The "Ultimate DC Universe" RPG: Season 2.0

[Andy C.]

ULTIMATE

I stop on her last sentence, preparing a response to her other questions. But the mention of a certain name throws me off guard, to a degree... Superman. The supposed "Nazi" Superman. The flying man of Metropolis. Apparentally not only is he real, but he's against the OMAC's seige aswell, along with this rather mysterious woman in her own right. This grows ever the stranger of a situation by the second.

But she's right. Time is of the essence, and I'm starting to think that both she and this "Superman", could be of some use. I best ignore the impossibilites, and stick with what I came here to accomplish.

"So I've heard,", I mention, not particuarly interested, but at least acknowledging his figure in the skies, before shifting my focus back to her. "And your knowledge of Brainiac is a bit ill-timed, on my part. One of the sentients mentioned such a name, during an attack in Gotham. It also mentioned 'OMAC', which is what they're calling themselves."

I turn, and look to the skies.

"From what I've been able to piece together, the OMACs are being controlled through a singulary radio signal of unknown origin from somewhere above Metropolis. It's why I'm here.". I continue, draping my cape around me as I face her again. "The signal, if cut off from it's source, could potentially shut down the commands being recieved through the sentients. I'm not entirely sure if it can work, or how reliant they are of their commands from 'Brainiac', but it's the best theory I, and apparentally we've got, right now."

I look out at the skies again, towards Superman, then at the woman again. I practically feel like I'm going in circles.

"But, then again, I don't know what exactly have you've managed to learn about them yourselves. Is there any way you could try and garner his attention?"

(IC: )

"Perhaps Eye can be of some assistance."

I barely have time to register the words before a club slams into the back of my head. Stars explode around me and my senses reel for a few moments as I crash headlong into the splintering concrete of the building's roof.

As I regain my bearings, I see it. It is larger than the rest of the OMACs, and while the others have a glowing aura around them, this one positively crackles with energy. The end of its right arm the club which had battered me, slowly morphs back into a hand.

"Who...or what...are you?" I say, as I stagger to my feet.

"Eye am the commander of the OMAC primary force, second only to Brainiac himself in the new universal order. Eye am the central hub coordinating the OMACs' mental manipulation, and the recipient of their physical and psychological responses. Whereas Brainiac is the Father Brain, you will know me as the Brother Eye...and Eye have spotted you."

Even if this 'Brother Eye' isn't the source of the signal, disabling it may still cripple the OMAC swarm, and force the mysterious 'Brainiac' to reveal itself.

I reach for the Lasso, but it sends a blast of energy towards me. I barely manage to bring the Gauntlets up to protect me; clearly, it wants to keep me off my feet, to prevent me from using the Lasso on it like I did with its servant earlier.

"You wished to get Brainiac's attention; rest assured, you have it, Targets Alpha-Two and Alpha-Three. Your interference in the upgrade of Earth will not be tolerated, Amazon," Brother Eye says as its hands glow, charging another attack. "Targets Alpha-One and Alpha-Two will be brought to Brainiac in person before being upgraded. You, however, are not compatible with the upgrade. You will be deleted from the experiment."

Blasts issue forth from its hands, and a scarlet beam fires from its cycloptic eye. I deflect the blasts again with the Gauntlets, and lunge forward for my counterattack, connecting with a kick to the creature's jaw.

The force of the blow was enough to send a regular OMAC reeling, but Brother Eye seems unaffected. It brings its fists to bear, and I am not fast enough to avoid them.

The monster clamps its hands on my arms as I attempt to block, and the hands morph into a mass of tentacles that constrict around me. This thing is stronger than the grip of the Hydra, its blows more powerful than Artemis. And its creator must be more fiendish than Ares himself.

"Do not resist, Target Alpha-Three; it will only prolong your suffering. Deletion will now commence."

The tendrils holding me captive come alive with electricity, and I begin to spasm violently as it pours hundreds of thousands of volts through me. As hard as I struggle, Brother Eye shocks me again and again, and I can feel the strength leaving me.

I must fight it...I cannot give up...I...I...

My vision is blurred, and I can hardly find the strength to breathe. The OMAC leader begins to charge up energy in its central eye, looking to kill me with a final blast.

"Batman...help...me..."

 

[Batman]

ULTIMATE

(IC: )

"Perhaps Eye can be of some assistance."

I barely have time to register the words before a club slams into the back of my head. Stars explode around me and my senses reel for a few moments as I crash headlong into the splintering concrete of the building's roof.

As I regain my bearings, I see it. It is larger than the rest of the OMACs, and while the others have a glowing aura around them, this one positively crackles with energy. The end of its right arm the club which had battered me, slowly morphs back into a hand.

"Who...or what...are you?" I say, as I stagger to my feet.

"Eye am the commander of the OMAC primary force, second only to Brainiac himself in the new universal order. Eye am the central hub coordinating the OMACs' mental manipulation, and the recipient of their physical and psychological responses. Whereas Brainiac is the Father Brain, you will know me as the Brother Eye...and Eye have spotted you."

Even if this 'Brother Eye' isn't the source of the signal, disabling it may still cripple the OMAC swarm, and force the mysterious 'Brainiac' to reveal itself.

I reach for the Lasso, but it sends a blast of energy towards me. I barely manage to bring the Gauntlets up to protect me; clearly, it wants to keep me off my feet, to prevent me from using the Lasso on it like I did with its servant earlier.

"You wished to get Brainiac's attention; rest assured, you have it, Targets Alpha-Two and Alpha-Three. Your interference in the upgrade of Earth will not be tolerated, Amazon," Brother Eye says as its hands glow, charging another attack. "Targets Alpha-One and Alpha-Two will be brought to Brainiac in person before being upgraded. You, however, are not compatible with the upgrade. You will be deleted from the experiment."

Blasts issue forth from its hands, and a scarlet beam fires from its cycloptic eye. I deflect the blasts again with the Gauntlets, and lunge forward for my counterattack, connecting with a kick to the creature's jaw.

The force of the blow was enough to send a regular OMAC reeling, but Brother Eye seems unaffected. It brings its fists to bear, and I am not fast enough to avoid them.

The monster clamps its hands on my arms as I attempt to block, and the hands morph into a mass of tentacles that constrict around me. This thing is stronger than the grip of the Hydra, its blows more powerful than Artemis. And its creator must be more fiendish than Ares himself.

"Do not resist, Target Alpha-Three; it will only prolong your suffering. Deletion will now commence."

The tendrils holding me captive come alive with electricity, and I begin to spasm violently as it pours hundreds of thousands of volts through me. As hard as I struggle, Brother Eye shocks me again and again, and I can feel the strength leaving me.

I must fight it...I cannot give up...I...I...

My vision is blurred, and I can hardly find the strength to breathe. The OMAC leader begins to charge up energy in its central eye, looking to kill me with a final blast.

"Batman...help...me..."

I leap up into the air, just as she's electrocuted for a third time. I've already seen enough to tell me what I need to know. The Brother Eye holds the information back to Brainiac, aswell as this entire army, and I intend retrieve that information. But first... the woman. Need to prevent the attack from occuring... She may be one of my only allies, in this fight.

Unsheathing an electricity charged Batarang from my belt, I flip, and kick The Brother Eye sentient in the side abdominals. It doesn't do much, as he barely even moves... but he looks towards me, and not her. Which is exactly what I wanted. Landing, and jumping back into the air, I grab the Batarang with both hands and slam it down, straight into the eye. The sentient reels, as the electricity is sent through it, while simultaneously dropping the woman. I roll forward, and catch her as she falls.

"Don't worry,", I mention, gently laying her down. "I'll try to get-"

My eyes widen, as I feel a gripping pain surge through my back. Gritting my teeth, I see the electricity glow throughout my body. Dammit. It's him. I know it. A look back, as my vision fades... only... confirms...

"There will be no escape, Alpha-Two..."

Blackness envelops. I've failed.


"For either of you."

 

[Spike_x1]

Suddenly a wave of reddish energy enveloped Brother Eye, forcing the lead OMAC back, and not affecting the other two heroes anymore than a light trail of smoke coming from the Batman's cape as he landed back onto the building's rooftop holding Wonder Woman.

"If you want them," in a flash, the Man of Tomorrow had his hand around Brother Eye's throat and was holding the struggling technological atrocity with a grip of steel, "You'll have to go through me." In the streets below, several hundred of the OMACs had been frozen, in swarms, within blocks of ice. Hundreds more had still been circling Superman when he decided to come to his companion' aid, and they were now flying in his direction, and fast.

Beneath his glowing red gaze that burned into Brother Eye's face, Superman was praying that Wonder Woman would recover soon. He had checked the Batman's body to look for any injuries, and discovered that, although exceptionally fit and well armed, he was just a human being. They needed the Amazon at their side and at her best if they were to stand a chance of lasting much longer.

 

[Andy C.]

[Edit: Didn't see Supes hit the scene]

I can hardly see straight, and it hurts to even breathe. Yet in the blurs and muted sounds, I hear his voice, feel the intense heat from his glare.

"...Superman...

Alone, neither I nor the Batman could defeat Brother Eye. Alone, Superman may be able to do it. But Brother Eye is not alone; his army roils in the sky, ready to descend upon the three of us. There is only one way I can think of to stop this monster.

"The Lasso..." I manage between gasps for air. "Superman...use the Lasso..."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The Atom hops out of Rachel Dawes phone unnoticed at first and then Rachel sees her and her mouth drops open.

The Atom says, "Yeah I know I get that reaction a lot."

Rachel rubs her eyes and hangs up the phone. She shakes her head and just stares for a moment.

The Atom says, "D.A. Dawes Gotham needs your help right now. Those things in the city could be targeting Commisioner Gordon & Mayor Hastings we have to work together."

Rachel says, "What are you talking about? First off why should I believe any of this?"

The Atom says, "Okay I know I don't have any credibility with you at all. However Batman sent me to you and asked for me to get your help."

Rachel replies, "Why am I not surprised that somehow Batman is connected to all fo this? Okay let's just say for the moment Batman did send you what should we do with Gordon and the Mayor? And again why should I trust you?"

The Atom sighs and hovers off of Rachel's desk and returns to normal height.

Rachel is stairing at Rhiannon Plamer and says, "I know....you're you're the drink tray you ruined my dress."

Rhiannon says, "Send me a bill. Anyway knowing what you know about me and our history do you think I would come here if it wasn't a serious matter? Do you have any idea how hummilating this is for me? Asking you for help?"

Rachel nods and says, "True, okay you got my help what do you suggest we do?"

Rhiannon says, "Well ...Star Labs...they got a panic room there that would rival most Government facilities. We get them in there."

Rachel says, "Okay, how do we explain you and me and getting them in there."

Rhiannon says, "We could say you're doing this for their safety. Best interests of the city stuff...they can't see me though. If Star Labs sees me helping you all there could be some very uncomfortable questions. I'll shrink down and feed you access codes and things like that by....hiding in your ear."

Rachel looks at her as if to say, "are you crazy?"

Rhiannon says, "Look up until five minutes ago did you think I would hop out of your phone? Just hold you cell-phone up to your ear and you can say you're talking to me. We can tell them to that you and I are friends and you needed my help with this situation."

Rachel says, "All-right then I guess I better call the Chief and alert him to get Gordon and the mayor together. Then we'll go to Star Labs."

Rachel makes her calls and then says to Rhiannon, "Okay we're on. Guess you better get ready."

Rhiannon nods and shrinks down changing into the Atom. Rachel opens her jacket pocket and The Atom asks, "Why?"

Rachel replies, "I don't want you in my ear any longer than you have to be. I am taking a serious risk in this operation."

The Atom hops in her pocket and asks, "Does this make us even for the dress?"

Rachel smirks and replies, "It's a start."

 

[Spike_x1]

[Edit: Didn't see Supes hit the scene]

I can hardly see straight, and it hurts to even breathe. Yet in the blurs and muted sounds, I hear his voice, feel the intense heat from his glare.

"...Superman...

Alone, neither I nor the Batman could defeat Brother Eye. Alone, Superman may be able to do it. But Brother Eye is not alone; his army roils in the sky, ready to descend upon the three of us. There is only one way I can think of to stop this monster.

"The Lasso..." I manage between gasps for air. "Superman...use the Lasso..."

Superman paused to listen to Wonder Woman's words, and immediately regretted it as Brother Eye took advantage of the lapse in his attention. A searing burst of energy erupted from the lead OMAC's central eye, striking the Man of Steel directly in the face at point-blank range. "NGGAAAHH!!" His grip on Brother Eye was released instantly as Superman's hands shot to his face to hold the injury.

Okay, now they're really making me ma-- Superman's thoughts were cut short as more streams of burning energy struck him from all directions as the other OMACs closed in and joined Brother Eye in the assault. After what seemed like an eternity to him, Superman was forced out of the air and onto the roof of the Daily Planet, just out of reach of his allies. Seeing his fallen comrades and the gleaming rope at the Amazon's waist, he remembered her words.

Ignoring the blood and smoke that was coming off of his body, the Action Ace dug his fingers into the rooftop and pulled a large slab of concrete and rebar from the building, almost knocking the famous globe from its perch. With amazing strength, he swung the huge makeshift shield in front of him to block the OMACs' blasts, at least for a few precious seconds. Keeping the quickly disintegrating wall of metal and concrete between him and the mechanical army, Superman dove to Wonder Woman's side and grabbed the golden lasso with his free hand. Finally the last of his shield crumbled to pieces under the force of the energy blasts, just as the Man of Steel shot straight through it, rocketing towards Brother Eye. With a whip-like crack, the lasso was looped over Brother Eye's neck and threaded around both of his arms, with Superman holding the other end of the magical rope tight and keeping his knee pressed hard into the small of Brother Eye's back, holding the advanced OMAC in place. Gritting his teeth and not knowing exactly what to do next, Superman hoped that the lasso would do its own work to free the mind of whoever was inside this armor, as Wonder Woman had done earlier.

If this doesn't work... Clark honestly didn't know how to finish that sentence.

 

[Andy C.]

Superman paused to listen to Wonder Woman's words, and immediately regretted it as Brother Eye took advantage of the lapse in his attention. A searing burst of energy erupted from the lead OMAC's central eye, striking the Man of Steel directly in the face at point-blank range. "NGGAAAHH!!" His grip on Brother Eye was released instantly as Superman's hands shot to his face to hold the injury.

Okay, now they're really making me ma-- Superman's thoughts were cut short as more streams of burning energy struck him from all directions as the other OMACs closed in and joined Brother Eye in the assault. After what seemed like an eternity to him, Superman was forced out of the air and onto the roof of the Daily Planet, just out of reach of his allies. Seeing his fallen comrades and the gleaming rope at the Amazon's waist, he remembered her words.

Ignoring the blood and smoke that was coming off of his body, the Action Ace dug his fingers into the rooftop and pulled a large slab of concrete and rebar from the building, almost knocking the famous globe from its perch. With amazing strength, he swung the huge makeshift shield in front of him to block the OMACs' blasts, at least for a few precious seconds. Keeping the quickly disintegrating wall of metal and concrete between him and the mechanical army, Superman dove to Wonder Woman's side and grabbed the golden lasso with his free hand. Finally the last of his shield crumbled to pieces under the force of the energy blasts, just as the Man of Steel shot straight through it, rocketing towards Brother Eye. With a whip-like crack, the lasso was looped over Brother Eye's neck and threaded around both of his arms, with Superman holding the other end of the magical rope tight and keeping his knee pressed hard into the small of Brother Eye's back, holding the advanced OMAC in place. Gritting his teeth and not knowing exactly what to do next, Superman hoped that the lasso would do its own work to free the mind of whoever was inside this armor, as Wonder Woman had done earlier.

If this doesn't work... Clark honestly didn't know how to finish that sentence.

"What...what am Eye?"

At that moment, the OMAC swarm stopped dead in its tracks, their commander suddenly caught in the most horrible thing that could ever happen to it: self-awareness. As the Golden Lasso of Truth ensnared the armored being, Brother Eye was forced to look upon itself, all that remained of Milton Fine.

"What have Eye become?"

-----

High above in his ship, Brainiac was bombarded with emotions that were not his. The mental link he had established with Milton Fine before his upgrade was now reeling; something had happened to Brother Eye, and the shock to the human's mind stabbed directly into Brainiac.

"It...it cannot be! IT CANNOT----EEEEEAAAAAGGGHHHH!!!!!!"

As the cybernetic creature reeled, Lex Luthor backed away, thinking of all the different ways he could spin this. If word got out that he was attempting to collude with an alien invasion, then he'd be absolutely ruined. If, however, he appeared to be an opponent...

"Sorry, Brainiac, but it looks like the deal's off. I hope you don't mind if I help myself to some of your goodies while you're...busy," Luthor said, plucking out a vial of the OMAC virus from one of the test racks, "And don't worry. I know the way out."

With that, he raised his right arm, the plasma cannon of his War-suit letting loose a thunderous blast that punctured the ship's hull. With that, Lex Luthor leaped out of the ship, engaging the suit's propulsion system to control his descent.

He turned back for a moment, and smiled as he saw the massive ship's cloaking field disengage. Brainiac's vessel was massive, with huge metallic tendrils dangling down from what appeared to be a replica of the Brainiac's own head.

"I'll say this for you, Brainiac," Luthor said to no one in particular, "you definitely know how to push your brand."

Just for show, he flew directly through the swarm of OMACs, firing blasts into the crowd and killing a few along the way. Of course, they were all inert now that Brainiac had become somehow incapacitated, but there was no harm in keeping up appearances.

As he maneuvered through his city's skyscrapers, he spotted exactly the man he was looking for atop the Daily Planet Building.

And now, I kill two birds with one stone.

"Superman!" Luthor cried out, with as much panic as he could muster. "I've managed to find the alien's ship! I've breached the defenses and made an opening, but the thing inside is just too much for me! You've got to stop it!"

His face was a mask of terror, but inside, he was grinning. With any luck, Superman and Brainiac would destroy each other, and with Luthor the surviving 'hero' of the day, the people of Metropolis would love him even more.

Things were suddenly going so very, very well.

 

[Spike_x1]

"Luthor!" Superman was shocked to see the man before him. Not having seen or heard from any of his friends or allies since this had started, he had thought that Lex might have fallen victim to the OMAC invasion as so many others had.

Still holding tightly to the lasso around Brother Eye, Superman nodded toward Wonder Woman and Batman. "Help them." First thing's first.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The Atom & Rachel meet Chief Leob, Gordon & the Mayor at Star-Labs.

Gordon says, "I still think I should be with the Chief helping to co-ordinate defenses."

Rachel replies, "As Chief Leob said you and the Mayor need to be protected for the sake of the city. We are going to need your leadership once this crisis is over. Now I will call an old friend of mine. Dr. Rhiannon Plamer who works here she'll help us get in with the access codes and so forth."

Gordon looks at Chief Leob and says, "You're in charge now take care of our city."

Chief Leob nods and leaves.

As Rachel pulls out her phone The Atom hops into her left ear and says, "Okay I'm ready."

The Mayor asks, "Do you think Dr. Palmer will be able to help us depsite the fact that she can't see any of this?"

Rachel replies, "Oh yeah she has no real life to speak of and knows this place like the back of her hand."

The Atom kicks part of Rachel's ear and says, "Don't push it Dawes. At my size I can make that dress episode seem like a pleasant memory."

Rachel "dials" her phone and says, "Hello Dr. Palmer it's Rachel Dawes...oh fine thank you...listen we are ready to enter Star-Labs and go to the panic-room whenever you're ready...we are at the main access door...what's the code?"

The Atom replies, "Enter code #445598*24"

Rachel enters the code and everyone heads through the lobby. She says, "Okay we're at the elevator what now?"

The Atom says, "Up button and get on."

Rachel says, "On our way. Hey...how did that last relationship work out...oh too bad...well I am sure you're growing from it...what now?"

The Atom growls, "Press the top floor button...then it will ask for an access code...press on the key-pad...23*55*88."

Rachel does that and The Atom flies into her inner-ear and kicks it slightly causing Rachel to stagger slightly.

The Atom says, "No more improving about my love-life."

The elevator reaches the top-floor. The doors open and everyone departs. Rachel says, "Now which way?"

The Atom replies, "End of the hall turn right. The left at that hall and straight back. In case I don't get to say it later, I'm sorry about the dress."

Rachel says, "Got it. In case I don't get to say it later...thanks for your help...you really are coming through for the city. Glad we put that petty dress episode behind us now."

As they walk The Atom says, "Bruce is really lucky to have you as a friend."

Rachel stops and says, "Yeah...yeah that's true." She smiles and The Atom allows herself a chance to smile.

They arrive at the room and The Atom says, "Enter the code 56*45*76*18."

Rachel does and the door opens they enter in and The Atom says, "Count to 10 after I tell you too and seal the room. Pressing the red button will close the door...pressing the blue and green buttons simulatniously will open the door. I will contact you when to open the door."

Rachel says, "What?"

The Atom replies, "Rachel I have to get back out there and help you all will be safe here. You will also be needed to lead the city when this is over too."

Rachel says, "I understand...good luck and thanks....Rhiannon."

Rachel "hangs" up her phone as The Atom flies away.

The door closes and The Atom smiles

Mission accomplished...now to go kick some butt!

 

[Batman]

ULTIMATE

In all of his years of looking to the skies, Hal was almost sure he had never gotten a view this great.

It was a standard patrol night. The council of Guardians, who reigned over and commanded every part of the Corps, had granted Abin Sur permission to take his star apprentice along as backup. Given that protocol had no rule against such a request, as long as an active field Green Lantern was watching over the inexperienced ringbearer, it had been allowed, for at least this once. And Hal couldn't have been more impressed with what he was seeing.

The stars... the cosmos... practicallythe galaxy itself. Every vast, dark inch of space was in full view for Hal to see, up close and personal, as he and Sur rocketed past them in an aura of eternal emerald light. After a moment of gazing outward, Hal turned, and flew forwards by the command of his power ring, catching up to Sur as he was already well infront, heading for his designated patrol sector.

"You ever stare at it that long?", Hal asked, not allowing his eyes to drift off, knowing if he did, he'd probably be stuck behind again.

"Only the first time,", Sur responded, looking back at his protege. "Unfortunately, my mind often rests only when my duty is fufilled. It is all the Guardians have asked of me."

Hal seemed questionable, at that notion.

"They look down upon anything else?", He asked, flying faster, until he was directly at Sur's side. "They can't blame a guy for being human, can they?"

"They often have, Hal Jordan,", Sur responded. "Mistakes within the Corps often provoke penalty, as it surely would an occupation on your homeworld."

Hal looked away, at that. He suddenly remembered his final days on the US Air Force, a couple years back, when he was just starting out as a pilot. He had been sent to lead a squadron of jet fighters on a routine search and rescue mission in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. An oil tanker ship had been hit by two rogue torpedos set off during a small dispute between Japanese and English submarines. The resulting explosion sunk the ship in question, leaving numerous men adrift all across the ocean. Hal had swore he'd do everything in his power to bring both those men, and his own, back with him.

To which he did. But at a price.

The designated area of which Hal's squadron had been authorised to enter and perform their rescue was not far from where the ship had sank. But apparentally, as Hal's radar had picked up, there was a small band of other officers who had been thrown so far back when the ship was hit that they were out of bounds. But Hal didn't care about that, even at the protests of his commanding official. So he flew in, and brought the men to safety.

But the disobeying of orders had cost him his rank. That, along with his reputation of drinking, womanising, and a slug he had given his commanding official after being suspended, had led to his untimely dismissal. They had waited to take him off... and he had given them good enough of a reason. But looking back, Hal knew he wouldn't have done it any different. Because somebody had to save those people.

"You can say that again...", Hal offmentioned, as the two passed Mars, on their way towards Earth's moon, the starting point of Sur's patrol.

"We are almost there, Hal Jordan,", Sur stated. "Let us make haste. The faster we take to our missionary objectives, the more impressed the Guardians will be with your aide. Perhaps they will even promote you to full status as a Corpsman."

Hal smirked.

"Yeah, right. That'd be the day..."

Suddenly, both Green Lantern's looked down, as their rings began to glow brighter than normal. Coming to a halt, in the middle of space between Mars and Earth's moon, Sur mentally commanded his ring to display readouts of what had caused this unusual phenomina. Hal impatiently stood by, as Sur reviewed the information, crossing his arms as the data displayed in the form of hundreds of green numbers and digits.

"Got anything, yet?", Hal asked, finally, as the readout faded.

"It is... a distress signal.", Sur responded. "And it is coming from Earth."

Hal's eyes widened, as he realised that this day was about to get more interesting than he could've ever imagined.

 

[Eddie Brock]

I sat back in my chair at "HQ." Even my small victory last week pales in comparison to the event which haunts me so.

"Bruce Wayne...*hic*..." I state drunkly. "How did Bruce Wayne beat me?"

I toss my beer bottle violently. It's impossible...no one can beat me at a thinking game! I reach into my cooler and pull out another beer.

"I'll *hic* teach him! No one makes a fool out of EDWARD NIGMA!" I announce loudly. I then fall backwards in my chair, hitting the floor with a thud.

"I've got to get back at him! I've got to *hic* show him who's superior!"

This can be no small display, however...I must strike him hard and fast! I must prove that Bruce Wayne is not nearly as intelligent as he presumes himself to be!

"Bruce Wayne will see *hic* what Edward Nigma's brain is capable of!" I swear, clumsily pointing a finger to my forehead. Then I pass out from all the alcohol and have pleasant dreams about Bruce Wayne being humiliated by me...
​

 

[Batman]

IC:

​

Gotham City was going mad. Positively insane.

And quite frankly, The Joker couldn't be happier.

"HAHAHAHAHA!"

Though it was a reaction that was, at best, muted at first, He had to admit that a thrilling spark of intrigue and glee went down his spine the moment he grasped the full scope of what was happening to the city. From what little he could piece together, from a combination of live news reports and looking outside the walls of the 'Jack-In-The-Box' toy company window blinds, there was an invasion about. An invasion, much like the sort of thing one would find in a tale of impending doom set by little green men, that was gripping the city's populance with fear.

Except, of course, The Joker's. Because from the moment this little hostile takeover began, he could do nothing but kick back, relax, and relish in the sounds of screaming and crying outside of his walls. It was the sort of spectacle that he himself had hoped to attain, one day... the type of event that would garner the same, citywide... hell, worldwide result. And here it was, already here, brought on by...

And that's when it hit him.

Brought on by them. Not The Joker. Not a gag lever that beheaded a city official, or toxinous silly string that melted the face off of the mayor. It was an alien invasion. A surge of hostile takeover, with nothing left to show for it but a mere dominance that was, at best, child's play. They didn't even attempt to indulge comedy into their routine!

"Say...", The Joker asked himself, approaching a conclusion. "Perhaps these fine gentlemen are merely beginners. Working their way to the top, like I did. Would it be, nay, inhumane... perhaps even cruel to allow such an amatuerish display to continue without so much as to offer a helping hand?"

The Joker paused.

"Of course it would. That's why I like it!"

Sitting back in his chair, The Joker then stared at the ceiling, placing his gloved hands together in idle glee. It would be a cold day in hell before these bozos even laid a finger on a section of Gotham that The Joker hadn't already defiled himself. So he was confident that, in the longrun, the invasion would ultimately fail.

So he waited, until it would finally do so. And he positively couldn't wait for that moment. Because in that time, when the invaders fell prey to the defenders of the world... The Joker would pick of the pieces, and mold anew, creating an act of which would outlast and outperform any so called "invasion". But until then...

"Bobbo! Get me one of your finest cig's! I'm off to watch the game in person!", The Joker exclaimed, stepping from behind his office chair and scurrying to a doorway, with the intent of making his way to the roof to watch the invasion diminish with his own eyes.

Passing up the now month's old corpse of his right hand man, as he sat, collectively placed onto the same chair of which he died, The Joker paused, and looked back, through his ever-grinning mask, only to see that his accomplace had not yet complied to his impossible request. Annoyed, The Joker stepped over, grabbed the corpse's charred shirt, and pulled out a box of cigars from his pocket.

"Do I have to do everything myself?", The Joker asked, staring into the skeletal face as if it were alive and well.

Reaching into his pocket, The Joker grabbed a handgun, pulled it out, and fired a round into the temple, knocking the entire skull clean off of the burnt collarbone. Placing the gun back into his vest, The Joker turned, and marched off, heading out of the room, muttering angrily under his breath.

"Lazy, good for nothing piece of..."

 

[Catman_prb]

Black Mask​

"What the hell is this?" Black Mask shouted turning of the widescreen TV. The city was under attack by some creature called OMAC. Not that he particularly cared, he was trying to work out why he wasnt making a profit from it. He leaned back in his leather swivel chair, on the top floor of the abandoned apartment block he used as a base of operations. He'd bribed numerous architechs to save it from demolition, and had installed a number of defences. He turned to No.1, the man in charge of his elite band of criminals.​

"Why are we not makin a frikkin profit out of this? Where are the boys?" he screamed. No.1 looked at his feet.​

"At home with their families sir," he muttered.​

"Well you tell them to get their @sses down here or they wont have a family OR a home," Mask bellowed.​

"Yes sir," he said turning to leave. Black Mask swiveled to look out at the city. The smoke loomed over it. Soon the city would be his. Then out of the corner of his eye he noticed a figure.​

"Aw crap," he said. Next second the window caved in, and in its place hovered one of these OMAC creatures. No.1 dived under Black Masks oak desk.​

"Roman Sionis a.k.a Black Mask. You have been granted Gamma threat level. You will be upgraded immediatley," the OMAC stated in a monotone. Mask felt behind the back of his leather seat and grasped what he was looking for.​

"Up yours tinman," he shouted as he pulled the 12-guage up over his head and shot the OMAC in the chest. The force of such a close ranged shot pushed Black Mask back on his chair into his table.​

"Danger. OMAC 1892134 damaged. Danger. Roman Sionis upgraded to Beta threat level. Danger. Signalling for reinforcements. Danger. OMAC 1892134 deactivating...." the OMAC screamed clutching its chest. Mask stood up and grabbed No.1 by the back of his jacket, hauling him up. He rushed over to the safe in his wall, opening it and taking out a variety of guns, which he hid in his jacket.​

"Great, more of those things coming here," he muttered to himself. He pressed the comms system button on his desk.​

"Alert, alert base under duress. Comence lock-down immediatley. This is authorisation Circe, I repeat authorisation Circe. Move your @sses boys!" he screamed into it. He turned to the broken window in time to see another OMAC land and grab No.1 around the neck.​

"Beta-32 cease this disturbance. Lay down your arms and prepare to be upgraded," the OMAC stated. Mask looked up at No.1.​

"Grab this!" he shouted throwing a small, black round ball, which No.1 caught. The OMAC stayed at the window, hovering slightly behind it, No.1's legs dangling in the air. Suddenly tungsten steel sheets slammed across all the windows and doors on every floor. Machine gun turrets opened on the East and West side of the building.​

There was an explosion outside that Black Mask assumed was the grenade he'd thrown to the unwitting No.1. ​

"Now im p$ssed off," he muttered to himself.​

 

[SenseiofCheese]

6 months have passed since I was reborn into this time. 6 months, since I put on the helmet that adorns my head almost every single hour of the day, and a flood of memories came rushing back. Memories of long since passed lives, and of an immortal love.
For 6 months I have scoured the sky for my Shayera, only to be disappointed time after time. But I will not lose hope, I will keep searching.

Recently, the sky has not been the same. Gone is the beautiful sky, the clouds and the warming glow of the sun. In it's stead, thousands of robotic beings have descended upon the world, causing chaos and confusion.

These beings are without a soul and will stop at nothing to achieve whatever it is they intend to do. Since their arrival, I have avoided them, as they seem to not be aware of my presence. I have told myself time and time again not to get involved in this. I am not a hero, such as these amazing people who fight the monsters. A man who can fly like me, but without the aid of wings. The man bends steel and shoots fire from his eyes, and a woman fights by his side, as strong as he is.
These are the heroes. I am simply a man, looking for his better half.
This is what I told myself. That I could not risk losing track of Shayera, by getting involved in other matters.

But I can no longer just stand by and let these robotic monsters destroy this world.

--

As I fly low, between the dark and gloom buildings of Gotham City, a city that rivals the middle ages in the barbarity of it's inhabitants, I spot a woman who appears to be shouting into the sky.

"Gedda hell outta ma citty, ya stinkin' robot!"

The woman, obviously intoxicated and not aware of the danger she is in, starts picking up rocks and throwing them at the swarm of mechanical beings flying through the sky.
Suddenly, one of them breaks rank and starts to descend upon the woman.


"Secondary Target Identified. Of Minimal Threat. Dispose Of And Continue With.."

The being had begun to raise it's arm, or what would appear to be an arm, and I could not stand by. I use my wings to push myself forward as fast as I can, weapons drawn.
The machine turns it's "head" toward me, uttering a few words before I send it crashing into a wall with my shoulder.

"Incoming Threa KZZZzzzT"

I turn my head towards the woman, who has fallen to the ground in shock.

" RUN "

I don't need to tell her twice, as she's on her feet and thundering down the street in the blink of an eye.
I land on the ground next to the machine, examining it closely. It doesn't seem to be functioning anymore. I almost feel like I hear something, someone inside the beast, but I have no time to think about it because all of a sudden three identical robots descend to the ground, their soulless gaze fixed upon me. A cold, monotone voice calls out

"Secondary Target Identified. Thermal Scan Completed. Target Identified. Target: Carter Hall - Assessing Threat Level.....Threat Level Alpha."

What the - . How the hell does it know my name?

"I'm very flattered, but how about we cut the **** and get straight to me bashing your head off?"

"Negative, Carter Hall. We are The Observational Meta-humanary Activities Construct. OMAC. You Are Required For The Multi-Humanry Worldwide Upgrade. Your upgrade shall now commence"

Alright. I've had enough of this.

"Oh, I'm sorry, I had other plans. I was thinking something along the lines of THIS"

I shoot forward, mace held high. The three, OMACs, I guess their called, scatter around me and all raise their arms. I narrowly dodge two scorching blasts of energy, but the third one hits one of my wings and I fall to the ground.

"Do not resist, Carter Hall. Your upgrade will now commKzzzZzzTTTt!!!!"

When the OMAC was close enough, I buried my fist in it's chest. And for a split second, I felt someone inside.

"Oh good God...."

There are people inside these things. I can't go all out, I'd almost surely injure the innocent people inside.

This could be a challenge.... I think to myself, as two more OMACs come barreling down towards me to replace the one I had taken out.
For a moment I start to feel responsible for the lives of the people inside. This is much bigger than I had thought.

"This stops now." I say, and I rocket myself towards my attackers.

​

 

[Catman_prb]

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"This stops now." I say, and I rocket myself towards my attackers.​

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"What the hell is that thing? Aliens and bird-men? What the hell is the world coming to?!" Black Mask screamed ads he watched the CCTV of the fight outside his apartment block. He grabbed a shotgun and walked to the bolted door. He turned and looked at his gang of crooks and happy-go-luckys.

"Lets show this bird-boy that he can't hang out in Black Masks neighbourhood without paying a toll. Lets clip his wings boys," he shouted at the shambled before him, before booting open the double doors and walking out to face to creature.

"Not in my town feathers!" he shouted firing the shotgun in the air.

​

 

[SenseiofCheese]

[/center]

"What the hell is that thing? Aliens and bird-men? What the hell is the world coming to?!" Black Mask screamed ads he watched the CCTV of the fight outside his apartment block. He grabbed a shotgun and walked to the bolted door. He turned and looked at his gang of crooks and happy-go-luckys.

"Lets show this bird-boy that he can't hang out in Black Masks neighbourhood without paying a toll. Lets clip his wings boys," he shouted at the shambled before him, before booting open the double doors and walking out to face to creature.
​

​

I had been too preoccupied with the OMACs to notice the gang of men rush out of a nearby doorway.
I let my grip on one of the robots' necks slacken.

"GET BACK IN THE HOUSE, NOW!!"

​

"Not in my town feathers!" he shouted firing the shotgun in the air.

The blast rang in my ears, and for a moment I lost focus. That's all the OMAC needed, as I felt a surge of white-hot energy surge through my body.
I was thrown to the ground a few feet away. The men rushed out of the doorway, led by a man whose skeletal face was black, like he had been badly burned.
I forced myself to work past the pounding headache and aching bones, and I picked up the sound of what could only be the OMAC charging up another shot.
Again, the energy shot towards me. But this time I was quick enough to dodge to the side, and hopeful enough to think that the blast might take out my other problem.
No such luck.

​

[/CENTER]

 

[MST3K 4ever]

The Atom flies out into the night-sky and sees OMACs all over the place.

Gotta remember this kind of like the Borg on "Star Trek" and they are people underneath that circutry.

She shrinks down to microscopic size and is able to get inside the costume of one them, and begins to tear apart the circuits. As she is doing that she realizes a flaw in her plan.

Uh-Oh if I disengage the robotic components of this being...they may fall splat onto the pavement. Have to try one other option...
She moves through the circuits and begins to reorganize the guidance unit.

Pretty advanced stuff but I think I got it.

The OMAC lands on the roof and The Atom begins to rip aparrt the circuts again until the OMAC collapses.

I can still hear his heart beat...he'll be fine.
She leaves the OMAC and sees more and more beginning to for lack of a better term break down.

Oh it is going to be a long & strange night. After this is over I am so going to need a vacation

 

[Batman]

ULTIMATE

Mother... Father... I need to find my way back. Show me the way, mother and father.

Guide me back to avenge you, once again...

I breathe in the first bit of air in minutes. Possibly hours, but it doesn't feel like I've been immobile for that long. Head's spinning. Still feeling the shock. Lucky to be alive, after a surge like that...

Still weak. Can barely move. Can't open eyes for a straight minute. Then it all comes back. The training proves efficient enough, as I move my fingers for the first time, again. Muscles are regaining their strength. Mind's already clearing itself. Vision's clearing. With a heave from the rooftop, I awaken fully. Only to realise that the situation just went from hopeful to dire again.

Superman... or whatever he really calls himself, has hold of a glowing rope. A sort of lasso, possibly ignited by some form of magically based energy field. I've encountered such, upon my short lived lessons under the famed Zatara, an illusionist of Europe. While I never prepared to battle anything of the kind, I knew for sure that such elements weren't the work of fiction. But it's what's ensnared in the lasso that's caught my eye...

An OMAC. Larger than it's predacessors. Possibly a self-upgraded version, if they are capable of that. Or... perhaps something else entirely. I'm not sure. But judging from it's armor, I'm beginning to see what needs to be done about it...

"S... Superman...", I gasp, nearly collapsing on my own stand, as my head continues spinning intuned with my accelled heart rate. "Keep... Keep it tied down. The armor... it needs to come off. It could break the hypnotism. And Braniac's... hold."

I stumble forward, and fall to my knees.

Dammit. Still not up to par. Need a moment to rest... to... begin ignoring the pain... ignoring my glaring humanity...

 

[Andy C.]

"Luthor!" Superman was shocked to see the man before him. Not having seen or heard from any of his friends or allies since this had started, he had thought that Lex might have fallen victim to the OMAC invasion as so many others had.

Still holding tightly to the lasso around Brother Eye, Superman nodded toward Wonder Woman and Batman. "Help them." First thing's first.

(IC: Lex Luthor)

Luthor eyed the two unconscious figures that lay near the alien. The female he recognized as the 'Wonder Woman' who had once battled alongside Superman in the middle of Lex's city. The man he could only assume was the Batman of Gotham City, though his existence he had only gathered from rumor and hearsay.

Given that the two were apparently aligned with the alien, Lex had half a mind to destroy the both of them at the first chance he could get. However, for now, he had to keep up appearances.

"I'll do what I can, Superman. In the meantime, what should we do with that...thing...you've got tied up there?"

Before he got his answer, Lex Luthor's attention was diverted to something truly incredible.

-----

(IC: )

I slip in and out of the darkness, all the strength sapped out of me. Brother Eye's attack has left me at Death's door. I cannot let this be the end, not while there are those who need my help.

I recall the gifts bestowed upon me by the gods of Olympus, and how even their great power has not managed to halt the advance of Brainiac's twisted army. Surely, Ares is laughing at all of this.

I stir for a moment, still prone on the concrete surface of the Daily Planet building. Concrete. I remember the gift of Demeter: my spirit and form are one with the earth.

I just pray there's enough stone-work in this building to do this.

Through sheer force of will, I keep myself from drifting back into unconsciousness, and press my hands against roof's concrete surface. As my spirit reaches out to Gaia, my hands sink into the worked stone itself, and begin to absorb the minerals like water into a sponge.

The pain is indescribable. It feels as though molten lava is coursing through my veins. My skin splits as my muscles bulge and solidify again, the essence of stone entwined within them. I grit my teeth and bear down, because otherwise I would scream.

The elemental strength of the earth pours into me, and I am lifted to my feet, my eyes now wide open. The rock and stone becomes one with my being, and for a moment, I am sure I look like something from the pits of Tartarus.

"I...am...nearly...whole again..."

Renewed power and vigor flows through my body, and rejuvenates my spirit. I take to the skies, as the winds cool the furious magma that I have taken within me.

Within a moment, the gift of Aphrodite's beauty returns, and my form is restored.

I am whole again.

"That 'thing,' Luthor, is another innocent victim in all of this, and I will not let you harm him."

 

[Catman_prb]

[/left]
Again, the energy shot towards me. But this time I was quick enough to dodge to the side, and hopeful enough to think that the blast might take out my other problem.

No such luck.​

Black Mask looked at the scene before him. The OMACs had stunned the bird-man with some kind of energy bolt. Whilst the hybrid was crawling on the floor the OMACs froze. They continued levitating in the air but stopped moving. Great. That meant he could focus on the freak. He slipped a bronze knuckleduster onto his hand and moved towards it.

"Whats yer name Birdy?" Mask shouted lunging towards him. The creature dodged out of the way, but as he did so he brought the butt of his shotgun into the back of its leg making its knees buckle.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

The ringing in my ear finally stopped, but my whole body was still aching. I raised my head toward the OMACs. The energy blast I had hoped would hit the group of men that had attacked me, had made a hole in the side of a building instead.
But what was strange was that the OMACs had stopped moving. They just silently hovered above the ground, nearly motionless.
I saw the black-faced man slip a knuckleduster over his fingers, and approach me.
I wondered for a split second if he was the man responsible for these machines.

"Whats yer name Birdy?" Black Mask shouted, lunging towards him. The creature dodged out of the way, but as he did so he brought the butt of his shotgun into the back of its leg making its knees buckle.

"AAahh!"

I still hadn't regained my strength...

I have to stall them...

I quickly got back to my feet, ignoring the blinding pain in my leg. The men, lead by the man in the Black Mask began to advance on me, weapons raised.
That's when I said the first thing that came to mind..

"You can call me....Hawkman. And if you put your weapons down, maybe I won't break your legs before I put you in jail."

​

 

[Catman_prb]

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"You can call me....Hawkman. And if you put your weapons down, maybe I won't break your legs before I put you in jail."​

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Black Mask turned to his men.
"You hear that boys? He's "The Hawkman"! God, you freak do you have any idea how bad a name that is? Leave this loser to me boys. Let's see if he can really put me in the slammer before i snap his wings off," Mask said advancing on where this "Hawkman" stood.
He pulled a large vicious looking knife from his inner jacket and held it in the hand without the knuckleduster on. If life had taught Roman Sionis anything, it was to press the advantage. He'd hurt this guys leg; so now he should aim for that leg with every hit.
He leapt forwards and aimed a low kick as he did so. Hawkman dodged and as Mask went past he stuck out the long knife, knicking Hawkmans arm.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Black Mask turned to his men.
"You hear that boys? He's "The Hawkman"! God, you freak do you have any idea how bad a name that is? Leave this loser to me boys. Let's see if he can really put me in the slammer before i snap his wings off," Mask said advancing on where this "Hawkman" stood.

Hawkman? I'm Hawkman?
This does not bode well for my "not a hero" thing.

He leapt forwards and aimed a low kick as he did so. Hawkman dodged and as Mask went past he stuck out the long knife, knicking Hawkmans arm.

The knife cut my arm, but not badly. I gnarled my teeth to deal with the sting, and I could already feel the wound start to heal.
I rushed the Black Mask before he had a chance to recover from his fumble.

I threw my arms around his side and slammed him to the pavement. I could hear his henchmen's heartbeats start to quicken, meaning I wouldn't have long until they would panic and open fire.
I stood up and turned to the goons, all of them were sweating profusely.

I made the mistake of taking my eye off of Black Mask, and suddenly a searing pain shot through my injured leg.

 

[Catman_prb]

I made the mistake of taking my eye off of Black Mask, and suddenly a searing pain shot through my injured leg.

Black Mask stood up from the cold street, blood dripping from the side of his head that had hit the pavement. He stepped on Hawkmans chest, pushing him flat and straightened his black tie. He turned his head to one of his men shouting "Gimme your god-damn gun! NOW DAMMIT!".

The mans doble-barreled shotgun was thrown over. Black Mask took relish in putting a new cartridge in the barrel, rejoicing in the fact that his victim wasnt going anywhere. He put the end of the gun on Hawkmans head and grinned.

"This is the part where you die, Birdman," he stated coldly.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

He put the end of the gun on Hawkmans head and grinned.

"This is the part where you die, Birdman," he stated coldly.

I listened to his heartbeat, which erased any hope I had that he might be bluffing.
I noticed his hand tighten around the barrel of the gun, and my mind was overcome with a single thought.

Shayera...I'm not going to leave you. Not again. Not now. Not ever.

"NYAAAAAHHH!!!"

Enraged, I expanded the wings harnessed to my back at full force. The blow sent Black Mask tumbling off of me, his gun-hand raised and...

*KABLAM!*

The shot missed my head, but not by more than an inch. I jumped to my feet, and I could hear Black Mask do the same. His goons reached for their weapons, at the same time as another shot echoed from the barrel of Mask's gun.

*KABLAM! KABLAM*"

The first shot tore through my left wing. I felt pain, as if they were attached to my spine, rush through my entire being. The second shot, however, hit one of his henchmen directly in the chest.
The man's dead body violently jerked and he fell down.

This ends now.

I once again pushed through the pain, and I ran for Black Mask. Before he had time to react, I grabbed the collar of his jacket tight, and I shot upwards.
We soared up into the sky, and I asked myself...

Am I going to kill another human being?