One Earth: The Marvel/DC RPG

[Byrd Man]

Before I head up to the roof landing deck, I look at the Fantastic Four, "You've been a huge help. If there's anything you ever need me for, don't hesitate to ask. And thanks for getting my teammate back, Doctor."

"No, thank you for helping us in the Arctic," Reed nodded. "Couldn't have done it without you."

Captain America nodded back and followed his team up to the roof of the Baxter Building while the Four watched him go.

"Captain America owes us a favor, huh? Wonder if he'll be my wingman one night. Can you imagine how much tail I could get with him leading the chicks in?"

"More than you can get on your own, that's for sure."

"I liked you better when you were covered in rock... oh, wait, you still are."

Ben and Johnny headed towards the living quarters, still bickering. Reed shook his head and walked back towards his lab with Sue by his side.

 

[Carnage27]

Quinjet
En rout to Washington DC

The Quinjet's as smooth as ever as we race back towards Washington. I look over at Diana's seat and see her resting. The process must have taken a lot out of her, and I let her sleep. Once we get to Washington, I'll start planning our next move with Fury, and allow the rest of the team to rest. They're going to need it.

"So we're going after him soon?" Widow says from a few seats down.

"Yea," I nod. "I'm not leaving him in the hands of HYDRA. And knowing that they can control these aliens...that scares me. The quicker we can take that ability out, the better."

"Good," is her only response before she shuts her eyes as well.

As we continue on our way, I open up communications to Stark, "Iron Man, come in. We're headed back to base, you coming?"
​

 

[Byrd Man]

The Baxter Building
Manhattan


It was shaping up to be a normal day at the Baxter Building. Reed was in his lab, preparing star charts for an upcoming space mission. Sue was in her own laboratory, reexamining the results of the alien autopsy she and Reed had preformed for Captain America a week earlier. Ben was working out, benchpressing a a stack of ten ton weights. Johnny was in the living quarters immersed in the... gentleman's magazine he was reading.

The still of the day was broken by a sudden, screaming klaxon. The sensors throughout the building were issuing a red alert.

"Warning!" The sound system announced. "Space-time shift detected. Einstein-Rosen Bridge Event imminent in the living quarters."

On cue, the Four were rushing towards the spot. They all arrived just as a black hole opened on the ceiling and two colorfully dressed men fell through it. One in a white suit with black spots, the other dressed in red with yellow boots.

"--going on?" The one dressed in red asked as he fell. He and his spotted friend were tangled together. The spotted man pushed away from the other man and disappeared through another black hole.

The man dressed in red looked up and saw the Fantastic Four gathered around him, ready to strike. "Explain yourself," Sue said, creating an invisible collar around the stranger's neck. It was tight enough to cause discomfort, but left him enough room to breath and speak. "Who are you?"

"Uh-oh," Bart Allen said, tugging at the collar. "I'm the Flash... and something tells me I am literally not in Kansas anymore..."
​

 

[Eddie Brock]

Vagabond Bar
New York City
2345 Hours

Of all the things I've done for this job, tonight by far has to be the most humiliating.

My time with the Air Force and the FBI has given me a wide range of skills. I'm very proud of what I'm capable of. But I also know my limitations. At no point in my career with the Bureau have I ever been trained in undercover operations. Yet that's exactly what Hannibal has asked me to undertake here tonight.

*
​

"This," Hannibal explained, pointing to the map, "is the Vagabond. It's a bar on the Lower West Side. It's significant because three women, all aged between 24 and 29, have gone missing after a night of drinking there in the past eight months." He looked up at us. "I have reason to believe that they were all abducted by a vampire who uses the place to case his victims."

"So what do you want us to do?" Corben asked.

Hannibal shook his head. "Not you." He pointed at me. "Her."

*

And that's how I came to be live bait for a vampire. If you ask me, Hannibal was a little too enthusiastic about getting me dressed up to show off my "assets" and look like an appealing mark. But I agreed nonetheless because even if he's wrong about the vampire, we may yet catch a kidnapper of young women. To me, that's worth getting made up and pushing out my chest and trying to act like all the girls at the bar that I used to hate.

It's been an uneventful night so far. I've had a few drinks - enough to sell my cover but not so many that I sacrifice any mental or physical capacities. I've been approached a couple of times by would-be suitors, but certainly none of them fit the mold of either a vampire or a kidnapper. My skin crawls as I feel the eyes watching me. This is not what I was made for. I'd much rather be out in the van with Hannibal and Corben.

As it gets later and later, I start to wonder if our suspect even came out tonight. The bar begins to empty out as patrons stumble home, both alone and with newfound "friends." I've been nursing a Long Island Iced Tea for the past hour, and the ice cubes have entirely melted. I'm about to call it a night and forfeit the mission, so I turn on my stool.

That's when I notice him. Sitting alone at a booth, I realize that I remember seeing him earlier, too. Close-cut black hair, dark brown eyes, and he's unabashedly staring. Even when he sees me notice him, his facial expression doesn't change. A little weirded out, I turn back around and face the bar. In the reflection from the mirror behind the bar, I see him smile to himself before getting up.

Bingo.

Moments later, he seats himself beside me at the bar. He puts in an order for a vodka martini, trying to make it look like he didn't notice me. As he waits for his drink, he turns his head to glance at me. I take back what I said earlier: this guy's stare makes my skin crawl. "What's the matter? Don't want to go home?"

My throat seizes up. There's something about his voice that sends a chill down my spin. I realize that I have to say something. "Not really," I answer. I try to remember the story that Hannibal concocted.

"Are you new to the city?"

I look at him. "Yes. Can you tell?"

He smiles, and I find myself looking for fangs. I don't really see anything. Hannibal told me I probably wouldn't. "I have a... feel for those kinds of things," he explains. He reaches across the bar and puts his hand on mine. Bold. "It can be hard when you feel so alone."

I just nod. Better to let him think that he has to reel me in, rather than appearing overeager.

"If you want, I can show you the town?" he offers. "It's perfect this time of night. They say the city never sleeps, but in my experience it can be quieter... more private..."

I'm convinced. This has to be my guy. "Maybe some other night," I offer. He takes his hand off mine. "But you could walk me home?"

His smile returns. "I'd like that...?"

"Carol."

"Antonio," he responds in kind. Taking my hand with a gentle tug, he leads me away from the bar. As we're walking out the door, he asks, "So what do you do, Carol?"

Suddenly, the back door to the van outside bursts open, and Hannibal and Corben spill out. I wrench my hand away from Antonio's. Hannibal tackles Antonio to the ground while Corben keeps his gun trained. "I work for the FBI, you prick."

Hannibal manages to get Antonio's wrists bound, and I throw a burlap sack over his head. Between the three of us, we throw him into the van. I don't know if he's a vampire, but judging from the struggle he put up he's certainly strong. We all clamber into the van and pull away before any witnesses report seeing the abduction. I think Corben and I would have a hard time explaining something like this.
​

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...
Black Bolt

​

Tired, and urgently in need of some first aid from the battle with Kalibak, Blackagar stumbles on his feet to regain his bearings. Unleashing that much quasi-sonic energy at once...takes its toll indeed. But he has defeated the evil that had taken his son from him. And if he is indeed too late to save Ahura...avenged him as well. But such thought cannot be taking place in Black Bolt's mind at a time like this. Even with such little rest from the fight, he must be on the move. He must find his brother Maximus to update him on the overall success of the greater mission.

Given the Inhuman King's need to be quiet at nearly all times, he and his brilliant brother developed a way for him to still make contact with Maximus through his comm. When it was Blackagar sending a transmission, Maximus' comm on the receiving end would hear a very specific pattern of sound.

"--zzt, brother? Brother, I had just gotten word from Karnak. Although he has yet to have found Triton who had been missing ever since he made it into the Apokoliptian Throne Room. You contacting me. Does...does this mean that...Kalibak is..."

Blackagar Boltagon presses the button on his comm, and immediately Maximus knows what the response means.

"--zzt, good...Good. The monster deserved far worse. Though...the rest of his slimey minions and lords will. The T-Bomb is mobile. Repeat. The T-Bomb is now ready. Am I a multi-tasking genius or what? Able to fight off these vermin and finish working on the last schematics for our secret weapon via remote-access. I'll radio over to the ship to send Lockjaw down to pick you up, brother. It appears we may have to threaten the Apokoliptians with Genocide to find out where Ahura is...and now Triton as well."

Elsewhere...

Karnak and Jemm find the dungeon chambers where other telepaths from across the cosmos have been abducted. There are many cells within the room. But some are vacant. As Karnak sees the sheer horror and fear in the captive telepath's cells, he begins to wonder what has become of the others.

"There were more...weren't they?"

"Yes...before, there were so many of us that they had to stuff several into each cell to barely contain us all."

"Then...what became of them?"

"Is it not clear? Those that do not come back, have not done so because they failed The Test. Proving to be no further use to the Dark Lord of Apokolips...they were...disposed of. That is, if they were not burned during the trial to begin with. I have been fortunate, that I have not been chosen. Say for when I was trying to spare the boy Ahura as Granny Goodness took him into her clutches."

Jemm walks over to the console controls that keeps the telepathic prisoners captive, and works towards figuring out the code to unlock them.

"This Test...what it is? What are the Apokoliptians exactly...looking for?"

"It has the power to create or destroy...underneath it is actually a humble but spirited...graceful child of the cosmos. A primal universal force of life. This immortal entity is feared by many cultures but praised but equally as many. You see, it is in fact the origin of all psionic energy of this world...and all worlds. Darkseid wishes to find it a new suitable host, with what he calls The Test."

Figuring out the code, Jemm opens up the cells, and anxiously the captives swarm all around Karank and Jemm, bowing in gratitude. One then stands up, a Kalanorian, and shares what he knows about this cosmic entity and The Test of which Jemm speaks of.

"Back on Kalanor, the first Kalanor...eons ago the leader of my people chased after a task equally as foolish...equally as horrifying. It is the shards, you see...the fragmented pieces of it that are scattered across the cosmos. They react only to those that might be worthy of the beast. Worthy of it's might and wrath...but sometimes its grace. This was the reason our people had desired it. Not for it's ability to grant Death...but to give Life. However, the being was too much for the host to handle. And before he had the courage to take his own life...he had eradicated nearly the entire planet in cosmic power and fire. Those that survived fled the dying world, and colonized on what is now referred to as Kalanor. The Destroyer is what our people have forever called it. But most of the cosmos refer to it as The Phoenix."


Elsewhere...

Carrying two of the Female Furies over both of his shoulders, as Medusa drags the one known as Lashina across the ground with her powerful hair, the three members of the Royal Family make way to where the one known as Granny Goodness lurks. Gorgon roughly lets Stompa and Mad Harriett drop onto the ground, and Medusa also lets go of Lashina as Crystal prepares to destroy the door by using the rocky terrain to crash right through it.

Gorgon and Medusa ready themselves, should their be an entire batallion of Apokoliptians awaiting them within the evil woman's quarters. To their luck, as Crystal smashes a way in for them, they are greeted by nothing but the harsh and hot air...but also the unforunate smell of dead and burnt bodies.

"My goodness...there must be hundreds within these chambers. Look, there. There must be natives from nearly every planet of the cosmos."

"What could the Apokoliptians have had planned for these people? This...is monstrous."

"Why, where are simply looking for that which will be worthy of the Phoenix Force of course. Looking for that which can pass The Test. Sadly, I must inquire you on the fact that your pathetic excuse of a child, Ahura...failed as well."

Tossing the tortured body of Ahura to the ground as though he were nothing but a meaningless ragdoll, Granny Goodness aims her weapon at the trio that is the Royal Inhuman Family.

"Ahura!"
"Ahura!"
"Ahura!"

"You are just in time for his execution. As Darkseid has no need of failures and disappointments! Such a shame. Granny had such a good feeling about this one. What, with how the Saturian so eagerly came to his aid."

Now aiming her weapon down at Ahura's head should Gorgon, Medusa, or Crystal try to strike her, Granny walks over to a nearby console. Entering a code she makes contact to the Throne Room.

"My lord Darkseid...the Inhuman Pest of a Prince failed The Test. I've got his mother, aunt, and their cousin as well."

"Excellent. More to add to the mix. The aquatic one so foolishly entered my corridors. Bring the boy and his family. His uncle and father appear to be joined together at the front line again. Kalibak has failed. He was too weak. It is time to end this futile attack of theirs. And teach them the consequences of crossing Darkseid."

 

[bkhedr]

Quinjet
En rout to Washington DC

The Quinjet's as smooth as ever as we race back towards Washington. I look over at Diana's seat and see her resting. The process must have taken a lot out of her, and I let her sleep. Once we get to Washington, I'll start planning our next move with Fury, and allow the rest of the team to rest. They're going to need it.

"So we're going after him soon?" Widow says from a few seats down.

"Yea," I nod. "I'm not leaving him in the hands of HYDRA. And knowing that they can control these aliens...that scares me. The quicker we can take that ability out, the better."

"Good," is her only response before she shuts her eyes as well.

As we continue on our way, I open up communications to Stark, "Iron Man, come in. We're headed back to base, you coming?"
​

"I'm right behind you Captain." Iron Man as he flies alongside the quinjet.

***
​

Tony Stark enters the Ultimates' meeting room a short while later with his helmet tucked under his arm.

"Hey guys and gals" He says "What did I miss?"
​

 

[bkhedr]

I float over towards Thor and pat him on the shoulder, "Nice trick. Maybe next time we can start out with that one, huh?"

Thor turns his head to look at Green Lantern and smiles weakly.

"I would gladly do so friend Lantern, if it did not leave me so drained."

Thor then rises unsteadily to his feet, as if to illustrate the point. His legs feel like jell-o and for the briefest of instants they threaten to give way beneath him before gaining his balance and straightens himself.

"And now my new friends it seems we will have to turn our attention to the Colonizers." Thor comments as the sky above them begins to grow crowded with descending Rigellian ships.

The ships touch down and begin pouring out commandos who take up defensive positions while Thor and the Lanterns continue to watch and wait.

Eventually one Rigellian, a commander, to judge by his uniform, approaches the odd quintet with his hands clasped behind his back.

"Lanterns." He says, with a haughty tone "I am Fleet Admiral Ratok Lore and I suppose I should thank you for your aid in incapacitating this living planet planet, though I have no doubt that we would have subdued it eventually."

The looks Thor and the Lanterns share after he says confirm that they harbor doubts about that even if Ratok Lore doesn't but if he notices he doesn't show it.

"No matter. You may express our gratitude to your masters if you wish, though they really should have sent more than four of you." He eyes Thor as he speaks, as if unsure what to make of him, then continues "In any case the Colonizers of Rigel now claim this planet Ego for their own."

Weapons are raised and cocked a soon as Lore speaks these words.

"And that makes you trespassers on Rigelian soil."


​

 

[Batman]

"I still ain't on board with it."

In twenty minutes' time, a tactically sufficient plan to infiltrate the facilities supplying the robots was dillberated and agreed upon. But despite the unanimous decision to allow Magneto and his goons to tag along with the group, which made more sense than allowing them to stay behind and roam free among the students, potentially corrupting as many as he could to his little cause of mutant anarchy and rebellion, Logan felt just as uncomfortable knowing that he was going into battle with the enemy. For all intents and purposes, he was still yet to be convinced that whoever kidnapped the Professor, Cyclops, and the others were still less of a threat than the Master of Magnetism - or worse yet, in league with The Brotherhood themselves. A brief history lesson in the X-Men's previous encounters with the old man had proven that he was more than determined to see his cause through, even at the risk of the people Xavier had trained. Some convulted scheme to lead the others into a trap wasn't out of place.

Still, even as he begrudgingly began to suit up under Jean's command, Logan felt powerless to stop it. His warnings of skepticism had fallen on deaf ears, and the situation had forced them into embracing a set of desperate measures. Snapping the buckles of his boots into place, Logan looked up and paused, staring back at the abandoned yellow and blue ensemble that he had worn on his first outing with the X-Men. Then continued to suit up, more than content with the redesigned "black-ops" uniform that Xavier had commissioned for Hank to create in light of the team's newest addition.

Though apart of him was already beginning to miss the mask.

"And I'd be lying if I said that I completely trusted Erik's motives either,", Jean replied, from a two-way communicator that had been active ever since the group split up to prepare for the mission. "But Magneto shouldn't be our primary concern right now. I want to find Scott and the others first and foremost. Nothing should detract from that objective, am I to make that clear?"

In a rare moment of levity, Logan smirked to himself. Whether it was the newfound seriousness in her voice or the fact that, for some reason, he felt like he had heard worse in his lifetime, Logan couldn't help but be amused.

"That your idea of givin' an order, darlin'?"

"No, it's a promise that I want you to make. No matter what your feelings are towards The Brotherhood, your priority will be to help us get the team back first."

Pulling on the top half of the suit and zipping it up, Logan raised an eyebrow, noting how much tighter the piece was than the last. "You'd think Hank was tryin' to make these as hard to breathe in as possible..."

"Logan, I'm serious. Promise me."

Shifting the belt buckle in place, Wolverine muttered to himself a few choice words that he could easily tell someone else. But given that this was a woman that wanted so desperately to find her man, not to mention her friends and the man she considered a second father, he figured the request wasn't too far out of line.

"Look, I ain't gonna promise that I'm takin' my eyes completely off'a Magneto. You can forget that."

Grabbing the gloves and slipping them on, he raised his fist into the air and clenched it, getting a feel for the fabric. "But fine. You want me to keep focused, I'll keep focused. I'll make sure that Magneto'll get his after we find the team. Whoever did this to them is gonna pay first."

*SNIKT*

Retracting his claws, satisfied at the freshly cut holes in the knuckles of the gloves, Logan grabbed the duffel bag full of gathered supplies for them to take along and slung it over his shoulder, heading out of the room adjacent to the Blackbird's hangar.

"After that, though. All bets are off."

"We'll see what happens when we get there. Tell the others I'll be along shortly."

Shutting off the communicator, Logan made his way towards the jet as several individuals appeared from the other side, having transported into the room with a puff of purple smoke. Standing infront of him were Magneto, Mystique, Dr. Light, and a small group of gathered students that were all dressed in trainee uniforms - the students included the electrical manipulator Virgil Hawkins, the teleporter Kurt Wagner, the phaser and junior member of the team, Kitty Pryde, and one particularly interesting choice. Gar Logan. Beast Boy.

Logan tried to hold back his objections to bringing such an inexperienced twerp along, but he'd be lying to himself if only reason he'd say anything is because the kid just didn't outright annoy him. From a standpoint of his abilities and their use in the field, the choice was sound.

"You the runts that Ms. Grey picked out for this?"

They all nodded, visibly awkward in their positions. Logan simply looked away, not wanting to say anything further about it.

Dropping the bag to the ground, revealing an array of tools snatched from Hank's lab equipped specifically for espionage and infiltration, Logan turned his eye towards the waiting Magneto, who seemed eager to get everyone aboard the Blackbird.

"Hold your horses, Fridge Magnet. We ain't leavin' without Jean."

"Wouldn't wanna jump the gun on your first mission back, would you... buddy."

 

[Byrd Man]

&

Spoiler

The Baxter Building
Manhattan


It was shaping up to be a normal day at the Baxter Building. Reed was in his lab, preparing star charts for an upcoming space mission. Sue was in her own laboratory, reexamining the results of the alien autopsy she and Reed had preformed for Captain America a week earlier. Ben was working out, benchpressing a a stack of ten ton weights. Johnny was in the living quarters immersed in the... gentleman's magazine he was reading.

The still of the day was broken by a sudden, screaming klaxon. The sensors throughout the building were issuing a red alert.

"Warning!" The sound system announced. "Space-time shift detected. Einstein-Rosen Bridge Event imminent in the living quarters."

On cue, the Four were rushing towards the spot. They all arrived just as a black hole opened on the ceiling and two colorfully dressed men fell through it. One in a white suit with black spots, the other dressed in red with yellow boots.

"--going on?" The one dressed in red asked as he fell. He and his spotted friend were tangled together. The spotted man pushed away from the other man and disappeared through another black hole.

The man dressed in red looked up and saw the Fantastic Four gathered around him, ready to strike. "Explain yourself," Sue said, creating an invisible collar around the stranger's neck. It was tight enough to cause discomfort, but left him enough room to breath and speak. "Who are you?"

"Uh-oh," Bart Allen said, tugging at the collar. "I'm the Flash... and something tells me I am literally not in Kansas anymore..."
​

The Baxter Building
Manhattan


"Okay," Reed said, standing in front of his family and their guest. The five of them were gathered in the Baxter Building's living quarters, Reed was in front of them with a holographic smart board hovering beside him. "Who's ready for a big infodump?"

Their guest, the man claiming to be the Flash, held his hand up. He looked around at the group before he slowly put his hand back down. "Sorry. I thought this was going to be an interactive lesson. My bad."

"Well, it partially is. Now, our friend here claims to be the Flash. As we all know, there is currently a hero with that exact name out in Central City. However, this Flash claims to be from an alternate universe."

"Can we say 'parallel universe' instead? 'Alternate universe' seems a bit derogatory."

"Our universe, our rules," Ben grumbled.

"How can we believe him though?" Sue asked with a look towards Flash. "He just fell out of the sky with some polka dot looking man. We know teleporters and other kinds of transportation."

"True, but there's his frequency."

Reed tapped the smart board and the display showed two wavelengths side by side. The two wavelengths moved up and down in a slow, steady rhythm, but the wavelength at the bottom was out of synch with the one at the top.

"I took a tissue sample from Flash earlier. His is at the bottom, mine is at the top. His molecules and atoms vibrate at a different frequency than ours. Just a few fractions of a second off from ours."

"That could be a side effect of his super speed, though. Remember what happened with Superman in the arctic?"

"It's not moving slower or faster than us, though. This is his molecules at rest. It's just out of rhythm from ours. Slightly. That tells me his home universe and ours are closely related, though vastly different."

Reed pressed the board and the wavelengths disappeared. They were replaced with two long lists on separate sides of a black line. "The right side of the line is our universe, the left side is his. As you can see, a laundry list of things make our worlds different. Time, events, even people. According to Flash, nearly half the heroes who exist here don't exist over there."

"Yeah!" Flash said, standing up. "And also, Soylent Green is people!"

He fell to his knees, shaking his fist to the skies.

"PEEEEOPLE!!!"

"Yeah, we have that movie here, too, dork."

"Dang," he said with a sigh, sitting back down. "What about Sixth Sense?"

"Bruce Willis was dead all along."

"Fight Club?"

"Ed Norton is Brad Pitt..."

"Back to the Future?!"

"I don't remember there being a huge twist in that movie."

"There really isn't," Flash said with a shrug. "It's just a good movie."

"Right," Reed said with an arched eyebrow. "As I was saying... I believe that, using the M-Theory, we can safely say that Flash's home universe is actually a neighbor to our universe. They probably even share a membrane."

The display behind Reed changed yet again, this time showing the universe from a far away distance, the galaxies spiraling away from the center. "As our universe expands and stretches farther apart, a side effect of the Big Bang, there seems to be gaps appearing in the very fabric of reality, and that shared membrane. That colorful rogue Flash was chasing must have inadvertently hit a pocket in space-time and the two fell through the gap in the membrane into our world."

"So, is there anyway we can find another gap in space-time to get me home? Perhaps, we can use my frequency as a guide to my universe, and then use particle accelerator to create a wormhole back home?"

"Hmm...," Reed said, stroking his chin. "Clever insight."

"Thanks. Took physics in college. The teacher was a jerk, but I learned some things."

"I need to go to my lab and seek a consultation on our problems. Susan, join me?"

"I think I may be better served out here," Sue said, glancing over to Flash. Johnny had his hand down around Flash's leg and was trying to set it ablaze. Flash vibrated and the flames dissipated. "But give Stephen my love."

"I will," Reed said before turning to Flash. "I promise you that I'll figure out a way to get you home."

Reed wiped the board and turned to leave, walking towards his lab.

"So, do you guys have hamburgers and fries over there?"

"Of course. Oh, God... please tell me the Nazis didn't win World War 2. Just my luck if I fell through into a Nazi Earth."

"Nope. Captain America took it to Hitler himself."

"Captain America?" Flash asked with a bemused look. "Seriously? That's like a name of a guy? Who was your 40th President?"

"Ronald Regan."

"Ronald Regan, the actor?!"

"We already said we had Back to the Future here."

"I know, just showing you why it's a good movie."

 

[Carnage27]

"Luckily Barton had a tracker on his uniform, or we might have never found him," I tell the assembled team. "With that, we can pinpoint his location. How long should that take?"

"A while, depending on where he is," Agent 13 responds from in front of the computer. "I've got all our power working on satellite sweeps. I'll make sure you know when we find him."

I nod as Tony swaggers through the door.
​

Tony Stark enters the Ultimates' meeting room a short while later with his helmet tucked under his arm.

"Hey guys and gals" He says "What did I miss?"
​

"Well, that thing that took Hawkeye is some sort of alien bug," I begin to explain as Stark takes a seat. "Apparently works as some sort of hive mind, and if our experience means anything, we have to assume HYDRA has control over them somehow."

"Agent 13 is working on locating Agent Barton," Diana adds. "We should know where he is in a few hours."

"So right now it's the waiting game," Black Widow says in a cold, empty voice, her eyes locked onto the screen in front of Agent 13.

"Right," I nod and then motion to the team, "which means we all need to get some rest. There's plenty of quarters. Pick one out and use it if you don't already have one."

The team slowly files out, leaving only Iron Man and me. I look over at him and give a slight smile and shake of my head, "One hell of a day, huh?"

 

[Batman]

*slap!*

Alright. Fifth slap to my face, supercharged at lightspeed. And I'm still not waking up.

This is real. I'm really seeing this.

"You there, weary traveller! Have you a temple of which I can visit to pay tribute to the protectors of this realm?"

It doesn't quite hit me until the smoke has cleared - and my head has stopped spinning - that the woman that appeared from the lightning has directed her attention onto me. Even with the evident question clearly left to my discretion, I have to look behind me just to make sure that I'm who she was actually directing it to. Then I point to myself, just as confused as before.

"Me? Are you talking to me?"

"Of course! Whom else would I be speaking with here? You are clearly the only of these mortals to be properly attired."

I look down at my uniform, trying to figure out whether or not that it's an insult or a compliment that she'd make any sort of connection with proper attire to this. Not that I'm particularly critical of my own fashion sense - I'm the only one to wear a bowtie to every day of highschool - but what I'm wearing and what everyone on the streets are wearing are two completely different things. I specifically designed this thing to leave a trail, not make a statement.

Then again, tell that to a 7-foot tall amazonian woman wielding a sword and a battle axe. Where the hell did she come from? Or, more importantly, where did the lightning come from? I'm still trying to wrap my head around that one.

"Uh... I don't really know what you're talking about, ma'am. We don't really have temples in Central.", I explain, trying to hide my caution as I approach. "I mean, there's the White House, but I really don't think you should..."

"Tis settled, then! You shall bring me to this White House! I anticipate a great journey there, after the All-father's great burden to transfer my spirit between the Nine Realms."

Nine realms? ...All-Father?

Maybe I need to try for another slap. See if that can't wake me up.

"Look, I'd love to be able to help you. Really, I'm sure that you have some very important business to settle on behalf of... All-Father.", I begin, trying not to raise an eyebrow. "But I'm afraid that I'm in the middle of a crisis of my own right now. See, someone's threatening to..."

Suddenly, her eyes narrow. "Threatening? Who would dare threaten this world? It is said to be the most peaceful of the Nine!"

Okay, then. Eyebrow is officially raised.

"Lots of people. But this one in particular is called The Gorgon. He's hiding a potential weapon of mass destruction within the city, and I have to find it and stop it from blowing up."

Suddenly, she seems to beam with anticipation.

"Oh, so it is a quest! That is even better. I shall accompany you then, warrior mortal. And should we succeed, you shall take me to this White House. Is this acceptable?"

I look back at her, speechless. Not for lack of trying, but I honestly don't have anything to say to her for the first few seconds. Then it suddenly dawns on me that I'm still racing the clock, and that if I don't hurry up and end this conversation now, both of the Twin Cities could be done for.

"Lady, I really don't think that would be a good idea. These are dangerous people, and besides, I don't even know who you are."

"Of course. Forgive me, Midguardian, I forget myself."

Placing her sword into the street, she kneels infront of me and bows her head. Which isn't awkward at all. I look around, noticing a gathering crowd of onlookers from the streets, watching me and the woman fraternize. This is the longest that I've ever been seen by a large group of like this, and this was hardly the kind of public outing that I expected.

"I am Brunnhilde, proud Valkyrior warrior of Asgard. I believe I was sent to seek the one called Thor, son of the All-Father and an outcast of my homeworld."

Thor? Wait, is she talking about the Thor, the one from The Ultimates?

What does he have to do with this? Is this his sister or something?

"Uh... I'm The Flash. Of Earth. And I wish I could help, but I don't really know Thor. Not personally, anyway."

"Ah, well it matters not, The Flash of Earth. I shall resume my search of him once I have aided you in your quest and put myself within the good graces of your realm's guardians. It is the way of Asgardian diplomacy."

I'd try and tell her no, like I tried to before, but I really am running out of time. Even with my speed, there's no telling when this weapon is supposed to go off and where it's going to impact. If I stand even a chance of finding it, I can't waste time in arguing. And she's definitely not someone that I want running around, especially with that sword in hand. She's likely to be arrested, or worse.

And I don't know why, but I really don't want to see that happen.

"I can't believe I'm saying this, but... alright. You can come along. But please, try not to get in my way. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of lives at stake and I need to focus."

Offering my hand, she rises up and accepts it. How am I supposed to transport a woman that stands taller than me by about a foot and a half? At least The Turtle was short, even if he did make up for it in girth.

"Uh... you can't fly, can you? I think Thor can fly."

"Only with the aide of the mighty Mjnoir. And he is the only deemed worthy enough to wield it."

"Alright... then hang on."

Instructing her to wrap both arms around my waist, I silently gulp and begin to advance.

And in no time, we're both gone in a flash of light, racing to the outskirts of Central City.

I have no idea what I just set myself up for.

On the other side of Central City...​

"C'mon, sis! Pull it together! We gotta move if we're gonna get outta this!"

Professional thief Leonard Snart had found himself in plenty of tight spots before.

As one of the country's most wanted fugitives for his skills as a contract-for-hire, practically all that Snart had known for the past twelve years were the terms 'on the run' and 'keep a low profile'. A teenage runaway and son of a con-artist, Snart was inducted to a life of crime early in his life and had never looked back since. Earning his day-to-day meant planning an intricate robbery of diamonds or mapping out a potential museum heist for an eager buyer that would be willing to pay for his services. So to expect considerable risk whenever he was called out on an usual request - attending a meet-and-greet of a select group working under Sam Scudder, one of the city's premiere mobsters - was as close to second nature to a crook like Snart that he didn't even give it a second's thought whenever he came.

What he didn't expect to find when he arrived was his own sister, Lisa, clinging to Scudder's arm like a cheap accessory. Heated words were exchanged, Snart foolishly decided to throw the first punch, and it had all only escalated from there. Now the pair were forced to run for their lives in the abandoned meat factory that acted as a front for many of Scudder's business operations. The only real problem that prevented them from making a swift exit before the mobster's goons caught up to them was Lisa. In midst of the fight, she had suffered a devastating gunshot wound to the stomach.

Snart wanted to blame everybody in the building for her predicament, but deep down, he knew it wasn't the truth. He was the only reason any of this had happened. If he had never chosen to be a lowlife, there wouldn't have been a meeting to begin with.

"T-Tryin'... to, Len.", Lisa whispered painfully, fighting back the temptation to black out.

"Why'd you... why'd you come? Why'd any of this have to... happen?"

Snart forced the two behind a high stack of crates, hearing oncoming footsteps from across the plant. There was no use in running if they were spotted. They had to hide, and wait for the heat to die down until Scudder assumed that the two had escaped. Allowing Lisa to gently collapse onto the ground, Leonard propped her up so that he could assess the damage and figure out a plan.

"Shh. Forget about that. None'a that's gonna matter until you're well again. Show me how bad it is."

With a grunt, Lisa removed her red-stained hand from the wound, revealing a massive entry point that only continued to pool blood. Snart visibly backed off, holding his forehead in both palms, trying to keep himself from losing it. He had seen smaller holes than that kill plenty of people in this line of work. If his sister didn't see an operating table soon, she might aswell be dead. No amount of cover would be able to stop that kind of bleeding.

"****. ****!"

Kicking the wall next to him, Snart frantically paced the small space that they were using to hide.

"This wasn't supposed to happen! Oh god, what'd I do?! What'd I do?!"

"L-Len..."

Lisa looked up with hollowed eyes, vacantly staring up, barely clinging onto life.

"Am I gonna... am I gonna make it?"

Immediately dropping to his knees infront of her, he placed both hands firmly on her shoulders and squeezed as hard as he could to keep her conscious.

"You listen to me, sis, and you listen good. Ain't nothin' bad gonna happen to you, hear me?! We're gonna get you help... get you someplace far away from here. In the meantime, you gotta hang on. Promise me you'll hang on!"

His sister barely had the strength to nod in compliance, but she eventually did.

"Good girl. Christ..."

Standing back up, Snart pulled at his hair, searching for a way to escape.

"What the hell were you thinkin', Lisa?! You know what kinda guy Scudder is! I thought after dad, you'd have learned your lesson!"

Coughing up blood, Lisa still managed to roll her eyes.

"L-Like you did..."

"Hey, this ain't about me! I knew it was too late for me, I knew that. But you?! Jesus, what would mom say?"

"P-Probably alot of things,", she replied, pushing herself to weakly stand.

"Len, you gotta... You gotta listen to me. What you saw back there..."

Snart waved off her attempts to justify what was going on.

"I don't wanna hear it. Not now."

"N-No, Len. Now. Incase I... Incase I don't..."

Angrily, Snart pinned her hard against the crate, despite the pain.

"Don't you ****ing talk like that! You're gonna be alright! I don't wanna ever hear those words outta your..."

"Len, I'm a cop!"

Eyes widened, Lenoard let her go, allowing her to sink back onto the floor.

"What'd you just say?"

"I-I'm a cop. Undercover unit with the Central PD,", she explained.

"I've never been with that... scumbag at all. That was all just a show, Len. I-I've been working as his assistant, gatherin' information..."

"Oh, god..."

Shaking his head in disbelief, Snart took a glance around the corner to see if the coast was clear. And unfortunately, it wasn't.

"And you were gonna sell me out?"

"I-I didn't even know you'd be coming. Thought you moved to Mexico or somethin'..."

"No, Lisa, you don't understand..."

Lowering his head as he refused to look his sister in the eye, Snart pinned his forehead against the crate.

"Sellin' me out would be the best thing anyone's ever done for me."

"THERE! THEY'RE OVER THERE!"

Both Lenoard and Lisa looked at eachother with shock, hearing the rush of Scudder's lieutenants as they came bolting across the plant to retrieve the two.

This was it. Their number was up.

They were both gonna die right here and now.

 

[Carnage27]

​

"No matter. You may express our gratitude to your masters if you wish, though they really should have sent more than four of you." He eyes Thor as he speaks, as if unsure what to make of him, then continues "In any case the Colonizers of Rigel now claim this planet Ego for their own."

Weapons are raised and cocked a soon as Lore speaks these words.

"And that makes you trespassers on Rigelian soil."
​

"Never come easy, do they," Killowag grumbles next to me.

"I'm not looking forward to this," I respond from under my breath. "There are a lot of them."

"This planet is sentient," Sinestro responds to the colonizers. "Cruel and evil as he may be, you know the laws. No interference with sentient life, or developing sentients. Leave, Colonizers. Or you will face the Corps."

"Oh they're not going to like that," Tomar-Re responds.

"You heard him men," Lore smiles. "Kill them."

We barely have enough time to put up our shields before they fire.

 

[Eddie Brock]

One day ago...

I once made a superhero comic.

In truth, it was terrible. As always, I was too concerned with the illustrations and barely gave the story a second thought. It was all about getting to the next splash page, turning the amazing images from my imagination into reality. Now that I think about it, I can't even remember what the comic was about. But the illustrations still shine in my head, as clear as the day I first put them on the page.

Of course, that was before. Before the world went crazy. Before "superheroes" exploded off the page and into real life. I turn on the news at night, and all I see are those illustrations I used to make turned into real life. These larger-than-life figures - most of whom could use a costume redesign, by the way - who tower over the rest of us. It's enough to make the kid in my heart want to jump for joy.

But then the man in my heart thinks about how I have practically no money. What can I say? I pursued passion, but passion doesn't pay well. At least, my passion doesn't. I get by, of course. Illustrating the occasional greeting card, drawing a daily comic strip for some third-rate newspaper. I even applied to be a comic book artist, but I didn't have the chops for it. That's why I've been spending all my free time beefing up my portfolio. The next time I apply, I'm going to blow them out of the water.

I'm sitting in Central Park, sketching out a drawing of the Bethesda Fountain. My tools are a simple graphite pencil and a sketchpad of canvas paper. I know that in this day and age a lot of art is going digital, but I refuse to illustrate on an iPad. I need the feel of the canvas, that first mark where the pencil point chips off, the friction as the point drags along the paper. For me, art is as much about the experience as it is the product.

"Hold that pose!"

I look up and see my girlfriend, Alexandra Dewitt, aiming her camera at me. I reflexively raise an arm to cover my face, but I don't think I'm fast enough. Alex looks down at the screen and laughs, confirming my suspicion. "You know, if you just sat still and smiled when I took a picture of you, they wouldn't come out so bad," she advises.

I shrug. "Probably," I admit, "but that would make your life easier."

When I first met Alex, there was no way I could've known what I was getting into. First of all, I'm a very solitary person by nature. I've never had a problem with spending long periods of time alone, because I simply get lost in my own imagination. As a result, I've never really gone out of my way to get a girlfriend. There have been girls here and there, but never anything serious.

Then Alex came along.

She was hardheaded and combative and opinionated... and a million other things that probably should've turned me off, but I couldn't help but want to get to know this girl. Lo and behold, underneath that rough exterior was a very sensitive soul. An artist, just like me, except that her canvas was a camera lens.

"So when's Tyler getting here?" Alex asks.

Tyler is Tyler Hutchence, my best and oldest friend. We grew up down the street from each other, played as kids together, and even went to the same arts school together. Tyler's passion was architecture. Unlike me, he's had no trouble converting that passion into a profession. He lives in Star City now, but he makes it a point to fly across country when he can to stop and visit. Tonight is one of those nights.

"His plane will be landing in an hour," I answer after checking the time on my phone. The plan-of-attack when Tyler visits is always pretty simple: go out, see the New York nightlife, and get irresponsibly wasted. Alex is okay with it as I long as I don't cheat or puke in her apartment. "As always, you're welcome to come out with us," I offer.

Alex smiles. "That's sweet, but I wouldn't interrupt guy time."

"You talk like it's some momentous occasion," I laugh. "It's just two buddies drinking and catching up. Nothing exciting happens."
​

 

[Byrd Man]

Gotham Natural History Museum
8:45 PM


Alfred pulled the car up to the museum, the engine idling while I gave myself a quick once-over in the rear view mirror. Two days since the events in Antarctica, and Gorgon has fallen off the grid. All the sources and contacts at my disposal and I can't find any trace of where he disappeared to, or who is harboring him. As much as I dwell on that, tonight is not a time for dwelling.

"So what's the plan tonight?" Alfred asked from the front seat.

"As soon as I give my speech, I'm out of there," I said, adjusting my bowtie. "It's back to Wayne Tower and back out again."

"So, business as usual?" He said with a raised eyebrow.

"So it seems," I said, exiting out the car. A row of photographers perched outside the car snap my picture as I climb up the stairs towards the museum entrance.

Gotham's best and brightest (re: richest) are already mingling in the rotunda of the museum, looking at the museum's newest exhibit: The Treasures of Wakanda. Animal fossils, tribal tools, and weapons are all behind glass cases. Displays of old and new Wakandan dress are on mannequins. Paintings from Wakandan artists adorn the walls, sculptures and musical instruments are on display. The prime attraction of the exhibit is the golden crown worn by Wakanda's kind. The gold is encrusted with onyx stones and rubies.

"Bruce," a voice said from my right. Lincoln March, owner of March Ventures, held out his hand. I shook hands with him and offered up my best smile.

"How are things, Lincoln?"

"Business is business, my friend. Is WayneTech going strong?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," I said with a shrug. "I keep spending, and so far they haven't cut me off. That's a good sign."

"I would hope so," he said with a laugh. "Come with me, Bruce, let me introduce you to tonight's guest."

I followed March through the gathering, smiling and gland-handing any familiar faces I happened to come across. He led me to the center of the rotunda where two black men were in front of a collection of Wakandan banners.

"Your Highness," March said, bowing slightly to the taller of the two men. "Allow me to introduce you a bit of Gotham royalty. This is Bruce Wayne, Prince of Gotham. Bruce, this is King T'Challa of Wakanda."

"Your Highness," I said with a bow. "Don't listen to Lincoln, the title is a joke."

"Do not sell yourself short, Mister Wayne," T'Challa said. "I have heard of the good deeds you do for this city, proving to be an example for all the city's wealthy. I am impressed."

"Thank you, Your Highness."

"T'Challa, please."

"T'Challa," I said with a nod. "I honestly believe that those with the most power to create change should do all they can to make this world better. At the end of the day, it is the wealthy who can change this city, not some man in a mask."

"You speak of the Batman?" The king's companion piped up. "Tell me, what do you know of him?"

"David," T'Challa said with stern glance back at the young man. The two men quickly exchanged words in their native tongue before the king turned back to me. "Forgive him for speaking out. David is the finest officer in my royal guard, but he can be a bit impetuous. He has a interest in this city's protector."

"It's fine," I said, nodding at David. "I don't know how much of a protector this Batman character is, but I'm the last person qualified to speak about him. Why the interest, if I may ask?"

"It is because of David's clan," T'Challa said, pointing to the banners hanging up behind him. One of the banners was yellow with a black emblem of a bat's silhouette on it. "He is from one of Wakanda's smaller clans: Ukoo Wa Popo or Clan of the Bat."

"Yes, I am interested in any man who wears my clan sigil as an emblem."

"Fascinating," I said, taking the banner in. The coincidence in logo similarities is astounding. "What about you, T'Challa? What clan is yours?"

T'Challa smiled and pointed to the largest banner hanging up. A jet black banner with the white outline of a panther across it, the panther in mid-swipe. "I come from Uko Wa Paka. Clan of the Panther."

"Of course. I have heard rumors of the Black Panther's exploits. Will he treat us to a show here tonight?"

"If the Black Panther shows up, it will not be for a show. I can promise that."

"Your Highness," the museum curator said as she walked up. "We're ready."

"Of course," he said to the woman before turning to me. "Mister Wayne, it was a pleasure."

"Same here," I said, watching T'Challa and David walked off through the crowd. Everyone began to gather around a podium set up on a stage. March and I navigated through the group towards the foot of the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the curator said. "Before we begin, I'd like to thank Mister Jacob Kane, the chairman of the museum's board, for working tirelessly on the details to get this exhibit to the city. Special thanks to the Thomas & Martha Wayne Foundation for providing the funds of transport for the exhibit as well as. I'd like to remind everyone that all the proceeds from ticket sales of tonight's event, as well as all tickets to the Treasures of Wakanda exhibit go to charity, half going to the Gotham City Food Bank, the other half to the Aid for Africa organization. Now, without further ado, I'd like to introduce our guest speaker. Without his consent and approval, this beautiful exhibit would not have happened. The man who made it all happen Wakanda's royal ruler, King T'Challa."

The crowd applauded and cheered as T'Challa shook hands with the curator and came to the podium. His bodyguard stood just inches behind him, shadowing his every movement.

"Thank you," the king said once the applause faded. "I come here today bearing tokens and gifts of Wakanda's past. My country does indeed have a rich past, but it is not the past I am interested in. I look forward, to the future. Wakanda has always been a closed off nation. Highly secretive, bordering on xenophobic. I wish to change this, expand my nation's horizons. I have been king now for two years, and I have made progress, but there is always room to do more. This is why I come to America. I wish to open a dialogue between my country and yours. I believe that the nation of Wakanda would be a powerful ally to the United States..."

T'Challa continued his speech, but I droned it out as I noticed a flash of movement out the corner of my eye. Tiny, red, and moving fast. A laser sight, running up T'Challa's leg and coming to a stop on his chest.

"No!" I shouted, jumping forward and pushing him away from the podium.

KRAK!

Glass from the museum skyline above shattered, a bullet ripped through the podium and sent splinters of wood flying in the air. I fell to the stage as T'Challa's bodyguard jumped over me and made sure his charge stayed down on the ground. Screams and panic began to fill the museum, people running out the exit. I looked up towards the skyline. The laser sight had disappeared, but a building looming over the museum provided a perfect vantage point.

I stood, running out of the museum alongside others. I came out on the street as Alfred pulled up.

"I heard the shot," he said as he drove off. "Check under the seat there's a change of clothing..."

*****
​

I swung upwards over the building, coming down hard on the rooftop. I activated the thermal lenses in my cowl. The area lit up in a UV filter, showing a print of a heat signature, just a few minutes old. The signature also showed a pair of footprints, headed away from the museum. The footprint is wide and long, a man's foot. The tread on the footprint looks like a boot. A combat boot. The forensics had me so involved, I didn't hear the gravel crunching behind me until it's almost too late.

I spun around just in time to dodge a billy club to the face. My attacker swung backhand at me, but I crouched to avoid it and kicked them in the stomach to drive back.

"You," my attacker said, recovering from the blow.

"You tried to kill me. Unfortunate for you."
​

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex crosses over to the bar and fixes himself a Scotch & Soda.

He takes a drink as Mercy brings him a folder with forms for him to sign.

She says, "The insurance company needs you to sign these before they will cut any checks. Your lawyers have gone over them and they seem to feel you're getting fair-market all things considered."

Lex looks over the forms and begins signing them.

He says, "I tell you Mercy I must be slipping. Me getting fair-market value. That's like Tony Stark settling for Miss March of 2011. He would already be with Miss April of 2012 and have Miss May lined up for the next evening. Or Bruce Wayne opting to go to Pocatello, Idaho instead of Paris. In the past I would be able to get at least double the value without an eyebrow even being raised. Now though with Ross & Fury having everyone watching it's getting to be somewhat painful."

Mercy says, "And don't forget the Board of Directors are throwing you a party tomorrow night at the Excellsior Club to honor you for the way you've steered LexCorp through The Hulk situation."

Lex looks at Mercy and says, "A party? Now? They should've had one weeks ago. They're really slipping Mercy."

He finishes filling out the forms and says, "Get it into the overnight shipments. Take it to Metropolis International and give it to the currier personally."

Mercy nods and says, "Yes Mr. Luthor. Oh one more thing sir."

She hands him another folder and says, "The Department of Homeland Security is sending a liaison to meet with you. Here's his profile he'll be here in about 4 hours."

Lex shakes his head and says, "Great another set of eyes."

He takes the folder and just thumbs through the first couple of pages and says, "Major Glenn Talbot interesting. I've heard of this bafoon."

Mercy asks, "What's so interesting?"

Lex looks at her and says, "This is the same fool who tried to further his career by trying to do an end-around on General Ross,and using his daughter. What an idiot, but I do see a possibility."

Lex hands her the folder back and says, "Scan in all the pages into Alexis' hard-drive so she can give me a complete background on our fair Major, and then get to the airport."

Mercy nods and Lex says, "Once you deliver the forms to the currier wait for the Major and then bring him here in the Limo."

Mercy nods and leaves.

Interesting indeed.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The Hulk and Betty leap further and further away from Stabob.

They stop for a moment and Betty says, "Hulk we have to go back there."

Hulk asks, "Why? People there hurt Betty. Hulk not let Betty get hurt."

Betty replies, "Hulk my dad is coming there, and he will help us."

Hulk replies, "Why we need help? Hulk can protect Betty and nothing can hurt Hulk."

Betty says, "I know that Hulk, but you're rather ummm unique."

Hulk looks for a moment and says, "Hulk what?"

Betty replies, "You're not like other people. My dad might be able to help you adjust to be like other people. Like me."

Hulk says, "Hulk want be Hulk. Hulk don't want to be like others. This is me. Hulk!"

Betty says, "Hulk you fighten some people. Do you like people to be frightened of you and shooting at you all the time?"

Hulk says, "No. Guns are loud and sting Hulk. Hulk not care what other people think. Hulk only care what Betty think."

Betty says, "Would you do it for me? Please? I'm starting to get scared being on the run."

Hulk nods and says, "For Betty Hulk will."

The Hulk begins to leap back to Stabob. Betty has him stop just short of the General Store where Betty sees that there is a bevy of activity.

Betty says, "Great we walk into that and it'll get real ugly."

Betty turns to The Hulk and says, "Let's just rest here for a minute okay."

She begins stroking his hair and says, "Rest we need to rest."

Hulk sits down and says, "Rest. Hulk rest."

The Hulk begins changing back into Bruce Banner.

Once he is changed back Bruce says to Betty, "I know this is getting to be an old line, but what happened this time?"

Betty says, "You took out an entire biker gang."

Bruce shakes his head and says, "Great."

Betty leans in and embraces Bruce and says, "And you saved me from being raped."

Bruce embraces Betty and says, "I'll take my victories where I can get them."

Betty backs up and says, "We can make it to the main highway by going around the General Store and try to intercept my Father's car before it gets here."

Bruce and Betty begin to make their way to the highway sneaking past the activity at the General Store.

 

[Carnage27]

I wait in the hangar bay with what's left of my Brotherhood, and I can tell Mystique is visibly distraught at the current situation we find ourselves in. She has no desire to team with those she's fought, and even tried to kill many times before.

"I don't like this, Eric," she says in a hushed voice. "They'll sell us out the first chance they get. The minute we find the rest of their damn team they'll turn on us."

"You forget that we'll also find the rest of our team with them," I respond calmly. "We're very safe, Mystique. I hold no fear as to what will happen here. We'll get our allies back, and we will show the humans for what they truly are."

"[BLACKOUT]I hope you're right,[/BLACKOUT] " Arthur responds."[BLACKOUT]I don't know if I can control myself around these traitors.[/BLACKOUT]"

Eying my old friend cautiously, I remain quiet and ponder what we're about to do. Team up with those that would deny their people their rightful place. It's unfortunate I have to stoop to such levels.

But I will get to study Jean Grey closer. Charles had said she was losing control. If that's the case, I want to see her power. I want to witness it in person. She could be the greatest of us all, and that thought brings a smile to my face.

I begin walking up the ramp when the Wolverine steps in my way. The man is a menace. He may be a living weapon, but he's as intelligent as the metal on his bones.

"Hold your horses, Fridge Magnet. We ain't leavin' without Jean."

"Wouldn't wanna jump the gun on your first mission back, would you... buddy."

I smile at him, "Wolverine, the last thing I would do is to leave without Ms. Grey."

As she approaches, I bow slightly and smile, "After you, my dear."

"Can it, Magneto," Marvel Girl responds, obviously not interested in making friends.

We all take our seats inside the X-Men's jet, and I look around as we take off, "So are we all clear on the plan? Two teams. Wolverine, Mystique, and I along will lead one to infiltrate the Stark building in New York. Jean and Arthur the other to inspect the LexCorp one. I'll allow you two to split up the young ones. I'm not sure on their abilities."

 

[bkhedr]

"Luckily Barton had a tracker on his uniform, or we might have never found him," I tell the assembled team. "With that, we can pinpoint his location. How long should that take?"

"A while, depending on where he is," Agent 13 responds from in front of the computer. "I've got all our power working on satellite sweeps. I'll make sure you know when we find him."

I nod as Tony swaggers through the door.
​

"Well, that thing that took Hawkeye is some sort of alien bug," I begin to explain as Stark takes a seat. "Apparently works as some sort of hive mind, and if our experience means anything, we have to assume HYDRA has control over them somehow."

"Agent 13 is working on locating Agent Barton," Diana adds. "We should know where he is in a few hours."

"So right now it's the waiting game," Black Widow says in a cold, empty voice, her eyes locked onto the screen in front of Agent 13.

"Right," I nod and then motion to the team, "which means we all need to get some rest. There's plenty of quarters. Pick one out and use it if you don't already have one."

The team slowly files out, leaving only Iron Man and me. I look over at him and give a slight smile and shake of my head, "One hell of a day, huh?"

"Tell me about it." Tony says in a relaxed manner that betrays none of the physical or mental fatigue he feels.

He finds himself almost on automatic as he makes his way over to a corner bar in the meeting room while visions of the dead sailors floating in the Pacific work their way back into his brain.

"I gotta tell you Cap." He says as he takes in the bar's sparse selection, bending over and peaking inside a cupboard for more choice "For a minute there I thought we were done for. Ahh. Here we go."

Tony pours himself a glass of whiskey then turns to face Cap. He takes a sip of his drink and leans on the bar as the satisfying warmth of the drink flows through him.

"I mean, God knows what would have happened today if not for the Ultimates. What I'm saying is, maybe forming the Ultimates wasn't such a bad idea after all." He takes another, longer sip. "And maybe I was wrong when I said your time had past."
​

Tony flashes his famous smile to illustrate the point, then downs what's left of his drink in one gulp.

"So...about Hawkeye?"

 

[bkhedr]

​

"Never come easy, do they," Killowag grumbles next to me.

"I'm not looking forward to this," I respond from under my breath. "There are a lot of them."

"This planet is sentient," Sinestro responds to the colonizers. "Cruel and evil as he may be, you know the laws. No interference with sentient life, or developing sentients. Leave, Colonizers. Or you will face the Corps."

"Oh they're not going to like that," Tomar-Re responds.

"You heard him men," Lore smiles. "Kill them."

We barely have enough time to put up our shields before they fire.

Thor's strength is all but depleted and the Lantern's are severely outnumbered but Lore's forces have suffered significant losses of their own, and despite his apparent confidence the battle does not last long.

With green flashing all around him and his forces in full retreat, Lore has no choice but to rush up a ramp towards his landing craft, as his personal guard protect his rear. He pauses at the top of the ramp and turns, shaking a fist at his enemies.

"This isn't over Lanterns! You too long hair!!" He shouts over the din of the battle "You have made powerful enemies this day and the Colonizers will not be denied!" Do you hear me? The Colonizers will AKHG!"

He is cut off mid sentence and has to throw himself to the ground to avoid being struck by Mjolnir. The hammer collides with his vessel, punching a hole in the hull, before returning, and punching another hole in the process, on its way to back to Thor.

The Fleet Admiral frowns at the damage done to his vessel and realizes that now is not the time for bluster. He makes no effort to resist as his guards take him by the arms and haul him up the ramp into the waiting ship; and before long the battle is over leaving only one Rigellian on the surface of Ego.

"Please wait." Tana Nile says as she approaches the heroes with her hands held high in surrender.

One of the Lanterns points his ring at her but Thor steps in the way

"Hold. I would hear what she has to say."

"Thank you Thor." Tana says with a grateful nod before her head moves from side to side to take in the Lanterns "Thank you all for what you've done here today."

"It seems your fellow Colonizers do not share your gratitude" Thor says as he folds his arms across his chest. The all consuming weakness still dominates his being but he is doing his best not to show it

Tana's shame is apparent as she looks down to avoid Thor's accusing gaze.

"They've never respected any laws except for their own. Not the Galactic Council's, not even the Guardians'."

She looks up

"But we're not all like our leaders. Some of us understand that we have to respect other civilizations, other lifeforms. If we don't we could one day come across something even worse than Ego. Something that could destroy us all."

Thor nods his understanding "What is to be done then Tana?"

"I don't know." Tana replies with a shake of her head "I have some influence, not much, but some will listen to me. I will go back to Rigel and try to convince our leaders of the error of their ways. Maybe I can get them to change."

"You think they'll listen?" Killowog asks gruffly

"No" Tana admits "But what choice do I have?"

"None. All you can do, what you must do, is the right thing, whenever you can. And I know that that is what you will do." Thor says comfortingly as he puts a hand on Tana's shoulder.

" Yours is a good soul Tana Nile and I am honored that I was able to help you this day. Know that I stand ready to assist you whenever you need me."

This makes Tana smile "Thank you Thor. Thank you too Lanterns."

She turns and makes her way to her ship and the waiting Recorder standing near the entrance hatch

"I promise I won't allow my people to forget what you did for us today."

With that Tana enters her vessel and departs Ego's barren surface leaving Thor to turn his attention to the Lanterns

"So my new friends." He says with a broad smile "How shall we celebrate our victory?"
​

 

[Byrd Man]

&

Previously

Spoiler

The Baxter Building
Manhattan


"Okay," Reed said, standing in front of his family and their guest. The five of them were gathered in the Baxter Building's living quarters, Reed was in front of them with a holographic smart board hovering beside him. "Who's ready for a big infodump?"

Their guest, the man claiming to be the Flash, held his hand up. He looked around at the group before he slowly put his hand back down. "Sorry. I thought this was going to be an interactive lesson. My bad."

"Well, it partially is. Now, our friend here claims to be the Flash. As we all know, there is currently a hero with that exact name out in Central City. However, this Flash claims to be from an alternate universe."

"Can we say 'parallel universe' instead? 'Alternate universe' seems a bit derogatory."

"Our universe, our rules," Ben grumbled.

"How can we believe him though?" Sue asked with a look towards Flash. "He just fell out of the sky with some polka dot looking man. We know teleporters and other kinds of transportation."

"True, but there's his frequency."

Reed tapped the smart board and the display showed two wavelengths side by side. The two wavelengths moved up and down in a slow, steady rhythm, but the wavelength at the bottom was out of synch with the one at the top.

"I took a tissue sample from Flash earlier. His is at the bottom, mine is at the top. His molecules and atoms vibrate at a different frequency than ours. Just a few fractions of a second off from ours."

"That could be a side effect of his super speed, though. Remember what happened with Superman in the arctic?"

"It's not moving slower or faster than us, though. This is his molecules at rest. It's just out of rhythm from ours. Slightly. That tells me his home universe and ours are closely related, though vastly different."

Reed pressed the board and the wavelengths disappeared. They were replaced with two long lists on separate sides of a black line. "The right side of the line is our universe, the left side is his. As you can see, a laundry list of things make our worlds different. Time, events, even people. According to Flash, nearly half the heroes who exist here don't exist over there."

"Yeah!" Flash said, standing up. "And also, Soylent Green is people!"

He fell to his knees, shaking his fist to the skies.

"PEEEEOPLE!!!"

"Yeah, we have that movie here, too, dork."

"Dang," he said with a sigh, sitting back down. "What about Sixth Sense?"

"Bruce Willis was dead all along."

"Fight Club?"

"Ed Norton is Brad Pitt..."

"Back to the Future?!"

"I don't remember there being a huge twist in that movie."

"There really isn't," Flash said with a shrug. "It's just a good movie."

"Right," Reed said with an arched eyebrow. "As I was saying... I believe that, using the M-Theory, we can safely say that Flash's home universe is actually a neighbor to our universe. They probably even share a membrane."

The display behind Reed changed yet again, this time showing the universe from a far away distance, the galaxies spiraling away from the center. "As our universe expands and stretches farther apart, a side effect of the Big Bang, there seems to be gaps appearing in the very fabric of reality, and that shared membrane. That colorful rogue Flash was chasing must have inadvertently hit a pocket in space-time and the two fell through the gap in the membrane into our world."

"So, is there anyway we can find another gap in space-time to get me home? Perhaps, we can use my frequency as a guide to my universe, and then use particle accelerator to create a wormhole back home?"

"Hmm...," Reed said, stroking his chin. "Clever insight."

"Thanks. Took physics in college. The teacher was a jerk, but I learned some things."

"I need to go to my lab and seek a consultation on our problems. Susan, join me?"

"I think I may be better served out here," Sue said, glancing over to Flash. Johnny had his hand down around Flash's leg and was trying to set it ablaze. Flash vibrated and the flames dissipated. "But give Stephen my love."

"I will," Reed said before turning to Flash. "I promise you that I'll figure out a way to get you home."

Reed wiped the board and turned to leave, walking towards his lab.

"So, do you guys have hamburgers and fries over there?"

"Of course. Oh, God... please tell me the Nazis didn't win World War 2. Just my luck if I fell through into a Nazi Earth."

"Nope. Captain America took it to Hitler himself."

"Captain America?" Flash asked with a bemused look. "Seriously? That's like a name of a guy? Who was your 40th President?"

"Ronald Regan."

"Ronald Regan, the actor?!"

"We already said we had Back to the Future here."

"I know, just showing you why it's a good movie."

The Baxter Building
Manhattan

Flash looked out the windows of the Baxter Building at the skyline of New York. "New York exists in my world, too," he said, turning back to look at Johnny, who was immersed in his cellphone. "It's not this big, though. There's another town on the other side of the river where Brooklyn and Queens are. Gotham City."

"Uh-huh," Johnny said, busily typing out a text.

"I mean, you guys have Gotham, too. Keystone and Central as well. Just, everything is in a different spot... I wonder if the Flash here is the same guy?"

"Uh-huh..."

"You're not listening to me, are you?"
"Uh-huh..."

"Hey, look, there's a couple of hot women making out on the street..."

"Uh-huh-- Wait, what?!" Johnny shouted. He ran over to the window, leaning against the glass to look down at the street below. "You son of a--"

"Just seeing if you were paying attention."

"You're evil," he said, stepping away from the glass. "You're from that evil universe where everyone has a goatee."

"Does it look like I have a goatee?" Flash asked, rubbing the smooth skin around his mouth.

"Whatever. I'm bored. Let's go out of here and hit the town."

"Umm, didn't your sister say that I shouldn't leave the Baxter Building? For safety reasons?"

"I dunno," Johnny said with a nonchalant shrug. "Sue says a lot of stuff. Fact is, dude, you're on an alternate Earth and you've got a chance to go sightseeing. You in our out?"

"Well, I'm sure my brother would like me to nab him a t-shirt while I'm here..."

*****

​

Reed Richards walked through the white void. The expanse stretched endlessly in every direction. His footsteps echoed off the floor with every step he took. "Computer, connect with server SH002."

A figure flickered in front of Reed before the person came into view. He was a tall, skinny man with large glasses. "Reed," Stephen Hawking said in a crisp British accent. The first time in many years a machine had not talked for him.

"Hello, Stephen. I see my virtual reality system is working."

"Like a charm," Stephen said, looking down at his fully functioning arms and legs. "I know it's not real... but it feels so real."

"If the past few years have taught me anything, it's that reality is subjective. Now, you can walk and talk here without the use of your chair, so you can record speeches and lectures for use. But, you can't actually interact with anyone unless they have the same system."

"I understand. But to just be able to do this... this is a real gift." Hawking reached out and patted Reed's shoulder. "Thank you."

"If you wish to thank me, you'll help me out with a problem I'm having."

"What is it?"

"Let me call in some more help first. Computer, run programs: AE0012 and WH5690."

Two figures flickered and then came in focus in front of Reed and Hawking. One was a thin man with wild, gray hair. The other was taller and heavier, his black hair slicked back.

"Hello," the thin man said in a German accent. "where are we?"

"Doctor Einstein, Doctor Heisenberg, I am Reed Richards and this is my colleague, Stephen Hawking."

"How is it we came to be here?" Heisenberg asked, his voice deeper and his German accent thicker than Einstein's.

"We both of you died, you had parts of your brain preserved. For posterity. I took samples of that gray matter and was able to copy your brain patterns. You two gentlemen are currently inhabiting a central processing unit inside my home, the Baxter Building in New York City."

"And why do you need us?" Einstein asked, his hands behind his back.

"Because, I discovered a parallel dimension today. A visitor from an alternate Earth literally fell into my living room. I need to find a way to get him home, a way to travel to through the multiverse. That's why I called you three here. Heisenberg, the father of quantum mechanics; Einstein, the man who changed the world with General Relativity; and Stephen Hawking, the smartest man of the last fifty years."

"Wait just a minute," Einstein started to say.

"You've been dead for fifty-six years, Doctor."

"But I have not," Heisenberg spat.

"Gentlemen," Hawking said, holding his hands up. "We can argue brainpower for ages. Doctor Richards is appealing to our scientific minds. All these years, all these theories and formulas and endless debate, today they became something more. They became a reality. No more debating, no more theories. Reed is offering us a way to go a step further, to move theoretical physics to applied physics. Ground breaking work. Once in a lifetime work."

"In our case, two lifetimes," Einstein said, motioning to both himself and Heinsenberg.

"Thank you for that speech, Stephen. What do you say, gentlemen? Are you ready to change the world one more time?"

"Where is our data?" Heisenberg said. "I cannot work without data."

"I have all the data you could ask for. Computer, open file: UDC2009."

A hovering display popped up and encircled around the four men. Numbers, pictures, displays, and graphs were all etched on to the display.

"Let's get started..."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex looks over the progress being made on-line concerning his battle suit as Mercy enters his office.

She says, "Major Talbot is here to see you."

Lex powers down his lap-top and says, "Very well show the Major in."

Mercy nods and exits the office. She re-enters with Major Talbot following her and Lex says, "Thank you Mercy. Make sure we are not disturbed."

Mercy nods and leaves as Lex walks over to Talbot and says, "Major welcome to LexCorp. Care for a drink."

The two men shake hands and Talbot replies, "I'm on-duty and I'm not supposed to drink when on official business."

Lex replies, "My apologies."

Talbot shrugs his shoulders and asks, "What do you got?"

Lex smiles and says, "You look like a scotch man."

Talbot smiles and says, "Right you are Mr.Luthor. Scotch and soda. Neat and on the rocks."

Lex goes behind the bar and begins fixing the drinks and says, "It's Lex Major. No need to stand on formality."

Talbot says, "Fair enough. In that case it's Glenn. I'm here as you know because The Hulk situation is starting to gain some media exposure nationally, and when General Ross gave the order to mobilize the Air Calvary at Fort Watkins and then told them to stand down that got our Department's attention."

Lex says, "I see and Homeland thinks I might be able to help out."

Talbot replies, "Something like that. Can I level with you Lex off the record?"

Lex nods and says, "Of course" while giving Talbot his drink.

Talbot says, "Homeland is clueless about The Hulk. They are trying to get as much intel on him as possible before deciding what to do about him. Some want him dead some want him brought in and studied. I mean the thing battled Superman and walked away that's impressive alone. I see something more potent in him. Power within him that if the right person were to harness it the results would be unreal. I'm also here because I know General Ross and his daughter and they thought that might help out as well."

Lex takes a drink and says, "I gather you're still stinging from the, how can I put this delicately, situation with the Rosses."


Talbot takes a drink and says, "Yeah. Ross blackballed me and it's only because I've got a Uncle on staff at the D-O-D and a frat brother at Homeland that got this job. Up until now I've been nothing more than a glorified coffee boy for the director and her staff."

Lex nods and is trying so hard not to smile.

And here is where the snake offers the forbidden fruit.

Lex says, "I've studied your career Glenn. I make it my business to know those I'm getting to deal with. I think it's a crime what's happened to you. You were trying to advance your career and serve your country nothing wrong with that."


Talbot says, "Thank you Lex."

Lex says, "Not to mention if the President loses this election you're out on the job market again. Trusting your career to the whims of the voters not something I would relish."


Talbot says, "I agree that's been on my mind as well."

Lex says, "What if I were to make you an offer that would have you set for life, and get even with the Rosses at the same time?"

Talbot asks, "Who do I have to kill to make that happen?"

Lex replies, "No one. Well not yet." The two men laugh over that statement and Lex continues, "I want The Hulk. I see so much potential in him as a weapon. Cloning him and having an army of Hulks to sell to the highest bidder just incredible, but in order for that to happen I need your help."


Talbot asks taking a drink, "What do you need from me?"

Lex replies, "You have connections at Homeland and the D-O-D. I have a situation though General Ross and Nick Fury are making life difficult for me. If I were to get The Hulk they would intervene and with Betty Ross I would certainly lose him. Your connections would enable to step over, and on, Fury and the Rosses."

Talbot smiles and takes a drink and says, "I've been thinking that about The Hulk myself, and yeah Fury has been a pain in my neck as well."


Lex nods taking a drink and says, "Great minds think alike Glenn. What I need from you is written authorization from Homeland and The D-O-D that The Hulk is mine. Ross & Fury would be powerless to stop us."


Talbot lights up somewhat at the word us.

Talbot says, "Not meaning to be crude, but what's in this for me?"

Lex crosses over to his desk and gets a folder. He gives it to Talbot and says, "You would be in charge of Project: Hulk."

Talbot begins reading the file and his eyes begin to light up when he sees the benefits.

Lex says, "A generous pay-package, with stock options, benefits health and life, and of course the big pay off a seat on the board of directors."


Talbot looks up when he says that and Lex says, "That's right those appointments are for life and as long as you sit on the board you get paid. Only I can dismiss you no one else. Do you realize that there are people who've been here for years and would give up their first born just to sit in on the reading of the minutes for board meeting? Think of it Glenn a seat at the big table, and no more Government or Military games or idiots to deal with."


Talbot closes the folder and look at Lex and says, "I'm in."

Lex smiles and says, "Excellent. You bring me that letter of authorization within the next two hours and I'll make it happen."

Talbot is somewhat stunned and says, "Kinda cutting it close. It's gonna take me some time."

Lex says, "Glenn here at LexCorp we make things happen. If you're gonna be a part of it you need to learn that now. Or am I choosing the wrong man for this job?"

Talbot says, "I'll get it done Lex. You'll have it in two hours."

Lex nods and says, "Excellent!"

The two men shake hands and finish their drinks.

When Talbot leaves Lex says, "Alexis"

She responds, "Yes Mr. Luthor."

Lex says, "Make sure Project:Hulk is kept off the books for now."

Alexis replies, "Of course sir. One question do you believe Talbot can produce the letter?"

Lex replies, "Normally no. However he is a career politician and a buffoon. Talbot is looking for a fast and easy way to the top. I just gave it to him on a silver platter. He'd sell his own family to pull this off."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Bruce and Betty navigate around the mayhem at the General Store staying as close the woods as possible.

Just then they hear a thumping sound approaching from the east.

Bruce asks, "What's that?"

Betty replies, "Oh no! I know what it is. I've grown up on Army Bases all my life I know the sounds of a helicopter anywhere. Come on."


The two run into a nearby cave and take refuge. Betty looks at Bruce and says, "I need you to stay calm. The last thing we need right now is The Hulk showing up."


Bruce says, "I thought you told your dad not to bring in the military."

Betty replies, "I did. My guess once it was obvious that The Hulk showed up the Government stepped in. Now we really need to get to my dad."


Bruce asks, "Wouldn't he be compelled to turn me over to the Government?"

Betty replies, "Technically yes. However there are two things he hates in his line of work. 1) People like Talbot who are clueless politicians 2) Politicians who try to tell him what his job is. If the Government is about to get involved he'll get both. Which means he'll do what he can to stonewall as much as possible. I hope."

Just then a black unmarked helicopter comes flying over head.

Bruce asks, "You think they're out taking a tour of the country?"

Betty gives him "you're kidding me" look and Bruce says, "Me neither, but right now I'm going for any good news I can get."

Betty says, "That was an NSA copter meaning the heat is about to get turned up like we won't believe."


Bruce sits and says, "Betty I'm the one they're after not you. Get as far away from me as you can. You need to save yourself on this one."


Betty sits next to him and says, "Absolutely not! I got you in this mess I'll do what I can to get you out of this."


Bruce says, "Betty you have to go. You stay with me you're not safe. If the NSA along with other organizations are about to get involved there's only gonna be so much your dad can do to protect us."


Betty says, "Bruce please I can help you."

Bruce shakes his head and says, "No I have to do this alone. My life is already screwed up enough. If you were to be caught or hurt because of me I'd be devastated. It's not safe for you to be with me anymore."

Betty says almost crying, "Bruce I love you I want to stay with you."

Bruce replies, "I love you too, but this is the only way you and I know it."

They then hear dogs barking and it's getting closer.

Bruce says, "You know what's about to happen, and there's nothing I can do to stop it. Those dogs get here it's gonna get messy, and the last time you said you could handle something you got attacked by a biker."

Betty nods and Bruce says, "I'll get out of here and lead them away. Meet up with your father and I'll contact you as soon as I can."


Betty nods and Bruce stands up. Betty quickly stands up and the two of them kiss.

Bruce breaks off the kiss and Betty says, "I'll be waiting for your call. I love you."

Bruce replies, "I love you too. Wait here for 15 minutes and then make for the highway."

Betty nods and the two stare at each other for a moment as Bruce sprints out of the cave.

One of the trackers yells, "There he is! Turn the dogs loose!"

Betty sits in the cave and closes her eyes as she hears the dogs sprint after Bruce.

Within a matter of minutes in the distance she hears the dogs yelping and a familiar roar in the distance followed by lots of screaming.

Betty looks around and begins to head to the highway.

 

[Andy C.]

A little mood music for the scene.....

It started out quietly enough, a distant CLICK and a low hum, followed by a rush of air as the air conditioning turned itself on. The other patients never noticed, either because they were too wrapped up in their own madness or because it simply wasn't something worth noticing. The guards that patrolled the penitentiary ward didn't notice; they had a wing full of violent psychotics to keep their eyes on. The doctors and nurses didn't notice, as they had their rounds to make, their patients to tend to.

But the Joker noticed.

Raising an eyebrow, he looked up at the small vent at the top of his cell, eyeing it carefully. The air conditioning turned itself on and off at regular intervals every day, but this wasn't one of those intervals. Someone had turned on the air throughout the entire asylum. And the Joker had a pretty good idea who it was.

"This should be good," he said with an excited giggle as he sat back down on his bed and waited for the show.

"Good Lord," said Dr. Jonathan Crane as he looked at the Joker's bruised and swollen face. "Why on Earth did they do this to you?"

"Because I was bad," he said casually. "Apparently I made three people kill themselves while I was watching cartoons."

"That's outrageous," Crane said, his voice full of indignity.

"Heh, tell me about it," the Joker laughed. "I've got no connection with any of the victims, no evidence that I was ever in contact with any of them at any point. And it's not even my style. But something bad happened, and Arkham and his company were scared, so they dragged me out of my cell and beat me up to make me confess to some imaginary master plan. And they say I'm insane. Ha!"

"You are insane, Joker," Crane said dryly.

"Oh, I know," he said, his smile widening. "That's what makes it so funny!"

The Joker giggled and laughed for a moment or two, then looked Crane in the eye.

"So did you enjoy it?"

Dr. Crane stared back at Joker in surprise, giving way to a current of deadly anger.

".....I don't know what you mean," he said levelly.

"I'm recommending a course of Lurasidone on patient 426," Joker heard one of the staff talking with a nurse as they passed by his cell. "He had another episode this morning, and I'd like to see if we can--gah!"

"Sir?" the nurse asked, puzzled.

"There was a....a spider on my clipboard," he said nervously. "A big hairy one. I....I hate spiders."

"Sir, there wasn't any spider there," said the nurse. "Are you all right?"

"Sorry, it's....it's been a long day and--ngh!!! There it is again!"

"Sir, there's nothing there, let's get you to.....to lie down.....I......no.......no, no, nononono he can't be here."

"I'm sorry?

"My father, he's there at the end of the hall. We have to go another way, I can't--"

"Get away from me! There are spiders all over you!"

Inside his cell, the Joker began to laugh.

"Those three inmates who offed themselves," the Joker said, sneering while Crane squirmed uncomfortably. "They all killed themselves in the middle of severe panic attacks. The only thing that would scare someone enough to make them rip their own eyes out on this island, is the stuff you've been injecting me with, Doc. It's your work."

"Don't be ridiculous," Crane said, his voice quavering. "You probably stole my formula and did it yourself!"

"Oh, come on," Joker said, his smile turning sour. "I'm as many different kinds of crazy as you can think of, but I'm not stupid. I'm not going to tell Dr. Arkham or Warden Sharpe or any of the others."

"How do I know that?"

"Are you kidding?" Joker asked incredulously. "A brutal serial killer being beaten and tortured for crimes he didn't commit, while the doctor who's supposed to be keeping him in check is running around driving people to suicidal insanity? That's hilarious! No way I'm spoiling a gag like that."

Crane turned away, crossing his arms, stewing with anger at being caught.

"All I wanna know, Dr. Arkham's scary little scarecrow," Joker asked with mocking politeness, "Is did you enjoy killing those guys?"

Dr. Crane stood in silence for a few moments, before turning back to the Joker.

"You know," he said, a grin crawling across his face, "I believe I did."

"The rats! Oh God!"

"I can't be here, I can't be back, not here, no, please, no...."

"He's not real! Doesn't anyone else see it?! He's a robot! You're all robots!"

"Mommy, please, I'll be good, please don't open the box...."

Whimpers.

Pleas.

Mindless gibbering.

Screams.

The inmates, the doctors, the guards, everyone in the asylum was succumbing to fear. The hissing from the air conditioning vents had given away to thick clouds of red gas.

All the while, the Joker rocked back and forth in his straitjacket, laughing so hard he could barely breathe the chemical-laden air. After all of Doctor Crane's injections, he had developed an immunity to the hallucinogenic toxin.

While the rest of the island was losing it, the Joker laughed in the face of fear.

"I've improved upon it, you know," Crane said calmly. "My formula. It no longer has to be injected intravenously. I can release it in aerosol form and get the very same effect."

"Neat," the Joker said, licking his lips. "So.....you gonna gas Dr. Arkham and take the reins of this place yourself?"

"Not exactly," said Crane. "Once you tap into someone's fears, you can control them. Control is power. With my formula, I've set myself up as the most powerful man on the island, in the city.....perhaps even the world....."

"Hahahahahahahaha!" he laughed, rolling back onto the psychiatrist's couch, clutching his gut. "You're going to try and rule the world from a nut-house? I love it!"

"One step at a time, Joker," Crane said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "No god gains worshippers without first displaying his power. And my first act as Fear itself is coming very soon......"

Joker continued to snicker, breathing in snorts.

"Well, if you're gonna have a grand debut," he said sarcastically, "You're going to need something to wear...."

The screams and babbling of a thousand polluted minds was abruptly and loudly drowned out by the sounding of an alarm. Sirens and klaxons blared, warning lights flashed, as the penitentiary doors simultaneously swung open.

Warily, the Joker stood up and walked to the door, when a figure stepped in his path. A tall, thin man in rough-stitched rags, a wide-brimmed hat covering a ghoulish leather mask, tufts of straw in place of hair and jutting out from popped seams.

"You can leave," the Scarecrow said, his voice somewhere between a deathly rasp and a breathless giggle. "Everyone else belongs to me now."

Without another word, the Scarecrow passed him by, and the Joker stepped out into the hallway, smiling from ear to ear.

"Stay back! Monsters! NOOOOO!" shouted a security guard, vainly spraying mace into the eyes of a trio of inmates, too terrified to feel pain, as they tackled him to the ground and began pulling his skin open with their fingers.

"Full of spiders! Full of spiders!" repeated a doctor over and over as he stomped at the caved-in head of his nurse.

The Joker casually strolled through the hallways, whistling "It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" as doctor, patient, and guard alike tore each other to pieces.

Arkham Asylum had lost its mind.

 

[Carnage27]

​

Tony flashes his famous smile to illustrate the point, then downs what's left of his drink in one gulp.

"So...about Hawkeye?"

I try to ignore Tony's digs and prods attempting to get a reaction out of me. The man may be turning into a solid member of a team, but he's always going to be pushing buttons, trying to get the emotional upper hand. I want to ask home why he's like this, why he's so different from his father, but I refrain. For some reason I feel like the two are connected.

"It's not a good situation," I respond, taking a sip from a now cold cup of coffee. "HYDRA isn't in the business of playing nice. Whatever they took Hawkeye for won't be pretty. I don't know if your father ever told you about HYDRA, but we aren't walking in to take out a bunch of amateurs here."

The next morning would define this team just as much as their first mission did. It was taking on one of the greatest evils this world had ever known. And not knowing who was at the head of HYDRA made them even more dangerous.

 

[Carnage27]

​

With that Tana enters her vessel and departs Ego's barren surface leaving Thor to turn his attention to the Lanterns

"So my new friends." He says with a broad smile "How shall we celebrate our victory?"
​

The Colonizers leave, but not willingly. This isn't the end of this confrontation. I can feel it in every fiber of my being that they'll be back. Probably for Earth. They've been there already, they won't hesitate to go back. But when the do, I'll be ready for them. The Corps will be ready for them.

I turn to Thor interested in this celebration. The man is apparently a living god, and I'm not going to pass that opportunity up. But before I can our rings go off, Lanterns, report to Oa. The Guardians request your presence.

"Oh man," I grumble. "Seriously? Always when I'm going to have some fun, isn't it?"

"You heard the rings, Lanterns," Sinestro responds as he begins to float off the surface of Ego. "We have a job to do."

"You're good in a fight, long hair," Killowag says as he punches Thor in the shoulder. "Hope to sling with you again."

"Farewell, Asgardian," Tomar-Re bows.

Approaching Thor, I put out my hand, and he shakes it. Hard. Like way too hard for a normal friendly handshake, "Well, I guess this is it. In our line of work we'll probably run into each other again. Don't hesitate to ask for help next time you're on Earth."

I lift off Ego and speed towards space, and again towards Oa.