superhero team leaders sucks, that's why they the civil war happens, that's why the brotherhood and the X Men can't solve their shit.
Anyway that still didn't explain why the president thought the dual chairmanship is the best idea. Because even if something could work it didn't mean it should be done. Is it to limit Wonder Woman's authority?
I asked Wildcat what he thought and he shrugged before answering. "They are some close to the president that are unhappy that a non American is leading such an important group as the squadron,"
That pretty much confirmed my suspicion.
Wonder woman flew to the stage. "Please Comrades, the president is right. The squadron is too big to be headed by one person alone, besides this will not cause any friction as all our actions will be decided by votes."
"It is as Wonder Woman says," Shinning Knight added. "The job of a chairman is only to decide the little things that must not be bothered with a vote. So without further ado, let's proceed with electing the other chairman. If you are interested in the position please step up this stage this very moment,"
There was only a brief moment of hesitation before someone rose to her feet and walked to the stage. This woman was blond, her costume consist of a blue shirt and tight yellow pants. The symbol of a bell was in the middle of her chest.
Liberty Belle!
Seeing her step up so boldly excited me. I know I have said this before; the All Star Squadron has a lot of powerful and cool members, but I have always loved Liberty Belle the most. Her leadership, her boldness, her costume, everything about her.
Meeting her in real life is weird but that wouldn't stop me from being a fan.
Next Tarantula and Johnny Quick joined her on the stage.
"Splendid!" Sir Julian, the Shinning Knight said. "Liberty Belle, Tarantula and Johnny Quick has stepped up, now comrades, you just have to vote one of these three individuals as the co chairman that will work together with Wonder Woman,"
Wonder Woman added, "the voting process is easy, you just have to raise your hand to vote the person called. Please don't lift your hand if you don't want to vote for that candidate. The rules are rather simple, you should lift only one hand to avoid confusion, but you can also vote for more than one person,"
'More than one person?' That surprised the mystery men in the seats and they started murmuring. Diana quickly explained that yes they can vote for all the candidates if they want; it is better than not voting.
I understood what she's doing. The vote is going to be open, and there are some people that are friends, or atleast familiar, with two or all candidates. If they could vote for only one it'll be a problem. Now they'd be forced to make a choice, possibly alienating one or two of their friends. Not voting for all was also an option but someone could take that badly as getting snubbed by their friend. But by giving the option of voting more than once, they could vote for the two or three without fear.
"Tarantula since you were the last to step up, can you go first?" Shinning Knight said.
"Sure," Tarantula nodded grimly and stepped forward. He looked like some kind of ninja in his yellow and black costume with a spider symbol at the chest, and yellow butterfly eye mask
"Please raise your hand if you want Tarantula as co chairman of the squadron,"
A few people immediately lifted their hands. After counting, Sir Julian announced the number. "Of the thirty two people, nine voted for Tarantula,"
Next Johnny Quick stepped forward. Black Canary leaned to me. "Hey who do you think will win?"
"Liberty Belle," I said without much thought. She's always JSA co chairman in comics along with Hawkman of course. Even though Hawkman is not here I believe she'll still retain her position.
This time Johnny Quick got a whooping twenty-two votes of the thirty-one. I thought Liberty Belle would still win but in the end she only managed seventeen votes, even though she's the only one I voted for!
"Johnny Quick wins the election with twenty-two votes in thirty-one. And so he's the All Star Squadron's co chairman along with Wonder Woman,"
A modest applause rang out around the room.
"Seems you were wrong Greek," Black Canary smirked for some reason she seemed very pleased with that fact.
I stared at the stage and nodded grimly. "I was,"
That solidified the fact that I can't depend too much on the comic or movie knowledge I have. Yeah reality is a fickle bitch indeed, nothing new.
xxx
It has been five days since the first meeting of the All Star Squadron in our new base, the Perisphere. Since that day I'd been holed up in my room/lab working on all kinds of inventions but I also patrol the city and occasionally spin round to the Perisphere to check how things are going.
However besides those brief interludes outside I was mostly dedicated to the science.
It goes without saying that the laws of physics is slightly different here than I was used to in my earth. That's why these guys can invent all kind of crazy stuff. Still to say that it is only the laws of physics being different that is the only reason that made DC the hob of tech and inventions will be wrong.
It is also a fact that there are more materials you can not find in my original earth here and these people are absurdly smart. By average DC has more smart people than my original world.
So I have been doing a load of experiments, learning the laws of the universe all over again.
After I finished up in the lab, I put on my costume and went out. A few of my neighbors noticed me and waved, telling me to keep the country safe or bring back some gifts when I am returning. I agreed with a wave of my hand and flew off.
The Trylon and Perisphere came into sight some half an hour later when the sky had turned reddish because of the setting sun. This time I didn't bother with the walkway but flew straight to the entrance.
The moment I entered the Perisphere I saw the superheroes that were present. They were not many in yet; just Amazing Man who is of course on duty today, I think. Robotman and Starman who were working on something in the lab they sectioned in the corner of the hall. Starman being here is odd since he is supposed to be a JSA. But I'd heard rumors that some JSA members wanted to switch teams before hand so I wasn't that surprised.
Johnny Quick and Firebrand were also present. The two were standing by the telephone in front of the TV when I came in. The speedstar looked up then grinned and waved at me. Curious I walked over to them.
"Greek, just the guy I was looking for," Johnny Quick said. "What do you say we hit the streets together and take out some hoodlums?"
"I don't mind," I said.
"Good, a tip just came in from the FBI that some Nazi saboteurs plan on public vandalism down in Manhattan. I know that you have not done one mission since, so I thought you'll like that,"
"Well I'll admit to some boredom this past days,"
I'd had my misgivings about this guy becoming co chairman with Diana, especially since things didn't go as I expected. But he's surprisingly doing a good job keeping everyone in line even more than the other co chairman. After all, Wonder Woman is the charismatic leader that can inspire the troops but Johnny is the relatable commander that would play cards with you on a normal day and laugh at your stupid jokes.
Everyone feels at ease around him.
After that we had some more small talks before we left the Perisphere.
"Robotman and Starman are working on reviving that robot they had here during the fair," Flying just ahead of me in his red and yellow costume, Johnny Quick said.
The sky had turned dark in that brief time I was indoors. The only sign of the sun was a red tint in the west. "They seem to be having fun," I said flippantly.
"They do. That robot could help with security, or so they said. Though you'll wonder what a group with the strongest Mystery Men would need with a robot,"
"Sometimes I wonder why we need cars in the first place when we have our legs,"
"You could have just made your point straight on rookie, no need being an asshole about it,"
I grinned. "Really, rookie?"
"Well I have never heard about any guy called Greek until I met you a week ago,"
"We are pot and kettle then,"
"Are you saying I am not that well known?"
"I am saying the only speedstar everyone knows is the Flash. You are not the Flash are you?"
Johnny glanced at me over his shoulder with a frown. "Again make your point straight on,"
"Don't really get you, I think I was being direct enough,"
"If you were being direct you would have seen no need to bring the Flash into this,"
"You are not the Flash then? What do they call you, sidekick one?"
"Shut up,"
"Oh, did I hit a soft spot?"
"How about this, race you," Johnny Quick said then shot ahead.
"Wait.. damn it," I gritted my teeth and shot after him.
There was no way I was catching up with that guy. However I managed to make a respectable show of myself as I managed to keep sight of the speedstar the whole time. Though admittedly, I suspected he might have been holding back to let me keep up. Still he arrived way long before I did.
I alighted atop a roof next to Johnny Quick feeling a little irritated. His little stunt had made me waste precious energy, I flicked my booster watch to recharge before I felt better and looked at him curiously. He was standing at the edge staring down at the street below. "So what's up?"
"Shh, they could be here any minute,"
I glanced down at the sparsely populated street then lifted an eyebrow. "How can you be so sure of that?"
"Keep it down,"
"No seriously, unwind bro. Who cares if they'll be here any minute? We have powers, the moment they notice us it'll be already too late,"
Johnny Quick gave it some thought then nodded. "Makes sense. They want to burn the courthouse before the cops return from the parade,"
The government and the JSA had launched some propaganda match across the city, so most of the police would be there handling security. Apparently some hoodlums used this opportunity to cause mayhem.
We fell silent after that anyway. However it was not the forced silence Johnny demanded but a natural one between two men that had nothing to say. We must have waited for over half an hour before we saw movement in the street below.
Three cars pulled up at the side of the street then armed men and women poured out. They were wielding anything from axes to maces to guns. The civilians below were immediately frightened and started fleeing the area.
"That's our package I believe," Johnny said. "Let's let them implicate themselves more,"
On the street the hoodlums spread out. They started smashing cars and windows, most headed to the courthouse beside the building we were standing atop.
"I think that's our cue," Johnny said. "I'll deal with those heading to the courthouse, you take care of the others,"
He flew off the roof, a blur and he was gone.
Yeah very fast.
I turned to the hoodlums busy terrorizing the street. The guy smashing the windshield of a black Chevrolet didn't see me coming until I collided with him, sending him flying to crash against the wall of the building nearby.
The others finally noticed me hovering in the air. They paused for a moment, their faces turned to varying degrees of pale. "That's a Mystery Man!" One shouted.
"My gun don't discriminate," an older guy scoffed pointing his Tommy gun at me. Usually I'd let him shoot me to make a point but I wasn't really in the mood today. I quickly lifted my hand and blasted him away with my purple light.
That finally made up the others minds as they turned and started fleeing. Some favored their legs to take them away from me, while others rushed into their car. I wasn't sure who were smarter but I know who are more troublesome. I ignored those in the car and chased after the ones that spread out and fled on their feet.
Even I would find it hard to track each one of them once they spread far enough, so I gave them priority.
A few blasts later I had taken care of them then turned and shot to the car rushing away. I collided into the side of the vehicle sending it tumbling away, to screech to a stop on the pavement.
Landing before the car, I tore its door open with raw strength and flung the metal away. Reaching inside I pulled the two hoodlums out one by one. At this point their spirit was already broken and they didn't resist. "Lie flat on the floor, and don't fucking lift your head or I'll show you pain!" I gathered them all in one place - including the ones I subdued earlier - and growled menacingly.
They quickly obeyed, lying flat in the middle of the street with their heads down.
When Johnny Quick returned he found me sitting atop a car watching my prisoners. He frowned. "Did I miss something, this looks like a robbery,"
"How was I supposed to hold them before the cops arrived?" I said.
"Usually you knock them unconscious,"
"Oh,"
The cops arrived quicker than I expected. Seemed like they weren't that far away, also at the same time the people that fled the area returned and started cheering. Some reporters also appeared and started taking pictures. "Well I am not complaining but this looks almost staged." I whispered to my partner.
Johnny Quick was still smiling and waving to the crowd when he subtly replied. "Don't tell anyone but the reporters were reserved before hand close by so their could get everything in the morning news,"
"Now Isn't that crazy?"
"Well the people need something to believe in. Smile Greek,"
And so I grinned bitterly to the camera and the morning news.
Xxx
WELL that's the CHAPTER. For the past few weeks I found myself feeling terribly uninspired and had to force myself to write even a sentence. But luckily I have shaken past it.
BTW I recently watched Furiosa and feel like I now have PTSD. I loved the movie a lot but can't understand why everyone was okay with the ending. I feel like that's one of the most fuxked up thing I had ever watched.
Tems album was fire tho.
And what's France playing these days? I feel they'd find it tough to go past Spain. Spain damn... Still rooting for England tho.
Well enough of my rants. If you want to make a donation to support me, my pat - reon link is down below just make sure to remove the dash and space. Really it's not like I am selling fanfic, don't know why I can't type that sh!t.
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Thank you for reading.
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