The "Ultimate DC Universe" RPG: Season 2.0

[Spike_x1]

I call up to Superman, as he intently stares at the structure, for some reason. As if he's looking right through it...

"Now would not be the best time to tell me you can't break into it."

"Funny." It was difficult enough to focus passed the outer hull of the ship. Some sort of ionized field was in place and flowing through the metal shell, but once he managed to see passed it, Superman could make out several hundred decks inside. "Brace yourself!"

Narrow but highly focused beams of heatvision tore a circle into the hull as Superman rocketed forward, shoulder first, and forced their way in.

The clean circle of metal landed loud and heavily in front of the heroes with a huge dent on its surface from the Man of Steel's impact. Batman was quickly recomposed and using a flashlight to scan the dark room that they found themselves in, as Superman floated several meters in air behind him. "I hear something coming."

 

[Batman]

"Funny." It was difficult enough to focus passed the outer hull of the ship. Some sort of ionized field was in place and flowing through the metal shell, but once he managed to see passed it, Superman could make out several hundred decks inside. "Brace yourself!"

Narrow but highly focused beams of heatvision tore a circle into the hull as Superman rocketed forward, shoulder first, and forced their way in.

The clean circle of metal landed loud and heavily in front of the heroes with a huge dent on its surface from the Man of Steel's impact. Batman was quickly recomposed and using a flashlight to scan the dark room that they found themselves in, as Superman floated several meters in air behind him. "I hear something coming."

I peer down the hallway, scanning it with both my thermal lenses and the flashlight. Nothing turns up. And the noise he claims to have heard is not even existent. I look back at Superman, skepticism riddling my expression through the cowl. "I don't hear anything."

A few tense moments pass, as suddenly, I'm contradicted. There is a faint noise, coming from the eastern station of where we're located. It's a tapping... almost as if something's moving towards us on some kind of mechanical device. And the noise is growing louder. We'll be spotted in a matter of moments if we don't take any action.

I shut off the light, roll forward, and silently creep up to the wall, indicating that Superman should do the same. He floats over to me, a bit perplexed as to what I'm doing.

"I have a plan. Per my signal, be ready to attack.", I whisper, unsheathing two batarangs from my belt and a mace pellet.

There's no telling what we're going to face, whether it be an OMAC, another version of Brother Eye, Brainiac himself... or something far worse. All that is guaranteed, from my observations in the battle, is that at least half of it is going to be of extraterrestrial origin. But I care little about what speicies, race, or planet it hails from... siding with Brainiac, it's already proven one thing about itself: It's a criminal. And criminals, as I know all too well, are as superstitious and cowardly as the next.

But more importantly, they can all be surprised, aswell.

My grip tightens on the batarangs and the mace, as I hear the noise pause. It's stopped, whatever it is. Possibly realising that we're here. It's now or never. The choice is already clear. "Now."

I allow Superman to fly out first, as I leap from the wall, grab the batarangs, and spin, hurling them towards our opposition. But it's at that moment that I realise I've made a grave mistake, as the batarangs bounce off of the ceiling, and the walls, before simultaneously crashing into eachother and falling to the floor. Superman looks on, just as confused as I am, as I look back.

"Something isn't right."

"And they call me the detective."

Our banter is interrupted, as the noise errupts again. Superman and I turn, startled, as three large, spider-like OMAC sentients appear, fading out of thin air. Damn it. Should've known. They have a cloaking device. Worse than that, we can forget any hope of approaching this with stealth... which leaves me at a disadvantage. However... I still have Superman. He may be the sole hope I have left to aide in defeating them. Which means I'll have to lose the trust issue.

"Remember that plan I had earlier? Forget it. Take them down!", I call out, diving forward and attacking one of them head on.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The Atom notices that lot of the OMACs are starting come back on-line.

Great, just when I thought it was safe to catch my breath. Time to get back to work...hope I get some help here soon.

She then floats away and begins taking as many off-line as she can.

 

[Blacklight]

My father didn't wasn't really a fan of sharing his knowledge of fighting with anyone but me, although he did make one exception. He tought Bruce Wayne (Yes, CEO of Wayne Enterprises Bruce Wayne) how to fight and the art of escape with me. I was 18 at the time, and he was about 15 or 16...

7 years ago...


"The bowstaff is one of the simplest, yet one of the most powerful weapons to master. Zatanna. Bruce. If you could please enter the sparring ring."

Bruce and I both took a bo off the wall and entered the ring. We both positioned ourselves at opposite sides, poised to fight. This kid looked serious. Exactly like when we first met.

******************************

"Remember to treat him with respect Zatanna. He had just lost his parents, and his father and I were great friends. Maybe you two could be like brother and sister."

"I know father."

Me and my father were standing at the door of our training facility, and this old man and a black-haired kid (apparently Bruce) entered the foyer.

"Master Zatara. How are you Giovanni?"

"Never been better, Alfred. Let's go into the kitchen for some tea."

'Alfred' leaned down to Bruce's level.

"Will you be ok, Master Bruce?"

"I'll be fine, Alfred. Thank you."

My father and Alfred left the foyer, leavig me and Bruce. I wanted to introduce myself to the little man.

"Hi. My name's Zatanna, but you can call me Zee. You're names Bruce, right?"

He nodded and didn't look too happy. Time for a little magic!

"Hey Bruce, you want to see a magic trick?"

"Sure."

I put my hand behind his ear like I was going to grab something, and quickly muttered a spell.

"Lekcin."

Then a nickel magically appeared in my hand, and I pretended like it was from his ear. He still didn't look convinced.

"Cool huh?"

"I guess..."

"Still ain't convinced huh? Well watch this. Evod a otni hprom!"

Then the nickel morphed into a dove in my concealed hands. I then let it fly onto one of the ceiling girders. Now he looked amazed.

"How'd you do that?"

"Magic."

"That was cool."

And that was the only moment when I actually saw Bruce Wayne smile.

********************************

"Are you both ready?"

Bruce continued to look focused, as was I.

"Begin."

Bruce and I both came at each other. Deflecting each other's attacks. Our expertises of the weapon outdid each other. The sound's of our staves clashing was tuned out. We quickly then backed off and caught our breath. Then Bruce charged at me. I tried to hold him off but he pushed me out of the ring. He offered me his hand.

"That was great, Zee."

"Thanks Brucie. You weren't so bad yourself."

With his help, I arose back to my feet. Alfred walked through the door, and my father walked over to Bruce.

"Well done Bruce, and you as well Zatanna. I think you're training here is complete Bruce. Your destiny is awaiting."

Then Alfred pulled Bruce over to him. They both walked over to the door about to leave.

"Bye Zee!"

He waved at me and I waved back.

"Goodbye Brucie!"

Then they left. I haven't seen Brucie ever since.

"Father?"

"Yes Zatanna?"

"What do you think is my destiny?"

"You're destiny..."

He put his hand on my shoulder.

"You're destiny Zatanna, is bright. You will make a great difference."

"Will I ever see Bruce again?"

"You will. Bruce will also make a difference. Your destinies are intertwined, but you will bring light to this world."

*********************************


He was right. I do make a difference. I now have a magic show, and whenever crime is about. I fight it.

 

[Andy C.]

I peer down the hallway, scanning it with both my thermal lenses and the flashlight. Nothing turns up. And the noise he claims to have heard is not even existent. I look back at Superman, skepticism riddling my expression through the cowl. "I don't hear anything."

A few tense moments pass, as suddenly, I'm contradicted. There is a faint noise, coming from the eastern station of where we're located. It's a tapping... almost as if something's moving towards us on some kind of mechanical device. And the noise is growing louder. We'll be spotted in a matter of moments if we don't take any action.

I shut off the light, roll forward, and silently creep up to the wall, indicating that Superman should do the same. He floats over to me, a bit perplexed as to what I'm doing.

"I have a plan. Per my signal, be ready to attack.", I whisper, unsheathing two batarangs from my belt and a mace pellet.

There's no telling what we're going to face, whether it be an OMAC, another version of Brother Eye, Brainiac himself... or something far worse. All that is guaranteed, from my observations in the battle, is that at least half of it is going to be of extraterrestrial origin. But I care little about what speicies, race, or planet it hails from... siding with Brainiac, it's already proven one thing about itself: It's a criminal. And criminals, as I know all too well, are as superstitious and cowardly as the next.

But more importantly, they can all be surprised, aswell.

My grip tightens on the batarangs and the mace, as I hear the noise pause. It's stopped, whatever it is. Possibly realising that we're here. It's now or never. The choice is already clear. "Now."

I allow Superman to fly out first, as I leap from the wall, grab the batarangs, and spin, hurling them towards our opposition. But it's at that moment that I realise I've made a grave mistake, as the batarangs bounce off of the ceiling, and the walls, before simultaneously crashing into eachother and falling to the floor. Superman looks on, just as confused as I am, as I look back.

"Something isn't right."

"And they call me the detective."

Our banter is interrupted, as the noise errupts again. Superman and I turn, startled, as three large, spider-like OMAC sentients appear, fading out of thin air. Damn it. Should've known. They have a cloaking device. Worse than that, we can forget any hope of approaching this with stealth... which leaves me at a disadvantage. However... I still have Superman. He may be the sole hope I have left to aide in defeating them. Which means I'll have to lose the trust issue.

"Remember that plan I had earlier? Forget it. Take them down!", I call out, diving forward and attacking one of them head on.

"I would advise against that, Kal-El of Krypton and Bruce Wayne of Gotham City."

The voice seemed to come from all around at once, and indeed, it had boomed through audio units throughout the ship.

"These elite sentries have been ordered to escort you directly to me. Confronting them is unnecessary, if confronting me personally was your intention. In point of fact, you could have spared yourselves much needless violence had you both simply complied with my requests in the first place."

The dark chamber suddenly began to brighten, a sickly glowing green emanating from hidden fixtures in the walls. Though dim, it gave hints of the hideous machinery that composed the rest of the ship: complex knots of tubes and wires that pulsed like veins, structures and arches that more closely resembled bone and webs than any technology of man. The OMACs seemed out of place here, their sleek design in stark contrast to the almost organic structure of Brainiac's ship.

"If you would follow the sentries, then you will find the confrontation which you seek."

The pale green lights faded, with the exception of a glow leading down a narrow corridor. This was the path they were intended to take, and the spider-like OMACs urged them forward.

 

[Batman]

"What was that?"

Katma Tui sat up straight, on the ring forged operating structure, as Abin Sur completed cauterising her wound. Her tone conveyed a sense of worry, but Abin seemed to care little for the noise that had just errupted, as he pointed his fist into the air, and created a map back from their current location to the Central Power Battery on OA.

"One of the Earthian wildlife, undoubtedly.", Sur assured her, as he focused on the coordinates on the map. "Nothing of our concern... they are generally harmless."

"No, Abin... you don't understand. We may have more pressing matters than that...", Tui responded, alert, as she weakly stood on the ground. "I wasn't stranded here without a purpose. It was an intentional sabatoge. He wanted to make sure I stayed here so I couldn't follow him!"

Abin's eyes arched.

"Who would possibly comform such a scheme?", Sur asked.

Katma Tui stared into his eyes, making the situation evidently grave, as she spoke his name.

"Despero."

Immediately, with widened eyes, Sur retracted the map back into his ring, and enveloped himself in a bright aura of energy. Pulling up his wrist, a small device protruded from his uniform. Speaking into it, Sur desperately tried to make contact with Hal.

"Hal Jordan. State your coordinates to me immediately!", Sur exclaimed, his fear evident in tone as he considered the possibility that Hal had come into contact with such a monster.

"I'd love to, Abin...", Hal's voice responded, booming from the device.

"But I kinda got my hands full, at the moment!"

As Hal exclaimed that, he ducked, narrowly missing a swipe from Despero's massive claw. With a thrust forward, Hal shot out a thick ray from his ring, bathing half of Despero's body in green energy, and working it's way downward. But before the encasement could be completed, Despero angrily swiped the ring's energy away, before grabbing Hal and tossing him across the woods. With a tumble, mid-air, Hal came crashing into a nearby tree, falling from it and on his back.

He blinked, once, believing his neck to be broken for half a second. Wouldn't that be the damndest luck...

But his thoughts were interrupted, as the ground rumbled. Looking upwards, crawling up from his position, Hal's head darted upwards, as Despero came charging at him, his massive form encompassing Hal in a large shadow. Bringing his fist down, Despero found it caught, as Hal brought his fist up, and created a spiked shield with his ring. Yelling out a murderous roar in pain, Despero retracted his fist, as Hal leaped, and took to the air as his ring's aura strengthened once more.

"Hey, ugly! We're not finished! Not by a longshot!", Hal bravely yelled out, his ring forming a giant hammer in the air above him.

Bringing it up with a heave, Hal slammed the object down with all of his might, as if he were wielding the hammer in his own hands. As it came closer to connecting to Despero's head, the monster turned, growling, before blinking it's third eye. The eye began glowing, as the hammer came down, smashing Despero into the Earth. With a proud smirk on his face, Hal crossed his arms, assured of victory.

Then, the hammer shattered. With a force that could've levelled the entire area with enough concentration, a multi-rayed bubble of energy came flying from the hammer, seemingly powered by Despero's glowing third eye. Hal could only brace himself with a much larger shield, as the bubble hit him with an explosive blast. Hurling through the air, clearly damaged from the hit by a bloody wound on his forehead and a torn Lantern's uniform, Hal tumbled across the dirt, his ring's glow slowly fading.

"Foolish human,", He heard, coming from where Despero had last been seen. "You have not the training to even look upon me, much less subdue me!"

Weakly, Hal's white gloved hand rised from the ground, as he tried to push himself back up, and into the battle. But Despero's massive fist came down, hard, upon his back, knocking him back into near lifelessness. Laughing, inhumanly, Despero grabbed Hal's battered body by the throat, and lifted him with ease. Drawing his fist back, Despero was prepared to deliver the blow that would assuredly end Hal's life in an instant. But that's when the alien noticed something... Hal's smirk was returning.

"T... That so?"

Drawn by the bright and building glow, Despero looked down at Hal's hand, as it formed a weakened fist, showcasing the power ring that was now coming back to full energetic life. With a full moment's concentration, brought on by Despero's evident confusion, Hal focused as hard as he could, until the ring formed a curious object to the invader: A giant boxing glove. Bringing his fist up as if he were uppercutting air, Hal watched Despero's expression as he could only stand idly, and let the glove rocket forward and hit him right in the cleft, hurling the alien across the woods with an impressive might.

Hal dropped to the ground, weakened, on his chest, as his vision began to fade and his breath began to shorten. He was blacking out. But right before falling out of conciousness, a final thought entered Jordan's mind.

Hell of a punch. Wish dad could've seen that one...

 

[Venom160]

Scarecrow

Alex Suloven is used to the screams, hell that comes with the job description as orderly at Arkham Asylum. But for once he wishes that these nut jobs would just shut up. This among many thoughts race through his head as he carries a box labled "Paitent #41287's personal effects" into the maximum security ward. He quickly peels off the label as he comes around the corner to the last cell at the end of the hall.

"Hey Alex how it goin?"

"Eh can't complain."

"Good good, whats with the box?"

"Oh just a gift for my daughter, I didnt wanna leave it sitting in the break room cause I don't trust the other guards as much as I can throw them."

"I hear ya. Why are you here so early? Your shift doesnt start for another half hour."

"I thought id let ya clock out early."

The guard is silent for a moment and just shrugs.

"Whatever, thanks dude I owe ya one."

Alex watches as the guard turns the corner.

""God help me for what im about to do."

Holding the box under one arm he turns to the door and unlocks it. He pushes it open and walks into the darkened cell.

"Did you bring it?"

The high pitched voice sends a shiver down Alex's spine as he places the box on the ground infront of him.

"Yes, now will you do as you promised!"

A pair of skinny bony arms reach out from the darkness and seizes the box.

"Ofcourse, as soon as im out I'll have my contact administer the antidote to the fear toxin thats courcing through you wife and daughter's veins. Tell me? Are they at the point that they're clawing their own eyes out?"

"Please......don't let them die."

"Oh I promise you poor wretch of a man. After all im a man of my worrrrd. By the time you get home your wife and daughter will be as good as new."

"But how are you going to get outta here? As soon as you walk outta this ward every guard will be after you."

As if answering his question load sirens start echoing throughout the entire Asylum.

"What the hell is that."

The figure walks into the light spilling in from the hallway.

"Phase two of my escape."

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Beginnings. Part 1.

Dr. Kirk Langstrom used to be happy. Only a few months ago, everything was as it should be. He had just gotten engaged to his long-time girlfriend Francine, who some, including the good Dr. Langstrom, considered well out of his league. His thesis on the biogeography and variation of the Cynopterus brachyotis bat in Southeast Asia had garnered some much deserved attention and he his department had received funding for him to continue researching, quite frankly, anything he felt like researching. In short, life was good for Kirk Langstrom.
But, as he pondered while solemnly staring at the letter he had just received from his investors, life has a way of giving you what you want just to rip it out of your hands.

He had let his status as the new golden boy of his department go to his head, spending an unhealthy amount of time with his nose buried in research stats and test outcomes, which left little time to spend with the woman he loved. The night before, he and Francine had had a fight. She stormed out in righteous fashion. He stubbornly refused to call her, even though he knew she was right, denying the plain fact that he needed her.

And he had never needed her as much as he did now. His sudden interest in the echolocation of bats, the use of sonar waves to "see", had sparked multiple tests and theories that had caused much concern amongst his co-workers. Never one the care what his ridiculers thought, he had continued his work without notifying the board of directors, which, judging my the letter in his hand telling him that the boardmembers requested his presence at a meeting the very next morning, was about to come back to bite him.
He swore under his breath and crumpled the letter. He untapped the bottle of alcohol he had bought on his way home, at first intended to celebrate a breakthrough in his research, but now relegated to the job of making him as miserable as he could possibly be.

Suddenly, startling the doctor, his phone rang.

"Oh, for the love of...." *Click* "Hello?"

"Kirk? It's me Francine."

Well, Kirk thought, Francine's voice bringing him the ray of hope he so desperately needed, he may be out of a job, but at least he still had her.

"Francine? I'm so glad you called. Listen, I'm sorry about last night"

"Yeah, uh, look Kirk...We need to talk.."

​

 

[Catman_prb]

Black Mask
​

"Sit down, Mr.Sutabi," Mask said, reclining back in his newly rebuilt chair, behind his slightly older oak table.

"Sir?"

"Sit down David," He said looking out at him with cold dead eyes.

"Very good, sir,"

"Stand up again David. I'm taking you out for a treat," Mask said, jumping up with boyish enthusiasm.

He walked round his desk, and flicked a button which Sutabi had previously mistaken for a light switch. The large bookcase swung back, revealing a winding spiral staircase.

"Hope you got your new hip installed Davey boy. Oh wait thats next tuesday isnt it? Oh well. Come along now," he said, practically skipping down the stair case.

Sutabi followed him with a world weary sigh. As Dave reached the bottom of the staircase, he looked out at the wide open cave before him.

"Roman...what the hell have you done?" Dave asked. Before him, was a great long shelf of masks, with a 3-D map of Gotham City on a steel table. On another bigger table, was a map of the world, complete with mountains and everything.

"I'm so glad you asked me that, i'll over look you using my name! You see, i've constructed a shrine to my enemies. As Sun Tsu said, know your enemies, and you've already won...or something like that," he said walking along the aisle of masks.

"I have replicas of every single super-entitie or costumed crime-fighter, known to weird internet conspiracy freaks. Of course i had to kill the artist. Also," he said gesturing his hand to a small oak box "I have figures representing these people, to be used on my maps and such like,"

"Roman...this is all so extravagent! Why?"

"After fighting that freak Hawkboy, i felt so god-damned alive. I've made my fortune. Now i plan to spend it in the most exciting way possible. On hunting these freaks to the end of the earth to get a peice of them," he said with that glint in his eye Dave attributed to murder. Mask stepped towards him.
"Oh, and Dave?" he said drawing a large curved knife "You said my name again..." Black Mask grinned.​

*
Three hours later
​

"Seeyah round Davey," ​

 

[Spike_x1]

Superman looked sideways at Batman, knowing that neither of them had any reason to argue with Brainiac's request for an audience. He took a deep breath and sighed as he made his choice of action known to his companion by silently floating and following the sentry creatures. Before they had even gone two meters, Superman looked over his shoulder at the Dark Knight, who was still analysing the scenario from the faint shadows.

"We might as well."

 

[Batman]

Superman looked sideways at Batman, knowing that neither of them had any reason to argue with Brainiac's request for an audience. He took a deep breath and sighed as he made his choice of action known to his companion by silently floating and following the sentry creatures. Before they had even gone two meters, Superman looked over his shoulder at the Dark Knight, who was still analysing the scenario from the faint shadows.

"We might as well."

I sneer at the robots. Then at Superman, before finally complying with the request by walking forward, and allowing them to escort both of us down the corridor. As much as it troubles me, a direct assault, like I had planned, will lead to nothing. We might aswell try to convince Brainiac that he has us tamed... until Superman and I can come up with a secondary strategy.

But damn it, there's plenty for me to feel uncomforted about, in this situation. The robot stated my real name. Now Superman... or Kal-El, apparentally, knows it too. This isn't the first time my identity has been compromised... but I'm starting to grow tired of it's repetitiveness. Even to the point where I've begun questioning whether or not having an alternative ego was a waste of time itself.

Even more intriguing, however, is the way Brainiac mentioned Superman's real name. Kal-El. Of Krypton... whatever that is. Whether it be a country of origin, a homebase, or...

A planet.

Of course... Superman isn't of this world. His powers are far too inhumanary to be created of manmade origin, unlike The Flash of Central City, or closer to home, Clayface. He would've had to aqquire them by birth... by genetics. And the only way he could do that is if he weren't born a human being. Kal-El is an alien. Which is a fact that I'm not entirely sure of being a positive or negative strike against him.

It all leads to more questions, which is another thing I'm growing tired of. Why does Brainiac want to salvage us? He could've easily had us destroyed by his sentients. Is he so determined in his quest for upgrading humanity that he's incapable of actually taking lives? Can that be used against him in any way? And the further, more uncomforting possibility... if Superman is from another planet, this 'Krypton'... was Brainiac forged of the same civilisation? Is he as powerful as Superman?

This all comes to more distrust, and more fear. One of which I've unfortunately had to make a habit of... and the other, I thrive upon, but have made myself incapable. Which is the only reason my heart doesn't skip a beat as we're led to, possibly, our impending doom.

I might aswell get his side of the story, so I can be sure of whether or not I've made a grave mistake.

"So.", I begin, quietly. "Krypton. I suppose there's a reason it hasn't been discovered by Earth based technology?"

 

[Catman_prb]

Black Mask
​

He'd been spending a lot of time in his basement recently. With his models. Trying to figure out a game plan. He put the first figure down on the table.

Some nutjob had sworn blind to him that he'd seen somekind of "Batman" . He didnt believe him, but compared to the rest of the stuff he'd dug up, it seemed as real as the blade of a knife.

A superman? True he himself had heard about it from the newspapers, but could it be real. If the powers were true then Roman was no match for him.

And the most incredible of all. The "Wonder Woman". Roman didnt believe in fairy stories, so when a man told him of the Island of the Amazons. he shot him...after a few hours. But he added this one in anyway. To cover all the bases. He didnt want any wild cards.

Except this one. The Joker. He knew that he was real. He'd heard the news reports. HE'd seen the corpses. But he didnt know which side Joker would come down on. And then there was his nemesis.

And finally. The deadliest of all...

 

[Spike_x1]

"So.", I begin, quietly. "Krypton. I suppose there's a reason it hasn't been discovered by Earth based technology?"

The slightest drop, nearly unnoticeable to even a keen an eye as Batman's, could be seen in Superman's shoulders when he heard the question. For a moment, Kal-El was thankful that he was several feet ahead of Batman, and able to hide to look in his eyes. "There is."

Gently, Superman slowed down and descended to the floor of the corridor, still following the sentries, but now walking alongside Batman. Changing the subject from his former home, he swallowed and locked the topic away. "Don't worry about the secret identity, by the way. I already knew." Clark's mouth turned into a smile of reassurance when he looked at the ever-steely expression on Batman's face. "Alien warships aren't the only things that these eyes can see through."

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Beginnings. Part 1.

Dr. Kirk Langstrom used to be happy. Only a few months ago, everything was as it should be. He had just gotten engaged to his long-time girlfriend Francine, who some, including the good Dr. Langstrom, considered well out of his league. His thesis on the biogeography and variation of the Cynopterus brachyotis bat in Southeast Asia had garnered some much deserved attention and he his department had received funding for him to continue researching, quite frankly, anything he felt like researching. In short, life was good for Kirk Langstrom.
But, as he pondered while solemnly staring at the letter he had just received from his investors, life has a way of giving you what you want just to rip it out of your hands.

He had let his status as the new golden boy of his department go to his head, spending an unhealthy amount of time with his nose buried in research stats and test outcomes, which left little time to spend with the woman he loved. The night before, he and Francine had had a fight. She stormed out in righteous fashion. He stubbornly refused to call her, even though he knew she was right, denying the plain fact that he needed her.

And he had never needed her as much as he did now. His sudden interest in the echolocation of bats, the use of sonar waves to "see", had sparked multiple tests and theories that had caused much concern amongst his co-workers. Never one the care what his ridiculers thought, he had continued his work without notifying the board of directors, which, judging my the letter in his hand telling him that the boardmembers requested his presence at a meeting the very next morning, was about to come back to bite him.
He swore under his breath and crumpled the letter. He untapped the bottle of alcohol he had bought on his way home, at first intended to celebrate a breakthrough in his research, but now relegated to the job of making him as miserable as he could possibly be.

Suddenly, startling the doctor, his phone rang.

"Oh, for the love of...." *Click* "Hello?"

"Kirk? It's me Francine."

Well, Kirk thought, Francine's voice bringing him the ray of hope he so desperately needed, he may be out of a job, but at least he still had her.

"Francine? I'm so glad you called. Listen, I'm sorry about last night"

"Yeah, uh, look Kirk...We need to talk.."

​

Beginnings. Part 2.

Dr. Kirk Langstrom nervously paced back and forth, routinely alternating between wiping the sweat from his brow and readjusting his tie, outside of the boardroom.
The day before he had received notice that he was to meet with the board of directors to "discuss" his latest researches. He knew very well, however, that this was no more a discussion than he was a superhero. He was being called to justify why he had been wasting money on tests and materials that these small-minded idiots deemed useless.

His thoughts were interrupted by a hand coming down on his shoulder in turning his body.

"I said they're ready for you, Dr. Langstrom! Didn't you hear me?"

"What? Oh, yes, sorry. I must have been pretty deep in thought."

The man, an assistant who had always been rather friendly to Kirk, smiled reassuringly. It only served to make Kirk even more nervous than he was. "Well, you better get in there, they're getting pretty impatient. You know how it is."

"Yes, well, alright. Wish me luck, Frederick."

"You won't need it Dr. Langstrom, I know you'll do great."

----------

5 minutes later

The fat suited man at the other end of the large wooden table, a large bearded man identical to the one beside him sitting at every side, laughed condescendingly and looked at his colleagues.

"Dr. Langstrom, you can't be serious! These studies you have been wasting our money and resources on are boardering on insane!" The man laughed once more. "You are telling us that you can impart the bat's ability to see with sonar, as you so eloquently put it, on humans. What next? Are you planning on recruiting The Bat-Man to aid you in your quest? Or maybe Santa Clause can be of service?"

The room roared with laughter, and Kirk Langstrom felt indescribable anger build up inside him. Never one to raise his voice, he once again wiped sweat from his face. "Please, I'm telling you, with the right equipment I can perfect th-"

"Dr. Langstrom! Your studies have been in vain! You have NO reliable results, in fact, you have NOTHING to support this claim of yours, and you want us to throw MORE money at you?!"

"Dr. Phillips, I do have results! I feel confident that my latest attempt at isolating the genes that allow echolocation will be a success!"

Dr. Phillips sneered at Kirk, along with his fellows.

"Yes, we have read all about your serum, Dr. Langstrom. Correct me if I'm wrong, but have the few animals you have tested it on not died no more than a few hours later?"

"Yes, but I now know what I was doing wrong!" Suddenly, Kirk felt his voice start to fail him and he felt as if he had been struck in the face. The room swam in front of his eyes and even though he was watching Dr. Phillips' mouth moving, he didn't hear a word.
He felt as if his head was splitting in two, and his eyes as if they were going to explode.
It was almost a relief when he felt his body hit the floor.

​

 

[Apprentice]

​

"You have no idea how bloody perfect this is!"

Manchester Black's voice boomed across the command deck of his lumbering aircraft, causing J'onn J'onnzz to wince ever-so-slightly and turn away from the overly large screen depicting scenes of violence in Metropolis. Two heroic titans waged war against an onslaught of mechanical creatures, encased in which were unwilling, innocent humans; in the background, a single man attired outrageously in a Kevlar battlesuit and accompanying cape struggled to do what he could in the face of sheer hopelessness. And whilst this, a fateful struggle in the skies, occurred, Black roared with satisfied laughter.

"I fail to see how this is amusing, Mr Black," J'onn interjected, his tone soft but firm. "Perhaps you would care to explain."

"Think about it, Jonny boy!" he bellowed excitedly, leaping from his elevated central chair as if a king overlooking his kingdom. "All the effort, all the research, all the work that's gone into Project: Justice...and now they're coming together on their own! Look at 'em, fightin' and dyin' together! It's wonderful!"

J'onn's gaze narrowed as he cast an irked glance at his employer. Any man that could chuckle in the face of such an event was not a man that he would prefer to associate with; but Black had promised to bring the Martian to others of his kind, hidden away on Earth. He could not turn away from such an opportunity, yet his patience was wearing thin. "I would find more effort, more research, and more work more preferable to achieve such a result. If it takes someone to put an entire city in danger to bring metahumans toge --" He paused, a realisation dawning on him.

Black frowned, evidently annoyed that J'onn was distracting him. "What?"

"Tell me you had no involvement in this."

Black rolled his eyes melodramatically and jammed yet another cigarette into his mouth. "O' course I didn't, ya big drama queen. Now get down there and do your job! I want all three of these people on my payroll by the end of the day."

"As humans are so fond of saying, we can't always get what we want," J'onn quipped, turning away. "I warn you, Mr Black - if I find out that you have had anything to do with this battle, I will not be happy. Similarly, I want results regarding your promise to me by the end of this assignment."

With a brisk nod, the Martian Manhunter phased through the deck and dropped down towards the city in turmoil below him.

On the bridge of the Leviathan, Manchester Black slumped back into his seat. "Don't want much, does he?"​

 

[Andy C.]

The slightest drop, nearly unnoticeable to even a keen an eye as Batman's, could be seen in Superman's shoulders when he heard the question. For a moment, Kal-El was thankful that he was several feet ahead of Batman, and able to hide to look in his eyes. "There is."

Gently, Superman slowed down and descended to the floor of the corridor, still following the sentries, but now walking alongside Batman. Changing the subject from his former home, he swallowed and locked the topic away. "Don't worry about the secret identity, by the way. I already knew." Clark's mouth turned into a smile of reassurance when he looked at the ever-steely expression on Batman's face. "Alien warships aren't the only things that these eyes can see through."

As the two conversed, the ship rumbled, and loud booming noises emanated from outside. Wonder Woman was still holding her own against the OMAC swarm.

The spider-like OMAC sentries seemed to take no heed, and prodded Superman and Batman along, crawling across the walls and ceiling to give the two more room in the cramped corridor. Suddenly, they stopped, and lowered down onto their rear legs, as if kneeling.

At the end of the corridor was a large chamber, lit by pulsing green light. It was cavernous, but hardly empty like the previous chamber in which the two heroes had been caught. This room was littered with rows upon rows of fantastic computer terminals, manipulated by metallic tendrils that grew out from the walls and ceiling. Among the outer ring of terminals was a ring of what appeared to be glass jars, each with tiny complex structures within them.

And at the heart of it all, a skeletal figure stood, its gaze fixed on the myriad screens before it. Like some horrible kaleidoscope, the images in each screen rotated and blended together, feeding their information to the creature at the helm. Many of the images focused on specific points in Metropolis and Gotham, or on Wonder Woman in the heat of battle. In fact, each of the screens was the viewpoint of an OMAC.

The skeletal creature turned away from the screens, and spoke.

"Now, Kal-El and Bruce Wayne, we have much to discuss."

 

[Batman]

"Don't worry about the secret identity, by the way. I already knew." Clark's mouth turned into a smile of reassurance when he looked at the ever-steely expression on Batman's face. "Alien warships aren't the only things that these eyes can see through."

I don't respond. And I make it a point not to.

Because I know what I'd say to that. I'd tell him that what he just said doesn't, despite it's intention, make me feel any more trustworthy of him. The very fact that he looked through my cowl shifts my opinion of him to be reasonably low, if anything.

But again, I don't say a word. I can't let my growing distrust of him disrupt the mission at hand. It's far too important to fall apart at the hands of... opposing views. And despite that... from what I've seen, irregardless of my own privacy being breached, Superman does seem to have a clear intent of wanting to make the world a safer place. I suppose that smile he puts on is his way of doing so.

I rely on an entirely different method.

My observations of the preverbial "Man Of Steel" come to a interrupting halt, as the OMAC sentients come to a stop, directly infront of, and behind us, leaving both Superman and I little room to do anything except stand and watch. At the end of the corridor... a bright light, of some sort. That's when I notice the form of monitors on either end of me. They're forged of a technology even I've never had the resources to see constructed. Alot of work was put into this... invasion. That much is for certain.

That's when we're greeted with a skeletal sentient, perched upon some sort of technical probe, exerted from it's abdominal shell. It turns to us, and with a voice as cold as steel and as harsh as glass, speaks to us, as if we're it's guests.

Brainiac. It has to be.

"Now, Kal-El and Bruce Wayne, we have much to discuss."

I sneer, readying my hands on my utility belt. But I never allow myself to tense. They may realise what I'm considering... be it a vague possibility, given how well my last strategy worked.

"You're right."

"Let's begin with how you're going to evacuate this planet. Immediately."

 

[Byrd Man]

IC: Barry Allen & Zoom

Barry's rage overtook him as he saw his cousin strapped to a table like a lab rat.

Sure, the kid's a prick, but I'll be damned if I'm gonna let the boy die.

"Zoom. This ENDS. NOW."

Zoom cackled maniacally at Allen.

"Thnk So Alln? Oh, he screamed. He screamed, just like your precious Iris did. Loud and sob-uh-"

Zoom's voice was cut short by Allen's gloved fist. A sickening orangish blood sprayed from his mouth. Mere feet away Allen was momentarily distracted by one of the machines hooked to his cousin.

His heartrate is at 600 beats per minute?

His thoughts were interrupted as Zoom started to use his head as a speed bag. The world around Allen slowed down as he brought his concentration back to his foe. With a powerful uppercut, Barry connected with the bottom of Zoom's very visible ribcage. A loud splintering sound told Barry that he had done his job with the punch, as he wheeled his left hand around to box what used to be Thawne's ear.

"I think I've hd enff of this Alln. Gdbye."

Zoom sputtered through his blood filled lips. Blindingly fast he brought his foot into Barry's groin, lifting the hero up momentarily, before he fell to his hands and knees and blacked out in pain.

When he awoke moments later, Zoom was gone, and the machines hooked to Bart were beeping loudly. His heartrate was now dangerously high, even if his metabolism was increased. Allen pulled himself up through the pain and cradled the teen in his arms. Within a minute they were at the hospital.

"Please help him."

My eyes start to focus.

"Wh-where am I?"

I stand up and look around, I was lying face first on asphalt. It's a long road winding in the darkness.

BRR! BRR!

Lights appear out of nowhere as I hear the horn of a 18 wheeler.

"Mov out the wayyyy!!."

Zoom leans out the 18 wheeler's door window, a sick smile on his face.

"AAAHHH!"

I kick my feet and start to run, the transfer truck barrels down on me as I run faster and faster, faster than I've ever ran.

"Ttttoo Sloww!"

I feel my back break as the truck's grill snaps me in half and runs me over.

"Ugh.."

I watch the tail lights fade into the darkness as I lay on the pavement, blood running out of my mouth.

"...Help..."

I see the truck's break lights flash as Zoom stops. The truck is jammed into gear and he reverses at full speed.

CRUNCH!

Nine wheels go back over my body, bursting my lungs and stomach.

I try to scream, but I can't find the strength.

"Ahhhhh....AAHHHHH!!!!"

My eyes snap open and I'm no longer roadkill. I'm laying in a bed somewhere, my body hurts, but nothing like the dream.

"AAAHHHH!!"

I look down at my hand, it's moving so fast I can barely see it. In one swift motion, my whole body vibrates through the bed and I hit the cold hard floor.

"OH GOD! HE'S COMING FOR ME! HELP!!!"

 

[SenseiofCheese]

It had been a few days, since Katar's battle with the man in the black mask, and still he could not get it out of his head. The early morning sun had just risen, it's golden arms stretching in through his newly repaired apartment window, while he lazily drifted through the early edition of the Gotham Gazette.
A million questions raced through Katar's head, no answers readily available to him. Thoughts of his long lost Shayera began to run together with the memory of his ribs cracking like a twig and his blood filling his mouth, as he lay beaten at the hands of a madman.
In the manic ocean of thoughts, the questions fighting to be the first one answered, one of them was as stone-cold and persistent as the day it had first entered his mind: He had to find Shayera.
But where would he begin his search?
The newspaper he had been flipping through, paying no mind to what was written on the pages, suddenly grabbed his attention.

Mysterious Winged Man Saves Woman

.....when asked to describe her savior, Doris Fletcher, 75, said "He swooped down, these giant wings flapping all over the place, and saved me from those awful flying men that were all over the city... ...He had massive bird-like eyes, like a hawk, and a big beak"
Doris Fletcher's neighbors, when asked for comments, denied having seen anything, but all testified to Ms. Fletcher's long standing alcoholism and frequent outbreaks of hallucinations.
Eric Jefferson, 47, had this to say: "You don't listen to a single word that old harpie says...Wasn't too long ago she said she saw that Bat-fellow swinging around here."
How this reported hero, Hawk-Man, and Gotham's mysterious Bat-Man are connected, if at all, remains to be seen.

Fantastic, Katar thought to himself. He wanted, in no way, to share the spotlight with the much reported Bat-Man, whose infamy was rivaling Bigfoot's. At least, he thought, at this point, I'm just one of a drunk woman's many insane ramblings.

No sooner had he turned the page than another headline caught his eye.

Aberdour Castle now open to tourists

Katar remembered the name quite well, and upon looking at the photograph accompanying the article, a man in his sixties with his wife standing in the shadow of the massive castle, he knew this was where he would being his search for Shayera.
Aberdour Castle was, well, his. In one of his many lives, most cut short by the monster he had finally wiped from existance, he and Shayera lived side by side, as King and Queen, of Aberdour, in Scotland.
Finally, Shayera. We WILL be together once again. Katar felt a sudden burst of hope light up in his heart, as his eyes studied every word on the page.

The Grand Opening will be held October 1st
Aberdour was originally owned by the de Mortimer family in the 12th century. It passed to the Douglases in 1342. The Earl of Morton later....

Finally...
​

​

​

​

​

 

[Andy C.]

I don't respond. And I make it a point not to.

Because I know what I'd say to that. I'd tell him that what he just said doesn't, despite it's intention, make me feel any more trustworthy of him. The very fact that he looked through my cowl shifts my opinion of him to be reasonably low, if anything.

But again, I don't say a word. I can't let my growing distrust of him disrupt the mission at hand. It's far too important to fall apart at the hands of... opposing views. And despite that... from what I've seen, irregardless of my own privacy being breached, Superman does seem to have a clear intent of wanting to make the world a safer place. I suppose that smile he puts on is his way of doing so.

I rely on an entirely different method.

My observations of the preverbial "Man Of Steel" come to a interrupting halt, as the OMAC sentients come to a stop, directly infront of, and behind us, leaving both Superman and I little room to do anything except stand and watch. At the end of the corridor... a bright light, of some sort. That's when I notice the form of monitors on either end of me. They're forged of a technology even I've never had the resources to see constructed. Alot of work was put into this... invasion. That much is for certain.

That's when we're greeted with a skeletal sentient, perched upon some sort of technical probe, exerted from it's abdominal shell. It turns to us, and with a voice as cold as steel and as harsh as glass, speaks to us, as if we're it's guests.

Brainiac. It has to be.

"Now, Kal-El and Bruce Wayne, we have much to discuss."

I sneer, readying my hands on my utility belt. But I never allow myself to tense. They may realise what I'm considering... be it a vague possibility, given how well my last strategy worked.

"You're right."

"Let's begin with how you're going to evacuate this planet. Immediately."

There was a deadly silence for a moment, as Batman's threat hung between them.

Then, Brainiac began to make a low humming sound, followed by brief, staccato noises that were almost like barks. These horrible barking noises rose in pitch and volume, the sound resonating throughout the chamber.

Brainiac was laughing.

"You will excuse the crudity of the simulation; I do not currently have the physiological components to generate actual human laughter. However, my programming tells me that doing so would be the appropriate response to your illogical proposal, Mister Wayne. The two of you are hardly in any position to make threats."

He regarded the two of them with great curiosity, as well as a good deal of caution. Kal-El, his physical powers energized far beyond those of any other being he had thus far encountered, could very well destroy this ship were he so inclined. And Bruce Wayne was one of only a handful of Ninth-Level Intellects he had ever met; the only human he had seen to surpass this was Lex Luthor, and even then, Brainiac had his doubts about the limits of Wayne's mental capacities.

These two were very real dangers to the experiment. This is why Brainiac would have to negotiate with them from a position of power. And at the controls of his ship, he could wield more than enough power to deal with them.

"Before you attempt to destroy this experiment, I believe it would be well for you to know that I do not intend to harm anyone. The upgrade is for the betterment of all living things, yourselves included.

"A Kryptonian, whose physiology and unique circumstances of habitat have granted him abilities that would make him by all rights omnipotent. A human, whose exceptional intellect and unparalleled willpower have made him one of the two finest examples of his species. You are both of great interest to me, as is the Amazon and her unnatural abilities.

"Unfortunately, she is currently too unstable a variable. She cannot be allowed to interfere, and therefore will be removed from the experiment. For the two of you, however, I have much in store."

Brainiac began to squat down, before sections of the floor beneath him rose to meet him. Sitting down in this newly-created throne, he gazed down at the two with an air of regality.

"SInce my primary function is the betterment of all life, it would be unfitting of me to allow your curiosity to go unassuaged. If you have questions, now would be the time to ask."

 

[Green Lantern]

My eyes start to focus.

"Wh-where am I?"

I stand up and look around, I was lying face first on asphalt. It's a long road winding in the darkness.

BRR! BRR!

Lights appear out of nowhere as I hear the horn of a 18 wheeler.

"Mov out the wayyyy!!."

Zoom leans out the 18 wheeler's door window, a sick smile on his face.

"AAAHHH!"

I kick my feet and start to run, the transfer truck barrels down on me as I run faster and faster, faster than I've ever ran.

"Ttttoo Sloww!"

I feel my back break as the truck's grill snaps me in half and runs me over.

"Ugh.."

I watch the tail lights fade into the darkness as I lay on the pavement, blood running out of my mouth.

"...Help..."

I see the truck's break lights flash as Zoom stops. The truck is jammed into gear and he reverses at full speed.

CRUNCH!

Nine wheels go back over my body, bursting my lungs and stomach.

I try to scream, but I can't find the strength.

"Ahhhhh....AAHHHHH!!!!"

My eyes snap open and I'm no longer roadkill. I'm laying in a bed somewhere, my body hurts, but nothing like the dream.

"AAAHHHH!!"

I look down at my hand, it's moving so fast I can barely see it. In one swift motion, my whole body vibrates through the bed and I hit the cold hard floor.

"OH GOD! HE'S COMING FOR ME! HELP!!!"

In an instant Barry was at his cousin's side.

"Whoa! Hey, kiddo, you're alright. Calm down. Kay? Zoom... well he did things to you that I can't imagine. But you're gonna be alright. The stuff he did... well it made you... better. You're like me, not him. Thank god. Your dad would kill me if you were all anatomically incorrect and yellow. Plus, he already wants the movie rights to your story."

Barry grinned at the teenager as he lifted him back to the hospital bed.

 

[Eddie Brock]

"Arthur, get out of here!" Dad commands. He and his associate are huddled around an ill walrus. They had brought it in from the shore, and they were trying desperately to find out what was wrong.

I stood - not more than 5 years old - watching my father trying to save this marine animal. I wanted to help so badly, but Dad didn't want me to get in the way.

"We're still losing her," Dad's associate announces. "I don't get it!"

The two men examine every inch of the walrus. Dad is frustrated by his inability to diagnose the problem. He was, after all, a marine biologist. He should be able to figure this out.

"Dad. . ." I speak feebly. He doesn't hear me. "Dad. . ."

"Not now, son!" he barks angrily. He's not mad at me, I know. He's just trying to save this creature. I take no offense at his tone.

Nevertheless, I continue, "It's her stomach, Dad." There is such an air of confidence in my voice that both men stop momentarily to hear me out.

"What?" Dad's associate verifies.

"I think whatever's wrong involves her stomach," I explain. I couldn't explain it, but something inside me told me that I was right. When I was in the room with the walrus, I could tell immediately.

The men look at one another. Dad's associate shrugs, and so Dad places an ear to the walrus' belly.

"Wait..." Dad starts. He puts a finger in the air for the universal sign of "one moment." He listens intently. "I think he's right."

Dad's associate looks in confusion. He doesn't know how I, a mere 5 year-old, could know that.

"I think she swallowed something that she shouldn't have," Dad goes on to say. "I can hear it moving around in her stomach."

"Well...then...we should get a X-Ray to be sure," his associate suggests.

Dad nods as he pulls his ear away from the walrus. "Absolutely...but let's move fast."

I look at the walrus, and for a second, I feel as though she's looking back at me. And in that second, I can almost hear a strange voice. It says, "Thank you."

I whisper back, "You're welcome."

As Dad and his associate start to move the animal out of the room, Dad pats me on the shoulder. "Good call, son."
​

 

[Karem-Knight]

2 Weeks ago.

I come back home, Exhausted spent another night out, Shot a rapist in the head Saved a woman having to file a police report, A ****e none the less, I walk towards my bed. I could use a cup of coffe but best to catch up, my alarm clock is on everyday, and Tonight would prove useful.

I wake up, God dammit I didn’t take the mask off, I rush to the shower and scrape it off, Ouch hot hot hot!

Better use a new one, when I get back. I spend an hour scraping it off my face and then have a shower.

I get my work cloths on and walk straight out the door.

I’m already there, Got a taxi here and ready to go off.

Hmm, Place seems busy? That’s stranege little weird for 6:00 o’clock in the morning, hmm and it seems dawn is upon us while It’s only morning.

“Hey Vic!”

Someone says to me.

“The Boss wants to see you!”

I nod and go towards my chief editor, I walk in there, The bald fat idiot, I can’t stand him all he does is yell and insult…..

“ah Vic! This place is only for people with jobs? Are you here for some reason, Oh yeah right ummm I forgot to tell you…..YOU’RE FIRED!”

FIRED!? Why? Hmm, Maybe I should…

“Why am I fired?”

“Well for one you never show up, your news coloum is always late, cause YOU’RE LATE, YOU COME IN HERE WITH OUT A SHOWER! DO YOU KNOW WHAT A SHOWER IS VIC? I AM NOT GIVING YOU ANOUTHER CHANCE, PLUS PEOPLE ARE SHICK OF YOU NARRAITING LIKE A GOD DAM 40’s MOVIE STAR GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE YOU STUPID PRICK!”

Hmm, Looks like I’m gonna be short on money for now on, Must get revenge on ediotor and perhaps.

“STOP NARRAITING!”

Later that night.

Ok, I now no longer have a job, This flat doesn’t really cost much. Just need a job as cabbie or something will do fine.

I check the time with my next cup of coffee, Caffeine of course.

I do my suit up, tie and everything; I look around for my mask………..

CRAP! Need new mask!

An hour later.

Finally, This may be hot but keeping it near a freezer for two minutes will help.

I then go to get my hat and trench coat; Bit chilly can’t risk getting cold.

Just before I go, I pick up my 45. Auto

I then get out the fire escape slowly making sure no one notices me; I then jump down carefully to the ground.

I walk towards another alleyway quickly; Homeless people look at me as I just simply glance at them,

I come towards a mugger, holding a couple at knifepoint.

I walk up to him, quickly but quietly, the couple don’t notice.

“I swear if you don’t give me the money I’ll cut….AH!”

I throw a trash can at him as his head ring I then quickly grab his knife.

“Leave……Now!”

I grab hold of his neck, He tries to escape but I have him in a locked hold.

“I can let you go and tell you to change your ways but, How can I be sure you won’t just Mug or possible KILL another person!?”

He begs for mercy I don’t listen, Clearly he won’t.

“Do you want me to hang you over to the police!?”

“NO! PLEASE NO!”

I nod.

“Ok.”

I then grab his head by his ears from behind and soon his head is turned facing me as I hear a loud CRACK.

I let go as he falls to the ground.

“No more Questions.”

 

[Karem-Knight]

Present Day.

Another day at the taxi, I star my round with my first fare; it’s a man, Mid 30’s, Coming out of Hub City bank.

“Hey, Can you take me to Dikito Park Café?”

“Yeah Sure.”

I say starting up the car and driving from where we were, I just drive my car and keep going, I notice he’s married from the sight of his ring.

“You married?”

Why the hell did I say that!? Oh well, I like asking questions.

“Err, Yeah three kids.”

He gets out his wallet.

“There they are.”

Hmm, Seems like an average family, Must live somewhere in the sub urbs of Hub.

“They’re all beautiful!”

I say while we drive.

“Hey is it all right if I eat here?”


“Go ahead!”

I look at what he’s eating, Pringles!

“You’re obviously not an animal person!”


“What do you mean?”

“Well, You’re eating Pringles, Pringles are tested on animals, They feed it to them, About huge quanties, Most of them end up getting fat and have a heart attack, I don’t eat things that have huge amount of starch myself, Or salt, Have you noticed there’s a slight difference by produced salt and salt water?


Well that’s because the government put an ingredient in them SO small it’s half the size of a salt particle, Created by LexCorp, In line with the government just So that they can keep an eye on everyone, It change there personalilty to a mindless drone who will believe the government’s news.
That’s why we have so much salt products now, Oh and don’t think it’s just salt, It’s sugar, spices, pepper, cinnamon, Water EVERYTHING!

So I advice just to eat things you KNOW are not tampered with, Works for me, I’m healthy as hell, Sure I treat myself with candy or a salted snack, But I throw up afterwards just so I can get it out my system and………………”

“Err, Sorry this is my stop!”

“Oh right, err $12”

He gives me the money and I nod, I look to see the girl he is meeting, Hmm, This doesn’t seem like his wife She had red hair, Maybe she died it but still face looks different, Dammit what was the guys name!

I throw a dollar out the window and open it towards him, Need to find out his name!

I run towards him.

“Excuse me EXCUSE ME!”

“What?”

He says, going up to his mistress, I see him, it’s not his wife.

“You only gave me $8,

“Heres your money.”

I then go back to my car and see the two kissing each other, I check my glove compartment, I always leave a spare costume in the cab, I call Bobby telling him I’m goanna be late.

I follow the couple around the city; They have dinner at secret locations, Go see a movie, No one can see them.

Finally they go to a hotel room, I wait and check their room for an hour, Finally when I think they’re finished, I get out the cab and park it and head to the alleyway.

I get my costume on, No one can see me here, the mask was kept cool, so it’ll be all right.

I then slowly come up the fire escape of the five star hotel.
I then finally reach their room, Opening the window to the hall way, It’s 7:00 o’clock better make it quick.

I reach the electric grid opening it, I pull the switches, A power cut in the whole room.

I then rush towards their room, No CCTV, No light, all for me.

I knock on his room as he rushed to it, I can hear him yell “WHAT” as he opens the door, I then thrust the door in his face as he falls to the ground, I then close it.

“What….What…what do you want…..?”

“You’re a married man, What would your wife say about this?”

I say to him, the ****e watches in horror.

“My…my..wife!?”


“She knew already didn’t she!?”

“Yes, But what does this!?”

“Your wallet, NOW!”

He runs towards it and throws it to me, I pick it up.

“Well, Mr.Brinson.”

I say putting his wallet in my pocket, I then get out my gun and point it to his head, I can hear his whispers.

CLICK!

“I’m going to be keeping an eye on you, Change your ways or else, I will make sure next time, They’re something in this gun and then BANG!”

He nods, I put it into my pocket, I throw a gas pellet onto the ground doing my escape act and then vanish without a trace.

 

[Apprentice]

​

"Dear lord..."

The hushed exclamation barely rang in J'onn's ears as his widened gaze settled on the swarm of androids that clogged the air beneath him. According to psionic intelligence that had been 'thought' out to him via one of Black's operatives from the Leviathan, Wonder Woman was somewhere within the mass of so-called OMACs, fighting for her life; her companions, though, had seemingly broken through the mechanical barrier and vanished. There had been news of some sort of extraterrestrial craft in orbit, at which point J'onn had severed the telepathic link. His main focus had to be reaching the Amazonian princess...any other goal would merely distract him.

From his hovering position over the OMAC cloud, he attempted to single out his goal, with no achievement. If he was going to aid her, he was going to have to get inside. With that in mind, he directed himself downwards and plunged, a sonic boom rippling outwards from his body as he accelerated. His eyes burned with red-hot rage and then they struck outwards as he plummeted, ploughing into the herd mere moments before he himself did. Robotic whines and metallic pops assaulted his ear drums as he threw himself into a frenxy, whipping to and fro and sending the creatures careening out of control. Searing heat ionized the air around him, but he ignored the stench and continued to drive his fists and legs in all directions.

And yet, still more rose, each of their attacks nearing him until one finally struck and he cried out, feeling himself being propelled free of their collective grasp. For a single moment, everything was black...and then he awoke again, a terrible sight greeting him.
​

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Omac1.PNG

"Powers and abilities analysed. Appropriate defence mechanisms activated."

The drone was in perfect synchrony, drowning out the Martian Manhunter's thoughts. A single drone dived towards him, the others returning to their previous stations; energy bolts slashed out of its steely visage, burning into J'onn's shoulders. He swung wildly as its blade-fist ripped into his stomach, opening a devastating gash through which blood freely gushed. Flailing, he bit through the pain and smashed his elbow into the OMAC's chest - to little effect. The robot barely faltered before continuing its brutality, seizing the alien by his neck and tightening his grasp. The sheer speed and viciousness of the attack had taken J'onn off guard, and he merely writhed as the OMAC lessened his air supply with each passing second.

"I...uh...have survived the fury of the White Martians...and I will not...fall to...YOU!" His strength erupted as his hands snapped into the air and slammed with amazing force on either side of the OMAC's head. There was a titanic roar of air and the armour splintered, the Martian's might fracturing it. The human inside let out a whimper as their case fell away...

...revealing a being with green skin and an elongated skull.

A Martian.

J'onn, paralysed with shock, could do nothing but watch as another of his own kind began their descent towards the Earth.​