The New Ultimate DC RPG - Season II

[Andy C.]

I have done......something horrible.

I have laid the land around me to waste, and torn apart anyone who stood in my way, all in the name of avenging the murders of Steve Trevor and Donna Troy. And in so doing, I have become something monstrous.

Cheetah is dead.

Kobra is dead.

And their slaughter has made me.....stronger.

I am a product of the gods, who feed on the sacrifices of men. My quest for vengeance has expanded my power immensely. There is no weapon on Earth that can harm me now, no army that can oppose me. I hold the supreme power over life and death.

And I want nothing to do with it. Power at the cost of blood, innocent or not, is not power worth having.

I wanted to make the world a better place. I wanted to protect humanity from cruelty and oppression. I wanted to keep Donna safe from harm.

I have failed in all of those respects.

I pluck the tiara from my head, running my fingers across the ridge. I'm surprised to feel the bite of its ridge as it cuts into my fingertip, drawing blood. I suppose my own weapons are the only thing now that can destroy me. So be it.

"I am sorry........truly sorry....." I say to no one in particular as I hold the bladed tiara to my throat, preparing to open the veins.....

.....when suddenly, the golden strand which has followed me since the killing of Cheetah lashes out from the sky. It snares my hands before they can do their bloody work, then winds around my body and begins to constrict.

There's a blinding light, and my entire body is wracked with pain. The world is destroying itself around me, while another tries to force itself into existence. The sensation is unbearable.

The smoking ruins of Kobra's headquarters become a dark and cluttered bunker. The screams of dying men become the howling klaxons of alarms. The shredded remains of Kobra and his followers become wreckage, twisted and broken frames of metal men.

The golden strand that had called me to grab it becomes my own Lasso.

That is when I realize what it is I'm seeing: the Truth.

Holding the other end of my Lasso is a sight I thought I'd never see again.

".........Donna?"

"I.....wasn't sure.....that was going to work," she says, panting as she still grips the Lasso. I see one of her eyes is blackened, the rest of her body also covered in cuts and bruises. "Is this supposed to be your idea of 'keeping me safe?'"

"Donna, I.....I thought you were dead," is all I can manage to say. "I thought they had killed everyone. I.....I didn't know....."

"I went back to Terry Long and Etta Candy. They thought you were under the influence of some kind of outside control," Donna says, her fighting stance dropping. "Telepathy, hallucinogens, something like that to make you go as crazy as you did. I was the only one that could get close enough to subdue you. The Lasso.....it makes you see the Truth, right?"

"It does," I say, "But I don't recall telling you that yet."

"You didn't; I just kind of.....knew. We can talk about it later; the President has just declared a State of Emergency. The Army is going to be coming down on us any second now."

"The Army? Why would they attack me for fighting Kobra?"

Donna shakes her head, worried.

"Is that where you thought you were? Diana.......you just committed an all-out attack on the Pentagon."

 

[Andy C.]

Lex Luthor​

"--situation in Pokolistan is unraveling, as the unprovoked intervention by Superman appears to--"

"--Fifth Armored Division has been mobilized to neutralize the vigilante Wonder Woman, following her attack on the Pentagon--"

"--West Coast completely vulnerable to attack--"

"--State of Emergency declared--"

"--worldwide panic as the so-called 'heroes'"

"End news feed. I think I've seen enough."

This recent development is.....ill-timed. I need to be devoting my time and energy towards exposing and eradicating the traitor within the ranks of the Society. However, an opportunity like this is simply too good to pass up.

Studying the footage I have been able to intercept, it's apparent that the alien and his comrades are being controlled by some external force, making them carry out acts of violence that would normally be abhorrent to them. The world is panicking as their revered protectors have now turned against them.

Whoever has done this clearly has their own agenda, one that I will have to end in order to further my own plans for a global paradigm-shift. Still, I will have to thank them for proving me right.

Organizing a press conference is slightly more onerous than usual due to the state of confusion and terror, but eventually the major players are corralled in. The President is preparing to speak within the hour, but I wanted to make sure I took the stand first.

With the world thrown into chaos, the human race needs to hear from its true leader.

"People of the world," I say, the somber tone in my voice covering up my elation, "we are now faced with a crisis that many would consider to be unthinkable. I know there are many of you who would not believe that the events transpiring today could happen. I myself do not want to believe it. But what we want to believe is irrelevant when faced with the facts as they are."

"Today, a series of unprovoked attacks was committed by a group of extremely powerful and dangerous metahuman vigilantes. By all appearances, this is largely the same group led by Superman himself. These men and women, who had once set themselves up as Earth's champions and protectors, are now carrying out a campaign of destruction and tyranny, one apparently meant to destabilize the world as we know it. Superman is instigating violence in the Middle East. The Flash has disabled America's Missile Defense System. Wonder Woman has ransacked the Pentagon. In the face of such a sudden and violent series of attacks, we must face a hard, even terrifying reality: these self-proclaimed heroes have declared war upon us all."

There are murmurs of disbelief, but no one is willing to speak up. While I may not have all of the facts at my immediate disposal, sometimes a dramatic statement is all that's needed to make the case.

"I hate to say I told you so," I say, letting just a hint of a grin twist the corner of my mouth before I get it back under control, "but the members of the Society and I have been very public about our suspicions in regards to these super-powered outlaws. It was only a matter of time before they began to flex their muscles in different ways. They fed on the good will of the masses, gained the trust of the people.....coaxed us into letting our guard down. And now they intend to conquer."

I then take in a breath and puff my chest just a bit, to enhance the presence of command I already have.

"Fortunately, the Society has made preparations for this kind of attack. As always, LexCorp is on the forefront of new technology, and we are in the process of unveiling a new generation of anti-metahuman military hardware. The new Lexo-Skel 5000 Battlesuits, for example, are ready to be fielded as we speak, with a dozen trained LexCorp pilots ready to take on Superman and his allies."

"Many critics would say that I am simply trying to take advantage of a situation in order to profit from new military contracts," I say, raising the obvious question that those like Miss Lane of the Daily Planet would cry out. "I would remind them that the fate of mankind may very well be at stake. This is no time to try and line one's pockets. Therefore, I am giving the United States Army, as well as the UN Security Council, access to the Lexo-Skel troopers, as well as LexCorp's entire lineup of military hardware and cybernetic augmentations.....completely free of charge."

There's a flurry of questions, but I quiet them down with a wave of my hand.

"This crisis is one that was a long time coming. Too long we have relied on aliens and outlaws to solve humanity's problems. We have depended upon mysterious strangers to wield incredible power, without ever questioning if they can be trusted with it. Now is the time to take that power back, before it is too late. Superman and his kind cannot be allowed to do merely do as they please any longer. They have pushed humanity around long enough. Today, we push back."

I leave the conference room with an air of confidence. LexCorp is going to lose fortunes by simply giving away my designs for free, but it's just money. The real profit is having every major world government knocking down my door in order to get their hands on Luthor technology. America, China, Russia, the European Union, all suddenly armed to the teeth with equipment nearly a century ahead of its time.....and all of them completely beholden and dependent upon me.

Whoever is controlling Superman and the others, I'll make sure to send them a nice gift package. After all, they've just given me a major foothold on the path to controlling the entire civilized world.

 

[trustyside-kick]

Orm Marius arrives in a location unknown to him, but the location he desired nonetheless. For it was where he had traced Poseidon's mighty presence all the way back from The Dreaming City. Normally such a distant teleport couldn't be so accurate, but the power of one such as Poseidon is easier to keep track of as the spell is channeled.

So it is time for him to get some answers.

"POSEIDON!! SHOW YOURSELF! You, without a doubt, should know why I am here!"

Echoing throughout the water, as sound does indeed travel at an impressive way to those who can hear it clearly, the voice of the God of the Sea booms all around the Ocean Master as he answers him.

"Indeed I do. For it was only amount of time until this day would come. Sadly, I wished that it would have been prolonged. There is so much potential in you, my boy. This has been a most interesting experiment should you ask me to give my personal opinion."

"Experiment?! I AM NOT FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER!! You will EXPLAIN yourself!"

Materializing together through the means of turbulent water suddenly coming Ocean Master's way, by the time the violent churning water would strike him, before the eager and confused servant of Poseidon, the God appears. He wears a wide grin across his face to which Orm replies with the exact opposite type of expression.

"You think this to be a game?"

"In a way...though I am far more accurate when I choose to use the word experiment. And your little outburst could not be more wrong, my Ocean Master. If anything, you couldn't be closer to the truth than you just were."

"What...what did you do to me?"

The God of the Seas chuckles loudly and uncontrollably. The angered disciple of Poseidon starts to lose his patience, summoning an enormous surge of magical energy that emanates around his entire body. Covered now in green and yellow flame as he is mere seconds from attempting to blast the old God to oblivion, Orm Marius aims his hand.

"Hahaha. It is not what I did to you so much as what I did for you...which in turn was for me in the end."

"If all you will do is continue to mock me then I will end your life as easily as I did Morpheus."

Elsewhere...

"General."

"Aquaman,", G'thar acknowledged with a hint of disdain. "You grace us with your prescence. The King has instructed us to act civilized, if only for now. I will do my best to ensure that all of us follow that command."

With a stare at the troops behind him, G'thar watched as they all became silent. "Isn't that right, men?"

Orin narrowed his eyes, looking towards the seas ahead of them.

"You can spare me unnecessary pleasantries, General. I can take whatever your men have in store. So as long as the mission at hand remains our primary objective."

G'thar gave him a nod, the closest to a show of respect that he had given Orin thus far.

"I assure you, it will. Or there will be consequences. The return of Princess Tula is my highest priority. Nothing will stand in the way of that."

A guard approached the two, giving G'thar a customary salute.

"We are ready to depart, General. Simply give us the word."

Poseidon reduces his size even further, choosing to no longer tower over the Ocean Master. He does so to make it clear to Orm that he not only sees his preparation of an attack as ineffective, but also that he shall not counter back with hostility as well. To show that there is no need for such rash actions.

And the confused follower responds, with the magical energies dispersing as he lowers his previously aimed arm. He takes off the mechanical claw-like glove from his left hand and tosses it Poseidon's way. The God catches it, with an unchanged looked across his face.

"These...these images I've had. The nightmares...they aren't real. Those events never came to pass. I was never bitten by those sharks. Hell, I doubt that I was ever even fishing!"

"You weren't. Your name is not even Orm Marius. 'Tis the name I chose to gave you. You are without family in the truest sense. You are without a past. Before the day you awoke, adorned in the garments and armor as my Ocean Master, you were nothing. Literally. I gave you life. I breathed it into you."

"Still you continue to speak with little sense! What are you trying to say? That you just...conjured me up one day?"

Poseidon morphs the water before Orm Marius to twist about and create an image of magical and watery origin. Images start to form and suddenly a setting is set.

"Yes and no. Everything I do, I do it for a greater reason. Before you were...'born'...there was a great battle. The horrid and defying Mother of all Sea Beasts, Nuliajuk, was attacking my most prized city. The people of Poseidonis were attacked without mercy and without aid. I answered their prayers, battling Nuliajuk and the sons and daughters that she brought to wreak havoc. During the fray of things, there was yet another who sought to defend Poseidonis from the onslaught wrought by the behemoths and abominations of Nuliajuk. The son of former blasphemer whose birth was hidden from he many years ago. He aided the city well and in the end...it was not the mighty God of the Seas who had saved the day...rather him."

Orm Marius swims forth to get a clearer image of the hero.

"The denizens of my realm have come to call him Aquaman."

The creature's snout bellowed, signaling the others to join Orin. G'thar rode over to him and assumed his place infront, not acknowledging the look that Orin gave him as he approached.

"Very well. But know that as long as we are under my command, I will lead us into the Valley. I don't want you treating this as another one of your touted adventures. The princess' life is at stake, and so help me, if anything happens to her..."

Orin looked off. "Under such a stern commander? I cannot imagine."

G'thar had no retort. Simply waving the group on, they passed him and made their way into the northern waters. Orin was the last to depart, but he was more than satisfied with the fact. From his position, he could escape the glance of distrust that the General was constantly giving him. So begins the journey. I hope I won't regret this.

Later...

"So you see...he is the reason for all of your pain and suffering. Were it not for him, none of this would have transpired. I would not have had to had gone to such extreme measures. You understand now, Orm Marius, yes?"

A dry expression is the one in which the follower of Poseidon now wears across his face as he has now learned the truth behind his origins. And the clenching of his fists as he raises them up conveys the expression he now wears which is of anger.

"Orm Marius doesn't exist. He never has. A name created to cover up a lie. An identity I no longer have to bear trying to remember. There truly is only the Ocean Master now."

Unknown to Orm the God of the Seas experiences much relief to the words he has just heard. He floats over to his follower, and makes sure to reassure himself.

"And...so you have come to understand? Come to terms with the truth?"

A smile full of glee takes control over the Ocean Master as he puts his arm upon Poseidon's shoulder just before taking the metal claw-like glove back from Poseidon and placing it on his left hand. Fitting it and moving is fingers about his smile grows even wider.

"Yes, milord."

"And so...you will...kill him, yes?"

"Oh, I'm going to do much more than that!"

"ARRGH!!"

A wild attack, but one he is more than happy with, the Ocean Master draws blood from the God of the Seas as he strikes him at his chest. A mere small flesh wound, Poseidon still grows to become concerned as he suddenly starts to float backward, his flesh starting to materialize into water.

"Something wrong, Poseidon?! Afraid of the monster you helped create?! FINE! BUT KNOW THAT AFTER I'VE KILLED HIM I'M GOING AFTER YOU! YOUR COWARDLY ESCAPE MERELY PROLONGS THE INEVITABLE!"

Now dispersing his molecules into swift water particles, the God of the Sea has fled. Green and yellow magical energy starts to surge through the former follower of Poseidon's body. He channels another teleportation spell with his target locked on, raising his sword high.

"FOR I AM THE OCEAN MASTER! SLAYER OF MORPHEUS! SOON TO BE SLAYER OF ORIN OF ATLANTIS & POSEIDON!"

 

[Carnage27]

Cyborg
~Authority~
​

She came at the crack of dawn without warning. The one with the wings swooped down towards my head, and probably would have taken it off if my warning systems didn't kick in. I quickly attached my sonic blaster to one arm, and something called an energy fist to the other.

Now, I'm fighting her as I run through a cornfield. I hope the long stalks hide me from sight, but it's no good. She dives and slams into my chest, sending me flying through the air. I land hard, putting a sizable divet in the soft, tilled earth.

I push myself up and run again, and my sensors pick up that the winged woman is diving again, this time towards my back. Acting quickly, I spin around and spring myself off the ground, firing with my sonic blaster. The impact slams directly into the bird woman's wing, and she spins wildly out of control through the air before crashing towards the ground, disappearing into the corn stalks.

I move quickly towards were she fell, hoping to get a chance to interrogate her. I need to find out who made me like this, who is hunting me now, and how I can find them.

But before I can reach her, a fist slams into my face, staggering me backwards. Another punch flies towards me, and I manage to deflect it and move into a counter kick. The blow lands, but it feels like I'm kicking a mountain.

I notice that I'm not fighting a woman that's seemingly made of rock. My life just keeps getting better and better. She comes at me again, and almost like clockwork I dodge a strike and slam my energy fist into her stomach, which seems to be effective.

"Who are you!?" I yell at the stone woman as she struggles to get up. "How did you find me?"

"Screw you, Watcher," she responds as she throws an uppercut my way. I manage to catch it, but she sweeps my legs from under me, following that up with a kick to my stomach. A thud is heard as her stone appendage crashes against my metal insides. I feel a lot less pain then I should...but it still hurts like hell. "I'll never help your kind."

She goes for another kick, but I manage to catch it. Using all my strength, which is substantial, I toss her a few feet, then drive my fist into her stomach again, "What do you mean, 'my kind'? You people made me like this!"

"What the hell are you talking about?" she spurts...just as the winged one slams into my side, knocking me off of her ally. She then scoops me up and goes into a dive, slamming me into the gorund. "Good work, Swift."

The one called Swift stands over me as I attempt to regain my bearings, "What is your mission, Watcher?"

What the hell are they talking about? They know who I am. Their organization created me.

"I have no mission," I respond angrily. "And why the hell do you keep calling me Watcher. Figured they would have told you my name is Cyborg."

"You're part of StormWatch, your a Wacther. And that means you're meant to kill us. And that means Flint and I are gonna have to kill you."

These aren't the people that made me. That much is abundantly clear. But I'm guessing they're the reason I was made. They think I'm their enemy, but we're on the same side.

"If you're talking about the people who made me," I respond with a smile, "I'm decidedly not with them. They destroyed my life, made me into a machine. I want nothing more than to find them, and take them down."

"How do we know you're telling the truth?" Flint asks, placed her foot on my neck.

"If I had a mission, or knew what the hell I was doing, you think I'd be wandering around in the middle of no where like this?" I laugh. "And if I was, I'd probably still be trying to kill you. I swear, I hate this StormWatch just as much as you. They took everything I love and threw it away for their little experiment. They took football, school, friends, and family from me. And for that, I'm gonna make them pay."

The two women give each other a look, and ponder whether or not they can trust me. I can tell Flint has no desire to, but Swift seems to be sympathetic.

Flint argues, "No. We can't. He's one of them. He's lying."

"No, he's not. And even if he is, we can kill one of them easy."

Flint steps off of me, and I stand, brushing myself off, "Man, you guys talk about killing each other fairly nonchalantly."

"When your hunted every minute of every day, you need that kind of mentality," Flint says, turning and making a call on a communicator.

"We'll explain back at base," Swift addresses my confused look, as a portal opens in front of the three of us.

Flint turns to me before heading into the portal, "Come on, Cyborg. We're taking you to base. Make one move, and I won't hesitate to put you down."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Lex Luthor​

"--situation in Pokolistan is unraveling, as the unprovoked intervention by Superman appears to--"

"--Fifth Armored Division has been mobilized to neutralize the vigilante Wonder Woman, following her attack on the Pentagon--"

"--West Coast completely vulnerable to attack--"

"--State of Emergency declared--"

"--worldwide panic as the so-called 'heroes'"

"End news feed. I think I've seen enough."

This recent development is.....ill-timed. I need to be devoting my time and energy towards exposing and eradicating the traitor within the ranks of the Society. However, an opportunity like this is simply too good to pass up.

Studying the footage I have been able to intercept, it's apparent that the alien and his comrades are being controlled by some external force, making them carry out acts of violence that would normally be abhorrent to them. The world is panicking as their revered protectors have now turned against them.

Whoever has done this clearly has their own agenda, one that I will have to end in order to further my own plans for a global paradigm-shift. Still, I will have to thank them for proving me right.

Organizing a press conference is slightly more onerous than usual due to the state of confusion and terror, but eventually the major players are corralled in. The President is preparing to speak within the hour, but I wanted to make sure I took the stand first.

With the world thrown into chaos, the human race needs to hear from its true leader.

"People of the world," I say, the somber tone in my voice covering up my elation, "we are now faced with a crisis that many would consider to be unthinkable. I know there are many of you who would not believe that the events transpiring today could happen. I myself do not want to believe it. But what we want to believe is irrelevant when faced with the facts as they are."

"Today, a series of unprovoked attacks was committed by a group of extremely powerful and dangerous metahuman vigilantes. By all appearances, this is largely the same group led by Superman himself. These men and women, who had once set themselves up as Earth's champions and protectors, are now carrying out a campaign of destruction and tyranny, one apparently meant to destabilize the world as we know it. Superman is instigating violence in the Middle East. The Flash has disabled America's Missile Defense System. Wonder Woman has ransacked the Pentagon. In the face of such a sudden and violent series of attacks, we must face a hard, even terrifying reality: these self-proclaimed heroes have declared war upon us all."

There are murmurs of disbelief, but no one is willing to speak up. While I may not have all of the facts at my immediate disposal, sometimes a dramatic statement is all that's needed to make the case.

"I hate to say I told you so," I say, letting just a hint of a grin twist the corner of my mouth before I get it back under control, "but the members of the Society and I have been very public about our suspicions in regards to these super-powered outlaws. It was only a matter of time before they began to flex their muscles in different ways. They fed on the good will of the masses, gained the trust of the people.....coaxed us into letting our guard down. And now they intend to conquer."

I then take in a breath and puff my chest just a bit, to enhance the presence of command I already have.

"Fortunately, the Society has made preparations for this kind of attack. As always, LexCorp is on the forefront of new technology, and we are in the process of unveiling a new generation of anti-metahuman military hardware. The new Lexo-Skel 5000 Battlesuits, for example, are ready to be fielded as we speak, with a dozen trained LexCorp pilots ready to take on Superman and his allies."

"Many critics would say that I am simply trying to take advantage of a situation in order to profit from new military contracts," I say, raising the obvious question that those like Miss Lane of the Daily Planet would cry out. "I would remind them that the fate of mankind may very well be at stake. This is no time to try and line one's pockets. Therefore, I am giving the United States Army, as well as the UN Security Council, access to the Lexo-Skel troopers, as well as LexCorp's entire lineup of military hardware and cybernetic augmentations.....completely free of charge."

There's a flurry of questions, but I quiet them down with a wave of my hand.

"This crisis is one that was a long time coming. Too long we have relied on aliens and outlaws to solve humanity's problems. We have depended upon mysterious strangers to wield incredible power, without ever questioning if they can be trusted with it. Now is the time to take that power back, before it is too late. Superman and his kind cannot be allowed to do merely do as they please any longer. They have pushed humanity around long enough. Today, we push back."

I leave the conference room with an air of confidence. LexCorp is going to lose fortunes by simply giving away my designs for free, but it's just money. The real profit is having every major world government knocking down my door in order to get their hands on Luthor technology. America, China, Russia, the European Union, all suddenly armed to the teeth with equipment nearly a century ahead of its time.....and all of them completely beholden and dependent upon me.

Whoever is controlling Superman and the others, I'll make sure to send them a nice gift package. After all, they've just given me a major foothold on the path to controlling the entire civilized world.

Doris sees Lex leaving the conference room and walks beside him

She says, "I watched Lane. She could prove to be in trouble."

Lex gives a slight nod to acknowledge he has heard her.

Doris continues, "The package from Coasta Mirada is in sector 14 with for your eyes only protocols in place, and I uploaded the reports of what has happened here in your absence onto your secured hard drive. Main issue was a couple of board members were involved in a boating accident. Bodies devoured by sharks. Ugly scene but they were plotting a hostile takeover there was no time for finesee."

Luthor again nods acknowledgement.

Doris finishes by saying, "If you have no further need for me I'll conduct a sweep of the building personally. Reporters like Lane like to loiter and then see if they can sneak into unauthorized areas."

Luthor gives one nod

She starts to smirk but controls it by saying, "However with Superman and the others so busy right now and potentially out of the hero business this could be the time that if Miss Lane were to have an accident Superman wouldn't be around to save her."

Luthor glances over and gives two shakes of his head

Doris says, "As you wish Mr. Luthor."

She leaves and begins to conduct her sweep of the towers.

Luckily as head of security and Mr. Luthor's Bodyguard I know all the hidden tunnels and secret passages to conduct a quick but percise sweep.

 

[Animus]

PAPA MIDNITE: DIRTY DEEDS PART 1

In the backroom of Gothams hottest nightclub

He leans back in his office chair. Smoke fills the air like a fog from the limp cigarette hanging out the side of his mouth. In front of him lay several manila envelopes atop his finest wood desk. Beside those folders is a shot of Scotch.

He buzzes in his youngest accomplice.

"Come here..."

"Papa Doc..." The eager young gangster says under his breath. "You called?"

"I have a job for us, sit down Papa replies with a somewhat fatherly tone, placing his now fully smoked death stick into the glass of scotch. The flames dims and dies as it's immersed into the wet alcohol.

"What cha need?" He asks with a smile in response to the warm tone of Papa's voice.

".Come tomorrow morning...I want to break into Gotham's finest museum and steal this item..."

He passes one of his many envelopes onto the young man, as he pulls out a photograph of the item, his mouth opens and eyes widen.

"The Ace of Winchesters. Used to eradicate demons, monsters, etc..A holy relic if you will. It once was mine, however..John Constantine stole it from me and sold it off for a quick buck. I want it back under any means necessarily.


"But how are we gonna get it...?"

"Just spread the word, Cuffee"

Cuffee leaves the room and shuts the door behind him going back into the night club's main floor.

 

[Andy C.]

"Please, you must listen to me!" I plead with the column of soldiers that open fire when Donna and I step out from the hole I had smashed into the Pentagon. "This is all a ruse! I was manipulated--"

My voice is drowned out by the deafening chatter of automatic rifles. It takes every ounce of speed I have to deflect them, constantly moving and ducking and weaving to avoid the torrent of lead. Behind the line of infantry, a column of tanks begins to spread out, the armored war machines forming a perimeter around the building in an attempt to trap me.

They won't risk firing upon the building, but the second I am far enough away that they have a clear shot.....

"Wonder Woman!" Donna calls out from behind the cover of concrete rubble, careful not to use my real name. "We have to get going! You can explain yourself to them later!"

"I hope you brought the jet," I say as I bring my right gauntlet up just in time to deflect an armor-piercing round fired by a sniper two blocks away.

"It's.....nearby," Donna says ruefully, "But we're going to have to fight our way to it."

Before I was awakened by the gods and given their power, I served proudly as an American soldier. The comraderie I had with my fellow troops is something I will always cherish, one of the few things I've got left that connects me to Diana Prince. The idea of fighting the men and women I once served alongside is almost nauseating.

Still, I need to find whoever it was that poisoned my mind. And just as importantly, I need to find out if any others had been affected.

"Lead the way," I say, clenching my fists for some distasteful work.

Donna charges forth, zigzagging back and forth in a serpentine pattern to avoid the gunfire. She's nearly as fast as I am, so she would be difficult to hit even if she were running in a straight line. Still, with this much firepower being unleashed on us, even with our abilities, it will be a wonder if we can get through unharmed.

I follow behind her, dodging what bullets I can and deflecting the ones I can't avoid. Fortunately--as much as the word can be applied to this situation-- most of the fire is drawn to me, so Donna is in significantly less danger than I am; she is able to show me the direction toward the jet with ease.

Unfortunately, the closer we get to the line of soldiers, the further we get from the Pentagon building....which means the tanks no longer have to hold their fire.

*KA-BOOOM!*

An artillery shell slams into the ground just a few feet behind me, sending me tumbling, the shockwave rattling my bones, the shrapnel cutting into my skin. I stagger disoriented for a moment, before the biting sting of a bullet grazing my arm snaps me back to my senses.

"Come on!" Donna shouts back to me. "We have to keep moving!"

Another shell arcs through the air towards me. This time I dive out of the way, hovering a few feet off of the ground for better maneuverability, but not high enough to give the shooters a more easily visible target.

"Keep going; I'll be right behind you!" I shout over the cacophony. As Donna continues to bob and weave, I charge straight for the tanks--I have to neutralize that artillery before they kill us both.

Nearing the first one, I raise my hand like a knife's edge, and chop as hard as I can into the turret's main barrel. The steel crumples from the impact, robbing the tank of its best weapon.

The next one is disabled largely the same way. The third I duck behind, using it for cover from the other soldiers. As soon as it starts to move, I grab onto the side and begin to lift it, tilting it to one side. I lift with enough strength to make my intentions known, but slowly enough to give the soldiers inside enough time to climb out and get to safety before I flip the tank onto its back.

I've cleared enough of a path that I can get to where Donna was headed; she's rounded a corner, away from the soldiers and presumably to the jet. I fly over the scattered infantry, then head to where I saw her last.

I make my way to a clearing between buildings......and I see Donna lying on the ground, a pool of blood spreading from her left thigh.

"Donna!" I cry out, heading towards her, when--

*BLAM!*

A shot rings out. Instinctively I've got my Gauntlets up, but the bullet ricochets inward instead of outward and grazes my cheek.

"Didn't......see him...." Donna grunts painfully, clutching the wound in her leg.

"Who are you!?" I call out. "Show yourself!"

"General Rock was inside the Pentagon when you attacked. You could have killed him. It's funny....you spend your whole life hating a man's guts, then as soon as he's in danger, you find out you like them after all. Especially when that man happens to be your father."

A man steps out from seemingly nowhere.....taking cover behind the invisible jet. He's wearing full combat gear and carrying an assault rifle. Unlike the other soldiers pursuing us, he doesn't have US Army badges.

A private military contractor, then.....a mercenary.

"I'm Sergeant Rock. Leader of the Easy Company. Now stand down, or be put down."

 

[Byrd Man]

I'm leading the charge with Atom in the palm of my hand. Green Lantern is in my wake, towing Batman on a green platform shielded from the high velocities we're traveling.

~Head to Washington D.C. Wonder Woman is now awake, a super-powered ally of hers managed to wake her with her magic lasso. She is currently engaging United States Army forces outside your military defense building - The Pentagon.~

"I feel sorry for them. If she wanted a fight, she should have taken on some Air Force boys."

We alter our course and head south towards the nation's capital. It takes us about twenty seconds to reach the Pentagon where Wonder Woman and her friend are in front of a soldier in combat gear.

"I'm Sergeant Rock. Leader of the Easy Company. Now stand down, or be put down."

The eager soldier squeezes the trigger and sends out a three round burst from his assault rifle. With my super speed, the bullets crawl through the air. I zip over to them and thump them with my finger, sending them off course and off to the far right with my extra speed.

I stop in front of Wonder Woman and her buddy just as GL and Batman come to a stop beside me and Atom. The solider fires off another round of fire, GL blocks it with a emerald shield before he uses a giant hand construct to bend the soldier's barrel. He and Batman get into a defensive stance as I place Atom on my shoulder and look at Wonder Woman.

"We've got a delivery for one Woman, Wonder. Invoice here says it's the cavalry. Care to sign for it?"
​

 

[Andy C.]

The eager soldier squeezes the trigger and sends out a three round burst from his assault rifle. With my super speed, the bullets crawl through the air. I zip over to them and thump them with my finger, sending them off course and off to the far right with my extra speed.

I stop in front of Wonder Woman and her buddy just as GL and Batman come to a stop beside me and Atom. The solider fires off another round of fire, GL blocks it with a emerald shield before he uses a giant hand construct to bend the soldier's barrel. He and Batman get into a defensive stance as I place Atom on my shoulder and look at Wonder Woman.

"We've got a delivery for one Woman, Wonder. Invoice here says it's the cavalry. Care to sign for it?"

"Flash, Batman, Atom, good to see you again," I say, recalling them from the alien invasion months ago. I haven't met the man wielding the green energy, but now is no time for introductions.

"Donna is injured, and aside from the soldier for hire here, we have a few hundred soldiers closing in on this location. We need to get to somewhere safe as soon as we can."

I lower the gangplank to the jet and gesture to the other heroes.

"If we want to get out of here unnoticed, I suggest we take the invisible plane."

 

[Batman]

The journey to the Hidden Valley had lasted for a few hours. Though his natural strength and endurance had sustained him for the increasingly tedious journey outside of any known civilization, Orin was surprised to see that even though that they lacked his physical prowess, General G'thar and his men were well disciplined enough to not stop themselves for nourishment. Even as they were approaching a narrow hill that overlooked some dark and potentially treacherous waters, G'thar only managed to stop the group once they reached the edge, surveying what could be a difficult path leading to their otherwise suicidal mission. It was said that The Hidden Valley surrounded itself with the worst that Atlantis had to offer - the more dangerous species of sealife, a desolate surrounding. All designed to act as a warning to any outsiders. If G'thar held any belief that this was it's intimidating aura at work, Orin noticed that he showed no signs of it.

Echoing the rest of the group's rising concerns, the General's second-in-command rode ahead to meet with their leader. "General? We're unfamiliar with this path, it could lead us off course. Should we still proceed?"

G'thar scanned the area for any signs of avoidance that could lead them away from the murky depths, but it didn't seem that there was any choice. The canyon's end was nowhere in sight, and even if they did find an alternate route, there was no telling where it would take them. Time was growing short and they were running out of options. It was more than worth the risk.

"We have no choice. Tell the others to stay close, we don't want any wandering off."

As his commander hesitantly nodded and turned back, riding towards the rest of the group, he was passed by Orin who had swam up and away from his waiting steed in the distance. G'thar dismounted his horse, reaching into the satchel on his belt and retrieving a small Atlantean map that outlined the rest of the waters. Even before he opened it, Orin knew that he wouldn't see the canyon anywhere on it. G'thar was merely confirming his own doubts.

"We can find another way. The risk you suggest is unnessecary."

G'thar raised an eyebrow at Orin's implication.

"And how do you figure that?"

"Remember, I have been to The Hidden Valley once before. And I still know the path very well. This was never a factor in my travels."

G'thar retracted the map and put it away.

"And yet here it is, directly in our way. Perhaps you're not as clearly aware of the path as you claim."

"Or perhaps you're letting your pride make ill-fated judgements."

The General and Orin both met eyes, with neither having sympathy to spare.

"You would have done a better job, leading us? Is that what I'm to believe?"

"It isn't about who's better, General. It's about who's correct. And you've sent us astray."

"Is that so? Because I heard no protest from you, if that were the case."

"Forgive me, I simply made the mistake of believing your men knew what they were doing."

The General reached to his side, placing a firm hand on his sword. His eyes burning with raw outrage.

"Be wise and watch your tongue, Orin. I won't have you belittling the true protectors of Poseidonis."

Orin sneered at the General's comment, meant to be an obvious insult. It was no secret that among the Atlantean Guard, Orin's status as a hero to the people of Poseidon was regarded as a point of contention. Whether by jealousy or the simple prejudice that came his way with the Curse of Kordax, none of them seemed to appreciate the appraisal that was given to him rather than to them. It was no fault of Orin's that he was celebrated - infact, were it up to him, they wouldn't even waste their energy. If the wrath of the titans had proved anything to Orin, treating anyone as heroes or even Gods - especially the titans of the seas - would only lead to judgement and eventual chaos.

Deciding it was in their best interest to back down, regardless, Orin waved off G'thar's attempt to spur him on and turned his back to return to the group. "Fair enough, General. Perhaps you're right, perhaps I was out of line."

Surprised at this, G'thar removed his hand from his weapon and turned back, wordless in his momentary victory. But as Orin began to swim back, he noticed something very peculiar in the distance. He could feel it for miles away, as marine life began to scatter in fright at the phenomena occurring in the waters. Feeling himself begin to tense, it was only moments later that any true threat presented itself: An unnatural vortex of pressurized water began to rocket through the depths, splitting into two concessive steams and targeting the group of guards that stood in the distance from Orin and the General.

Reacting fast, Orin began to swim ahead at incredible speeds.

"GET DOWN!"

The guards all turned towards Orin as he desperately tried to warn them and swim at the same time, only complicating things further as the streams beared down upon them. Within mere seconds, the group was hit with enough force to send guards scattering wildly in a violent chain reaction. The second stream hit before they could properly recover, sending a couple upwards into a spin.

General G'thar swam up beside Orin, the shock evident on his face as he was helpless to watch his guards being attacked. "By the Gods..."

Almost as if insulted by such a saying, the seas once again turned, with the streams taking on a life of their own. Orin tried to swim forward and tackle the force of nature head on, but the General pushed him out of the way, taking the full force of the attack as the water collided into his chest, knocking him back by several feet and sending him in a roll across the bottom of the ocean.

Orin turned and prepared himself to be hit aswell, but the concentrated water seemed to dissapate upon meeting him. Giving way to a being that none had seen ochestrating the attack from within. Unable to react in time, Orin was hit with a hard enough blow to throw him off balance, sending him into the air. The stranger that had attacked then beared down upon Orin as he regained a sense of levity, preparing - and fully willing - to strike the Aquaman again.

"Hello... brother."

 

[Batman]

"Donna is injured, and aside from the soldier for hire here, we have a few hundred soldiers closing in on this location. We need to get to somewhere safe as soon as we can."

I lower the gangplank to the jet and gesture to the other heroes.

"If we want to get out of here unnoticed, I suggest we take the invisible plane."

'Invisible plane'?

In a matter of moments, the rest of us are treated to the unusual sight of a hull of a military-grade hangar jet opening out of thin air. It seems as though she wasn't exaggerating, Diana's been given an upgrade to her arsenal within the last few months. It seemed as if all that she had to fight with was a length of rope during the Star'ro epidemic. Just as the rest of us begin to dart for Diana's invisi... Diana's plane, I begin to notice the aforementioned military beginning their swoop of the area - spotlights all set directly upon us. There's no mistaking that we're their enemy anymore. The tampering with our minds has successfully turned us into the monsters that some claimed we always were.

Reaching into the back of my belt, I dive past Flash and Green Lantern (he can't seriously be called that) to intercept the sniper scopes that are likely being pinned on us from the overhead copters. Diana mentioned that there's an injured girl in our company. If that's true, then our first priority needs to be her protection. Another shot and her blood loss could potentially increase, leading into a fatality that none of us need to be responsible for.

The other two try and join me as I take proper stance infront of the group, but I shoot down their efforts with a glance and indicate the girl that's being scooped up into Diana's arms.

"No time for that! Shield the girl and go! I'll handle them,"

From the belt, I produce what looks to be a flaregun to the others. That may be because that's actually what it originally was - a standard military flare that I brought back from abroad. But since being given the resources to the advanced technology that Waynetech provides, I've made some extensive modifications. Pulling the trigger, the alarmed field commanders and copters scatter as they expect a ball of sparks and flame to come barreling their way once the gun fires. What they get is a five-pronged gas grenade outfitted to expel successive blasts at once.

The resulting smokescreen covers the entire area and the spotlights are instantaneously diffused off of us. By the time Lantern and Flash have managed to allow Diana, the girl, and Atom to take position in the plane, I sprint for it aswell, indicating that the other two get inside before me.

"GO!"

Lantern doesn't listen, and instead uses whatever energy is coming out of that ring to create a hand that grabs me across the torso, pulling me out of the line of fire just as the smoke begins to clear just enough for the gunfire to begin erupting. Both of us land right on the gangplank as Diana takes the controls from the inside.

"You cut it a little close back there. Had to be the hero for the moment?"

I practically roll my eyes as we depart into the hull.

"I was about to tell you the same."

 

[Byrd Man]

'

"GO!"

Lantern doesn't listen, and instead uses whatever energy is coming out of that ring to create a hand that grabs me across the torso, pulling me out of the line of fire just as the smoke begins to clear just enough for the gunfire to begin erupting. Both of us land right on the gangplank as Diana takes the controls from the inside.

"You cut it a little close back there. Had to be the hero for the moment?"

I practically roll my eyes as we depart into the hull.

"I was about to tell you the same."

"Could you guys stop bickering for just a second and realize that we're in an invisible plane?! Not a stealth fighter, but invisible to the naked eye!"

Wonder Woman carries her friend to the back of the plane while Atom and I inspect the aircraft. I dash around the plane, looking over the controls of the plane and glancing out the windows at superspeed.

"Guysguysguysgusygugys!"

Getting Batman, Green Lantern, and Atom's attention, I point out the window of the jet and to the encroaching tanks and troops.

"They're getting their second wind!"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

"Could you guys stop bickering for just a second and realize that we're in an invisible plane?! Not a stealth fighter, but invisible to the naked eye!"

Wonder Woman carries her friend to the back of the plane while Atom and I inspect the aircraft. I dash around the plane, looking over the controls of the plane and glancing out the windows at superspeed.

"Guysguysguysgusygugys!"

Getting Batman, Green Lantern, and Atom's attention, I point out the window of the jet and to the encroaching tanks and troops.

"They're getting their second wind!"

The Atom takes a look at Donna and sees that she is barely conscious.

The Atom floats over to Donna and says, "Donna stay with us! Don't close your eyes!."

The Atom then begins checking her vitals.

The Atom says to the group in a very calm and even tone, "She's going into shock. I gotta get in there and see if I help her out."

The Atom looks at Green Lantern and says, "Donna needs a blanket and a bandage over the wound a-s-a-p."

Green Lantern creates a blanket and a bandage then places them over Donna.

The Atom says, "I should be able to stop the bleeding using her own body, but her blood loss concerns me more than the wound itself, and she needs rest so try to keep any drastic situations under control. Let me know when we land."

She looks at Flash and says, "Okay Mr. Personality your job keep her awake keep her talking. She closes her eyes she will probably not open them again. I'm counting on you for this one Flash. What you do out here is just as important as what I do in there. I know you won't let me down."

The Atom shrinks to microscopic size and enters Donna's body and begins her work.

Okay Atom time to show your stuff.

 

[Byrd Man]

"

She looks at Flash and says, "Okay Mr. Personality your job keep her awake keep her talking. She closes her eyes she will probably not open them again. I'm counting on you for this one Flash. What you do out here is just as important as what I do in there. I know you won't let me down."

The Atom shrinks to microscopic size and enters Donna's body and begins her work.

Oh God.

I have to talk to a girl...

Not my biggest strength.

"So, how do you feel?"

"Peachy, I feel awesome."

"Really?"

"Of course not!"

I rub my neck and look at Green Lantern, who's laughing under his breath as he holds the bandage construct in place.

"Alright, I've got this..."

I pull my phone out of my hidden pocket and begin typing furiously on it.

"Did you know that Walt Disney has won the most Oscars of anyone, with twenty-six? He also holds the record for most nominations with sixty-four."

God bless IMDB Mobile.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Oh God.

I have to talk to a girl...

Not my biggest strength.

"So, how do you feel?"

"Peachy, I feel awesome."

"Really?"

"Of course not!"

I rub my neck and look at Green Lantern, who's laughing under his breath as he holds the bandage construct in place.

"Alright, I've got this..."

I pull my phone out of my hidden pocket and begin typing furiously on it.

"Did you know that Walt Disney has won the most Oscars of anyone, with twenty-six? He also holds the record for most nominations with sixty-four."

God bless IMDB Mobile.

The Atom works as quickly as she can trying to use Donna's body tissue to function as clamps and repair what she can using floating damaged tissue

Come on Atom need to make this one happen.

She ties off the last few fibers and takes a deep breath.

Okay it'll have to do but the loss of blood is still the issue. I can't ignore it without more blood none of this will matter, and there's only one way to save her. If I do that I'll have to be normal size which means my secret-identity is toast.

The Atom re-emerges from Donna's body and grows back to 6 inches and floats above Donna.

Donna says in a very ragged voice, ""What's the prognosis Doc?"

The Atom says, "I've done what I can. Once this is all over you're gonna need to go to the Hospital."

The Atom takes a deep breath and says, "I won't lie though you're not out of the woods yet. The blood loss is your main issue you need blood now. Otherwise the work I did won't hold. I'm O-Positive but in order for me to give you any blood I have to be normal size. I try to do it at this size I'll be dead in seconds."

She looks around and says, "I think I have an idea."

The Atom turns her back to the group and floats to the side. She transforms back into Rhiannon Palmer and says, "I need something cover my face now."

Green Lantern creates a Knight's helmet and places it on Rhiannon's head.

Rhiannon turns to the group and asks, "Can anyone see my face?"

Everyone shakes their head no and she says, "Okay next..."

She talkes off her jacket and rolls up her sleeve and says, "I need surgical tubing and two needles."

Lantern creates them and Rhiannon takes them.

She says to Donna, "You're gonna feel a slight pinch but once I get the needle inserted you can go to sleep it'll be okay."

Donna nods and Rhiannon inserts the needle and lays next to Donna.

She says, "Let me know when 20 minutes are up and I'll check her vitals again. If I'm right she should be okay by then."

 

[trustyside-kick]

Orin turned and prepared himself to be hit aswell, but the concentrated water seemed to dissapate upon meeting him. Giving way to a being that none had seen ochestrating the attack from within. Unable to react in time, Orin was hit with a hard enough blow to throw him off balance, sending him into the air. The stranger that had attacked then beared down upon Orin as he regained a sense of levity, preparing - and fully willing - to strike the Aquaman again.

"Hello... brother."

As the mighty Ocean Master makes for yet another attack at the Marine Marvel known as Aquaman throughout the Atlantean Waters, this time the hero surprises him and manages to block. Responding with a quick knee to the stomach proves to be ineffective as Orin deflects such an attack with his elbow, proceeding with a backhand swipe that knocks the villain back a few feet.

"Hahaha...good hit. In the end...it is only fitting I suppose, brother."

Wiping away a small bit of blood from his mouth, Orm Marius draws out his sword. He takes a look down at his hand that has the small amount of wiped blood and shakes it in the water as the oceans cleanse it from his hand. Some of the previously disoriented Atlantean soldiers no longer are and try to interrupt the Ocean Master, coming at him from all sides. Raising his sword upward, as they are about to clash they are struck as he is surrounded on all sides by a red and orange fire-like magic substance that yet burns underwater somehow. Out of the group, as all are affected by the magical attack, it is but Aquaman is least injured by it.

He chuckles yet again as he decides to taunt Aquaman.

"Most impressive. The Ocean Master is pleased. It would appear that you are indeed powerful."

"But how skilled are you...with a blade?"

 

[Byrd Man]

Donna nods and Rhiannon inserts the needle and lays next to Donna.

She says, "Let me know when 20 minutes are up and I'll check her vitals again. If I'm right she should be okay by then."

"Alright, you got it, Doctor Quinn."

Is it odd that I'm making sarcastic references to shows that I'm almost too young to remember?

"Everybody buckle up!" Wonder Woman announces from the front of the plane. I look at Atom and Wonder Woman's friend before surveying my surroundings and realizing where I'm at.

I'm on a plane.

A plane that is about to launch into the air.

"Wait...you're not going to fly this thing, are you? Like, up in the air, fly?"

"What the hell do you think she's going to do?" GL asks as he slides into a seat.

"I don't know, we're invisible. They can't see us! I just thought we would taxi to safety!"

"Sit down. Shut up," Batman says sternly.

"Butbutbutbutbut-'

"NOW!"In the blink of an eye, I'm in a seat and strapped down and ready to go. Suddenly, the jet takes off and blasts past the army men and their tanks. Wonder Woman has us in the air in just few seconds and we begin to climb into the sky, leaving Washington behind.

"Oh, God," I say with a deep breath as the jet shakes and gains altitude. Don't look out the window. Don't look out the window. You're just in a bus...a bus that can't pull over to the shoulder if it runs out of gas, it'll just tumble from the sky and kill us all.... that's all it us. Just a big bus with wings..."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Rhiannon turns her head slightly and sees Donna closing her eyes slowly as she feels the plane moving.

Good she is getting her rest. I think she just might make it.

"Oh, God," Don't look out the window. Don't look out the window. You're just in a bus...a bus that can't pull over to the shoulder if it runs out of gas, it'll just tumble from the sky and kill us all.... that's all it us. Just a big bus with wings..."

Okay that's not gonna help her.

Rhiannon says through the helmet, "Flash I need you to calm down. Donna needs rest and you panicking isn't going to help that cause. You're a hero, you've taken on psychos and some of the biggest baddest villains the world will ever know and kicked their asses and sent them to prison crying for their mommies. Take a couple deep breaths and focus on those things, focus on things that you've overcome and the knowledge that you're a leader on this team and you've helped us all along the way. You can do this Flash you're a superhero I've seen you in action you're gonna be fine."

She takes a couple of deep breaths and says with smirk, "Or do I need to ask if Batman will stare at you for the rest of the flight to help you relax."

 

[Byrd Man]

She takes a couple of deep breaths and says with smirk, "Or do I need to ask if Batman will stare at you for the rest of the flight to help you relax."

I look over at Batman, who shifts in his seat and scowls at me.

"No ma'am...I'm calm."

~Wonder Woman~ J'onn's voice echoes through my skull, and it echoes through everyone's skull by the looks on their faces.

~The situation is thus: a powerful telepath hijacked your mind, along with every member of the Justice League, save myself. I am currently off-planet, only able to assist you psychically. The only member of the Justice League still under the telepath's influence is Superman. He is currently rampaging in Eastern Europe, in the country Pokolistan. His mind is still shut off to me, but together we can all stop him. Either through your magic lasso or my psychic penetration, we can bring him to his senses and wake him up from his walking dream.~

 

[Carnage27]

Cyborg
~Authority~
​

I step through the other side of the portal, finding myself in a bright room with windows on all sides. Sitting in the middle of the octagonal room is a blond, attractive woman who's barely older than me and a middle-aged man with dark hair. They eye me suspiciously as I approach.

"So, Cyborg, you think you're on our side?" the woman asks in a British accent. As I approach her, my mind starts to wobble, and I get a little dizzy. I take a seat.

"Sorry...a little lightheaded," I respond. "Which is weird considering I have a computer for a brain."

"It's just me. Electricity is drawn to me," she says like it's completely normal. "Just try and relax. I'm also trying to scramble any signals you may be producing."

"Sure....where am I?"

"London," she smiles. "Our base of operations. Now...I hear your fight and your conversation. And while I have to say I'm taking a terrible risk trusting you, but I don't have any other choice. You have a link to StormWatch. We send you out on missions, and we'll draw their attention without endangering us."

I laugh at the offer, "What, you think I'm going to agree to be bait? I"m not a piece of meat, sweetheart."

"No, but you want to find them just as much as we do," she says, smiling slyly at me. "And this is your chance. Work for us, and we'll take them down together."

"Why do you two hate each other so much?" I ask, getting agitated as my head begins to swim even more. "What's this war about?"

"I'll show you," she says. "Jenny! Come in here, sweetie!"

I turn as a door opens and in walks a cute little girl. She smiles at me, and instantly I'm not myself any more. I've been taken out of my body and become a spectator of my body's actions.

My arms outstretch and begin to wrap around the girl's throat. I can hear screams and shouts, but they're miles away. I'm in a tunnel, my world completely focused on snuffing the life out of this girl.

But before I can, electricity surges through my body, and I begin shaking uncontrollably. I drop the girl and begin to levitate over the floor due to the energy flowing through me. I see that the blond woman is firing the bolts at me. The last thing I see is Flint's fist flying towards my face and I lose consciousness for the first time in weeks.

 

[Aleksei]

Swamp Thing
The Green Spark
Part Four

I was a man of science but now that I am dying I find that science fails me. Currently I float in a swamp that is burning. It is not an easy thing to make the swamp burn but my lab was filled with chemicals. This is no natural fire and I am in the center of it all. I am also burning but just a moment ago all the pain went away. I figured that meant it was the end, but it appears that it is the start of things instead.

There was a green light deep in the muck. It was both unnatural and wholly natural all at once and it was growing. Soon it was all I could see. I was surrounded by this amazing light. This was not the way I thought things would end, it was so beautiful.

Than I heard a voice that surrounded me. It formed each word in front of the other as if the world of language was very alien. "Alec Holland you are dying. The GREEN can save you. It can become you. You can become it. Now you must choose."

Before I could really process what was happening I whispered "yes" softly to the light.

Than the memories start to hit me. Countless memories all at once from many different places. Images from ancient forest, dark swamps and near endless swamps flooded into me. In each memory their is a presence, a guardian filled with primal energy. Than I start to understand that I am that guardian now. I am alive but no longer human. I am something else. Something that never dies.

I want to see the world with these new eyes and as I think this the light fades away. My head pushes out of the muck. I am in the same swamp, chemical fire still burns but so many things have changed inside of me that at first I just stand there.

The plants that surround me speak to me. They speak of fear and burning. All life around me tries its best to survive the fire. The part of me that is still human knows that the fire will not lost long. The part of me that is not human knows the swamp will survive. Than I realize that the plants are not just around me, they are me. I look down at my hand and see a body made of living plant matter. I am transformed. The green spark is no distant thing anymore. I am the green spark. Than I hear the curses of human life and I know that my work here is not done...
​

 

[Andy C.]

I look over at Batman, who shifts in his seat and scowls at me.

"No ma'am...I'm calm."

~Wonder Woman~ J'onn's voice echoes through my skull, and it echoes through everyone's skull by the looks on their faces.

~The situation is thus: a powerful telepath hijacked your mind, along with every member of the Justice League, save myself. I am currently off-planet, only able to assist you psychically. The only member of the Justice League still under the telepath's influence is Superman. He is currently rampaging in Eastern Europe, in the country Pokolistan. His mind is still shut off to me, but together we can all stop him. Either through your magic lasso or my psychic penetration, we can bring him to his senses and wake him up from his walking dream.~

It is as bad as I had feared; worse, even. I had been prepared for the possibility that other heroes had fallen under the influence of the person who had affected me. With my power and skill, I would wager I would be a match for just about any other super-human on the planet.

But Superman? I am not entirely sure that all of us combined could match him.

I tighten my grip on the jet's controls, banking the jet to the east.

"I don't relish the idea of facing Superman in combat, but if he is being manipulated into causing harm, there is no telling how many innocent lives are at risk."

The jet accelerates to supersonic speed as we streak across the Atlantic.

"My Lasso is an instrument of divination: anyone ensnared in it is forced to see and speak the plain Truth. Donna was able to free me from the telepath's control with it--I believe a similar technique may work on Superman. Getting it around him, however, is another matter entirely."

I have seen the Man of Steel in action, both in person and in reports. He is stronger and faster than I am, even with the full blessings of the gods. However, I have faith that I can hold my own for long enough.

"I suggest a hammer-and-anvil strategy," I say. "One force to pin the opposition in place, another to strike at it from the other side. Those of you who can try to catch Superman off-guard and get the Lasso around him. I will divert his attention....and bear the brunt of his attack, if need be."

 

[Batman]

"I suggest a hammer-and-anvil strategy," I say. "One force to pin the opposition in place, another to strike at it from the other side. Those of you who can try to catch Superman off-guard and get the Lasso around him. I will divert his attention....and bear the brunt of his attack, if need be."

It seems that Diana's prowess in the making of a strategic attack hasn't faltered with time. Even though I try to consider all possibilities and variables, I can't find myself disagreeing with the approach that she suggests. The only thing that concerns me is the fact that while I'm certain we have the brute strength to counteract Superman's long enough for a distraction, we don't have that combined speed. The Flash is fast, but he's hardly strong. And I have to wonder if he's even a match for Superman's own velocity. Truth be told, it may very well have to come down to all of us working together - combining our strengths at once, disregarding our weaknesses.

Which, in my case, could be a problem. Flash grenades, smoke capsules, and batarangs can only go so far.

"If that's what we're going with, we'll need Lantern to lead the attack."

He looks over from his seat, obviously taken aback at the notion. He's probably considered Superman's capabilities aswell, and given his expression, I don't think he was prepared for my suggestion.

"What? Why me?"

"Your ring can create a containment barrier. The same that you used to transport me to Washington."

"Right, but you don't understand how the ring works. I can create anything, but it takes absolute concentration and willpower to harden my constructs. Trying to outmatch Superman's strength would be like trying to contain a moving train."

I shoot him a glance.

"Then you'll just have to concentrate like hell. If Wonder Woman's going to be able to get that lasso around him, your constructs are the second best attack we have to our advantage."

"What am I, chopped liver?"

I sneer back at Flash, who almost immediately regrets the comment.

"If that's what you'd like to be, by all means. Go ahead and take Lantern's place."

"Jus' wanted to lend a hand..."

"Atom? You're also going to be needed. I'm not sure about Superman's physiology, but if his organs are anything like ours, your size manipulation will also be an advantage. While Lantern presses the attack, Flash can bring you close enough to sneak your way into his body."

Turning back to Diana, I momentarily watch as all of the grave thoughts of taking Superman on in combat run through her mind. She's obviously worried. And if she's not sure of herself, then we have have reason to worry aswell.

"I'll do what little that I can, but we're out of my element. The most that I can manage is sensory distraction. Blinding him, disorientation, it's all relative. But I'm going to need to stay back... for obvious reasons."

If only he had a weakness I could exploit. Something we haven't thought of. As it stands, we could be potentially slaughtered.

But I suppose that wouldn't be wise to bring up again.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Rhiannon listens to Batman's strategy session and his dressing down of The Flash.

Credit where credit is due the guy has his good points in a life or death situation, but his people skills suck! Oh well if he's gonna be the group enforcer I guess he can't allow himself to have any real people skills and....

Just then she hears him say her name.

"Atom? You're also going to be needed. I'm not sure about Superman's physiology, but if his organs are anything like ours, your size manipulation will also be an advantage. While Lantern presses the attack, Flash can bring you close enough to sneak your way into his body."

Rhiannon says, "All-right I'll see what I can do. Right now though I need to do one last check on my patient."

She sits up slowly just as Batman hands her two band-aids and a vial.

He says, "It's a glucose supplement should help get you back on your feet."

Rhiannon says, "Thank you Batman."

Rhiannon takes out the needles and tubing from her and Donna. She then applies the band-aids.

Rhiannon breaks the vial open. Lifting up her visor out of view of the group and drinks it.


Ick! This will get me back on my feet just because it is the most awful tasting stuff I've ever had, but he's right I do feel better than if I just did OJ and cookies.

Rhiannon transforms back into The Atom, but there is one flaw with the transformation. The helmet did not shrink with her and there is a loud CLUNK from the back of the plane!

She is somewhat shaken by the sound and vibrations.

If anyone asks I'll tell them I pre-planned this for the sake of my identity.

Once she gets rid of the cobwebs The Atom floats out of the helmet and begins to check Donna's Vitals.

The Atom says, "She's stable, vitals are within normal limits, and she has good skin tone and color. She'll be all-right a couple of days in a hospital and some rest ought to do it."

The Atom then floats to the front of the plane and sits next to Green Lantern.

She looks at him and says, "Thanks for your constructs Donna wouldn't have made it without your help."

 

[Byrd Man]

She looks at him and says, "Thanks for your constructs Donna wouldn't have made it without your help."

"What was I gonna do, just stand by and not help?"

Green Lantern and Atom continue to chat while I look out the window and tune them and everyone out.

I can't help but feel frustrated. Here I am again, back in the big leagues with the Justice League. But just like last time, my role is that of a glorified courier. Batman, the guy I thought was some creepy batgod, is just another bully. Like the guys Ralph and I had to deal with in high school, like Professor Thawne, and like Snart and his group.

If I wanted to, I could grab Batman and run him so fast that his brains would leak out his ears.

But that's not me, I don't get things done by using force or intimidation. Just because I smile and joke, doesn't mean I can't be serious.

And this is a serious as it gets. The five of us against the most powerful man in the world. Batman and Wonder Woman can think up the plan all they want to. When it comes time, I'll do my part and then some...then we'll see who's chopped liver.