The "Ultimate DC Universe" RPG, Season 3.0

[MST3K 4ever]

"...if you're just joining us, we've recieved a late breaking development on the ensuing attack on the Gotham City Courthouse that errupted just moments ago. Witnesses describe what can only be said as a force of nature gone terribly wrong to have overtaken the landmark structure, sealing the pedestrians inside. City officials have yet to comment, though it has just been revealed that the Courthouse has been actually overtaken by a combination of thick ice and live plant vines. Though police involvement has been requested by numerous pedestrians in the surrounding neighborhoods, few officers seem to be on hand at this time. There has been no official word on what has caused the attack... however, many believe this to be the work of the recently escaped criminals Victor Fries and Pamlea Isley, better known as the superhuman criminals 'Mr. Freeze' and 'Poison Ivy'. Both convicts were said to have fled care at the Arkham Rehabilitational Institute just two months prior, though again, we have yet to confirm either one's involvement. We go now to Vesper Fairchild, who's live on the scene..."

Two-Face's hands clasped together, as he looked upon the television screen with satisfaction. Both halves of his mind took in the news of their success with the utmost expectation, yet they still couldn't contain their shared pleasure out of watching Gotham slowly fall apart.

Two months ago, Harvey had been nothing. He had lost his wife, and avenged her death. Two-Face had been born... yet, in a twisted sense of irony, he himself was now running from the very law that he once represented. It seemed as if, with Harvey Dent truly dead, Two-Face existed to no purpose. But that was when he began to think of all of the people that had betrayed him. Cobblepot, for sending the dogs upon him, as if he were nothing but a common crook. Rachel, for taking his position as District Attorney, and never once extending her hand to help him find his way again. But then again, compared to the last, those betrayls were nothing of concequence. It was Batman who had to pay for ruining Harvey Dent. For exposing him as some twisted killer, rather than a man looking to avenge what was rightfully his to honor.

It had been ludricrous. To think that he had once been one of the city's most respected officials, only to have the life he knew taken from him by such cruel circumstance. He couldn't let it stand. And luckily for him... Two-Face wouldn't, either. So all at once, Harvey Dent once again found a purpose. To avenge those who crossed him, and turn Gotham into his own domain of personal justice. It would be the ultimate revenge against all three parties he blamed, but he knew it would get to Batman most. He risked his life, night after night, trying to make the city a better place. Now, Two-Face would make it the ideal city, and usurp the Dark Knight at every corner... and this was just the way to do it. With something the city and it's protector recognized all too well: Anarchy.

Looking to his left, Two-Face saw the absolute horror on Oswald Cobblepot's face, as he found himself staring down the barrel of a gun that Two-Face himself was clenching onto tightly. It made Harvey smile, in realization that he had finally gotten under Cobblepot's skin. Just another victory to add onto the pile.

"What's the matter, Ozzie?", Harvey asked, sardonically. "I'm really doing you a favor with all of this. Gotham was a reall mess, under your tutilage. At least this way, things are finally getting accomplished."

Oswald was silent. He didn't know whether to speak freely or not, given his current circumstance. But eventually, as Two-Face stared him down, he found the words that were just barely hanging off of his tongue.

"You haven't a chance in hell, Harvey."

Harvey raised his eyebrow. "Beg your pardon?"

"You heard what I told you.", Oswald shot back, angrily. "You're deluded. Little more than an anarchist hoping to bring me to my knees because you think I, somehow, turned you into what you are. But honestly, old friend, what could possibly possess you to actually think you're to get away with this?"

Instantly, to Oswald's shock, Two-Face lunged out of the chair, grabbing Oswald by the jacket and holding him close to his scarred features, in order to send him quivering again.

"Are you blind, you pudgy little dwarf?!", Two-Face shouted, indicating the television. "Take a look at that report! We've already won, you upper class piece of s***! It's only a matter of time!"

Oswald stared Harvey dead in the face, skeptical.

"If you truly believe that, you're in far over your head... or heads, as it were, you misrable miscrient.", He hatefully spouted, much to Two-Face's anger. "Yes, it will be only a matter of time. Before the police arrive, take you down, and lock you up with the rest of your little compadres. There's no stopping it. Even if you end my life, you're to pay for it with your own."

Two-Face growled, ready to strangle the Mayor until his eyes bled out his innards. But just as he was about to throw a punch, Harvey regained control, as Two-Face's growl turned into a light chuckle from the District Attorney.

"You really think you know everything, don't you? Same old Ozzie...", Harvey scoffed, before letting go of Cobblepot, and pointing the gun at him. "Your 'police', as it were, won't be arriving anytime soon. The Courthouse attack wasn't all that I have in store. If you think you've got friends in high places... you clearly haven't met mine."

Oswald's eyes widened. "Blackgate... You're the reason that-"

"Exactly.", Harvey announced, proudly. "I sent two of my closest pals down there just before this mess started. Maybe you're familiar with, oh, I don't know... Jonathan Crane? I heard he was quite the big deal, in recent years. And not to mention Gotham's leading crime boss in the making, a man who goes by the name of Black Mask. Maybe you've heard of him, aswell?"

Composing himself, Oswald straighted his tie. "So you've organized the freak brigade. Be that as it may, Harvey, you won't stand a chance with-"

"Oh, you didn't let me finish.", Harvey cut off, covering Oswald's mouth with his gloved hand. "See, it's a funny thing about your little cub scout troup you call a police station. Because as I recall, they recently put a madman behind bars. The one responsible for the Robinson Park massacre, maybe?"

Silence filled the air. But the shock was all too clear on Cobblepot's face.

"That's right, Ozzie. All of those countless 'innocents', as you called them? The Joker was just the man who pulled the trigger. But behind every great criminal comes a cunning mind... or in this case, two.", He continued. "The truth is, while I did orchestrate his little massacre... the clown was fully capable of keeping the cops busy for far longer than he did, before his capture. But, well, as he put it... it was 'all, part of the plan'. And as easily as he was caught, he's going to escape, as he was instructed, giving all your boys in blue more than a handful. Which leaves you in a bit of a bind, doesn't it?"

"M... My god, Harvey. What have you become?", Cobblepot asked, astonished.

"Everything that society has made me.", Harvey admitted. "I'm a sinner. I'm a saint. I'm black, I'm white. I'm good, I'm evil. I'm everything that Gotham City is and forever will be. Two-Faced."

"But those people... all of those lives? You're just going to waste them all?"

Harvey grinned.

"That's another thing that's so gloriously fitting about all of this, Ozzie. I'm not going to do a damn thing. Infact, aside from a few measily battery and breaking and entering charges for what I did tonight, I'm really not going to be responsible for all of this, in the end. They are. They'll do all the work, they'll get all the blame, and I'll plead victim to the whole thing. Eventually I'll get plastic surgery... rejoin society, as I see fit. And by the time anyone's the wiser, I'll have the whole city in my pocket... and you with it, old friend."

"You're out of your mind, if you think for one second that I'll let you-"

"Oh, you'll let me. Infact, you'll practically hand me the key to the city, Mayor.", Harvey mocked, with a sneer. "Otherwise, well... I'm afraid that I may have to let loose with certain secrets about the city's prestigious, law abiding, squeaky clean leader."

Oswald raised an eyebrow. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Harvey stared, for a moment, before tossing his silver dollar coin into the air.

"And you call me deluded.", He began. "You see, when you're on the run on Gotham's streets, you tend to earn new friends. New social circles, willing to take you in and teach you the tools of the trade, so to speak. In this case, I met them all. Drug dealers, pushers, users, and the like. But a rather bizarre shipment actually came to my attention, a few month back. Forty seven kilos of heroin, being shipped in, ironically enough..."

Two-Face looked to the side of the room, at an umbrella rack that Oswald had kept close by. Even then, the sweat was beading down Cobblepot's brow.

"...umbrellas.", He finished, with a smirk, before looking back at Oswald. "Funny, Ozzie. I always knew you looked the part of a bird. Hell, you never could stop talking about your stuffed maltese falcons. But you can imagine my surprise when I finally realized who, exactly, this drug kingpin that they called 'The Penguin' really was."

Oswald fell silent, again, mentally cursing himself for ever leaving it that obvious. Now, Harvey knew the truth. And with his psychotic mind, it wouldn't take much to provoke him to squeal to the public.

"You know, I think we finally understand eachother!", Harvey exclaimed, sitting back in the Mayor's chair and throwing his feet upon the desk, relaxed. "Even if you survive the night... which, by the way, is looking less and less likely... you're not completely off the hook. Not by a longshot. It's your life, your career, and your freedom... all on the line, tonight."

The coin finally fell from the ceiling, as Harvey reached out, and caught it.

"We're the same now, Ozzie.", He grinned, maliciously. "Blackmailed. Betrayed. And split, right down the center."

The Atom nearly let out a gasp, but swallowed it.

Holy mother of Mercy he's right....I have heard rumors of the Penguin at the station...oh this is unreal...the mayor is the Penguin! Not to mention that none of this would ever really stand up in court...unless I do something about it. The Question is...what? Do I risk stepping out of the shadows...not to mention if I get dragged into court...I guess i could stand on the Bible as opposed to raising my right hand....or if I get this information to the right person...namely a guy with a pointed cowl this could get interesting... Regardless it's time to introduce a wild-card into the deck.

She floats upward and shrinks to almost microscopic size.

The minute he tosses that coin...I think if I hit it just right...it'll shoot right into the air-duct...thus turning Two-Face into an emotional cripple.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Doris waits outside of a deserted warehouse.

She watches as Orr steps out of the shadows and says, "About time you showed up you're 20 minutes late."

He replies, "Hey what can I say had an old girlfriend stop by and we decided to do the ol' mattress mambo if you know what I mean? So you're the newbie eh? Well well gotta say the boss knows how to pick 'em. Say when we get done here maybe you and I can try our own version of the mambo?"

Doris looks as though she is going to vomit and says, "Trust me the day I think sleeping with you is a good idea will be the day I decide to open a vein instead of my eyes first."

Orr smirks and says, "Oh fiesty aren't you? Come on babe I can tell that there is yes yes in those eyes even behind those shades."

Doris removes her shades and grows to about 20 feet tall and stoops down. She asks, "Tell me Orr, do you see yes yes anywhere in my eyes?"

He swallows hard, trying to be cool still but clearly shaken. Giganta says, "I didn't think so."

She returns to normal size and says, "Word on the street is that this place is Slade's trainning base. You get us in and I'll take over. We get the rock and we get out that's it."

Orr nods and says, "Sure and when you screw it up I'll clean up the mess."

Doris looks at him for a moment and says, "Just get us in past the alarms."

The two approach the warehouse and Orr begins fiddling with the computer lock. He says, "Okay we're in the alarms should be down and out."

They open the front door and enter the warehouse...suddenly the area is flooded with lights.

Both are blinded for the moment as Slade begins firing at them.

Without thinking Doris begins to grow and becomes Giganta.

Her vision quickly settles down and she sees Slade. She grabs him and he begins to struggle.

Giganta says, "We were hoping to do a simple smash & grab, but you forced our hand."

Slade begins to struggle and says, "Who are you two?"

She says, "We work for a gentleman who wants something that you have. A green glowing rock you stole from Star-Labs."

Slade says, "The Kryptonite....that's what Luthor wants."

Giganta doesn't say a word and Slade says, "Yeah I know that's what he wants. I hear things and I see Luthor's expression when Superman is mentioned. Tell you what I am a reasonable man you let me go I give you two the rock and...you get me access to Lexcorp. Their weapons division is nothing but next-gen stuff. I want to do some early Christmas shopping for myself. I don't care about money I want weapons and a private meeting with Lex himself."

Giganta says, "The location of the rock first."

Slade replies, "The room to the right access code is 3498*98...you can't miss it."

She nods at Orr who gets the Kryptonite and comes back out with it.

Giganta puts Slade down and returns to normal size.

Slade asks, "Can you deliver on your end?"

Doris replies, "I was told to offer you up to 50 million, but I am so competetive I wanted to see what you were made of hence the break-iin attempt. I took you because you didn't know about my power but I know about you. The next time though I am sure you'll be ready for me. Since I have saved Mr. Luthor 50 million tonight I am sure he will see your request as reasonable...let me check in."

She dials Lex's number and says, "We got it, but he didn't take the money...he wants access to Lexcorp weaponery and a private meeting with you....got it...yes sir...got it...will do."

Doris hangs up the phone and says, "Done. He says stop by tomorrow night after midnight...." She opens up her phone which is beeping. She flips up her phone and prints out a text message and says, "Here's everything you need to know about getting past security."

Slade nods and says, "Well then our business is concluded Miss..."

Doris says, "The name is Doris Zuel you can call me Giganta."

Slade bows his head out of repsect as does Doris.

She says, "Listen I know from studying you that you aren't much of a team player, but I am a part of an organization that I know could use someone of your skills. Also you could establish many more contacts throughout the world and get a chance to make some of these heroes suffer. Interested?"

SLade replies, "You're right about me, however you do make a convincing argument for joining. I'll think it over."

Doris says, "Fair enough a pleasure doing business with you Slade."

Slade replies, "Likewise."

Doris and Orr leave.

 

[Feature]

REX TYLER: HOURMAN
Season 3.0 - Part 3


Rex Tyler walked into his apartment and was greeted by Rocky, who wagged his tail and grinned. Rex did not bend down and say hello to the mutt as he usually would. He simply patted the canine's head and walked off towards his study.

There, he collapsed in the chair and stared at his desk. From one of the drawers, he extracted a vial of Miraclo, his greatest invention. In the past few months, he'd learned a good deal about the drug, but he hadn't actually ingested it. Not since...

The drug would increase a person's strength, speed, and stamina for an hour's time. No more than that. No matter what variables he altered, sixty-minutes was all he could get away with. He also found that the drug should only be taken once within a twenty-four hour window. To exceed this dosage could be disastrous...

As Rex turned the vial over in hands, he noticed he had a message waiting on the answering machine. He clicked PLAY and listened to Amy's musical voice...

"Hey Rex! Just calling to let you know that I'll be working late again tonight. I can't believe how long this proposal is taking to put together... Anyways, I hope your interviews went well today. I love you. Oh! And don't try to use the credit card! It's maxed! I'll have to put some money aside next time I get paid and try to whittle it down. Okay then... bye."

Rex sat still, staring at the silent machine. Amy had gotten another job since quitting Bannermain... Rex hadn't. Now, because of him, they were struggling just to get by.

Bannermain had sabotaged him. Ruined his future. Ruined their future. And now, Rex was going to make him pay. Rex tore open the closet doors and rummaged through the clothing. In seconds, he found what he was looking for... the costume Amy had bought him for a joke so long ago...

In order to get Bannermain, he'd have to go to his office. That meant going out in public. Better to keep his identity concealed. Especially if he was going to commit murder...

Rex threw on the costume and looked at himself in the mirror. He looked ridiculous, like a child playing make-believe. He put those thoughts out of his head and downed the vial of Miraclo. Victor Bannermain was going to get what he deserved.

 

[Eddie Brock]

I take a deep breath as I stare at the cold, lifeless steps of City Hall.

This is it, Grayson. There's no cavalry here - it's all on you to protect Cobblepot. Succeed, and you will solidify your spot in Gordon and Batman's circle of trust.

No pressure.

I unholster my pistol and approach the building cautiously. I have a bad feeling that someone is already here. What's worse is that the GCPD has its hands tied right now. So if I get into trouble down here, I have no one to save my ass. If people like Isley and Fries are running the streets, there's no telling what I could come into contact with in here.

"Mayor Cobblepot?" I call out like one of those dolts from a horror movie. I gently push the door of City Hall open as I slip in quietly. "This is Detective John Grayson of the GCPD. I've been sent here to check on your safety."

The hallways are eerily silent.

"Mayor Cobblepot, are you here?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

I take a deep breath as I stare at the cold, lifeless steps of City Hall.

This is it, Grayson. There's no cavalry here - it's all on you to protect Cobblepot. Succeed, and you will solidify your spot in Gordon and Batman's circle of trust.

No pressure.

I unholster my pistol and approach the building cautiously. I have a bad feeling that someone is already here. What's worse is that the GCPD has its hands tied right now. So if I get into trouble down here, I have no one to save my ass. If people like Isley and Fries are running the streets, there's no telling what I could come into contact with in here.

"Mayor Cobblepot?" I call out like one of those dolts from a horror movie. I gently push the door of City Hall open as I slip in quietly. "This is Detective John Grayson of the GCPD. I've been sent here to check on your safety."

The hallways are eerily silent.

"Mayor Cobblepot, are you here?"

The Atom senses the change in air-currents.

This could only mean one thing...the Cavalry has arrived. The question is how do I get word to them? There is only one way to do it...well prepare to be stared and gawked at yet again...it's a good thing I have a positive self-image...otherwise all of this could make me really self-conscious.

She floats out through the air-vent and spots Detective John Grayson.

Well here goes my privacy.

The Atom floats down and lands on Grayson's shoulder and shifts her weight just enough so he feels pressure.

He stares at her in utter disbeief and she says, "Relax I am friend of Batman's, well friend might be too strong of a word...I'm an associate of his. Look if I wanted to hurt you you would be down and out already."

She takes a deep breath and says, "Two-Face has the Mayor in the main conference room two floors up it's just the two of them. He is trying to blackmail the Mayor. Two-Face knows something about the Mayor something very big, and considering the source on this one that's saying something. Let me just leave it at this remember the drug-bust in the Narrows?Umbrellas...very rare ones...pay particular attention to the Mayor's umbrella stand that is all I'm gonna say for now. If you're half-the-detective that Gordon thinks you are you should be able to put two & two together and see where this is going."

Grayson is still unsure of The Atom but seems a bit more relaxed with her apperance and she asks, "What can I do to help detective?"

 

[Andy C.]

It's been a month since the Oracle gave me her prophecy. In that month, much has changed.

I returned to America, this time for good. Before leaving Themyscira, my mother made sure that I could lead an unassuming life among those of the Patriarch's World--we had decided that, in order to understand them, I would live among them, only revealing my powers when absolutely needed. To that extent, our liasions with the United States government were able to provide proper documents for immigration, and with my name provided as "Diana Prince," I became an American citizen.

The share of the royal treasury I had taken was more than enough to allow me to live a life of luxury, but there would be no point in that if I were to come to know the lives of the everyday people. Instead, I moved to Gateway City, found a modest apartment and an unassuming job at a medical clinic (where I could apply my skills as a healer), and have made a decent life for myself.

"Beware, you small-minded insects! Doctor Psycho is here to enslave you all!"

Just like that, however, it is time for me to apply my true calling.

Elsewhere...

As the 'Wonder Woman' engaged her foe, eyes were watching her from the shadows with predatory hunger. The dark gods had given the hunter great power, greater speed, and a lust for blood. Her prey would soon know the humiliation and agony that the hunter knew. Her time would come.

She would stalk her quarry until the time was right, and then strike when the kill was assured.

The Cheetah was on the prowl.

 

[celestial guard]

I'm brooding again as the download goes on forever. The knowledge being amassed is titanic. I wonder if I am even capable of holding it all, but then again I know I can. That's the purpose of the positronic upgrade.

Files blur past as they are stored. One catches my attention causing me to slow down and open it. I can't believe what is in it and how it shows I am being used.

The file is proof that I was never intended to be anything other than an experiment to replace Superman if he were ever to fall or turn on the United States. My sole purpose was to ensure that he stayed in the good graces of the US. If he did not, I was to be unleashed on him.

All these upgrades were given to my almost lifeless corpse in order to make me Superman, or at least the closest proximity the scientists here a Cadmus could create. All these powers were a gift to help secure America's freedom. All these tests were to ensure I could not be taken without a fight. Then something catches my attention and sends me reeling. The genetic manipulation that allows me to fly has caused an abnormality that most would die for. I am to live forever. My body has gained the ability to regenerate organic material which slows my aging to a crawl. I can heal, but I can't grow older very fast at all. To add insult to injury I find that the positronic portion of my brain houses everything I take in as well and copies of everything else in the organic side. My memories, feeling, thoughts, everything that makes me who I am will live on after the mortal shell gets destroyed or is finally allowed to die. I wonder if this is who Faust felt when he found out that the Devil didn't offer such a good deal after all. What a curse!

Why weren't they going to tell me that little piece of information? This is the last straw. Superman cost me my humanity and now I'm going to live out eternity in his image. I don't think so. I believe it's time Captain Ellis and I have a small chat.

After an hour goes by Ellis enters my quarters. "Henshaw, this is highly irregular. I am not used to subordinants having me summoned. This had better be good soldier!" "When were going to tell me Ellis?" "Tell you what?" "That I can't die. That even if this body the government has given me is destroyed my soul would be on a mainframe waiting to have a new body built. That I was made immortal without asking if I was ready for it?" "I don't have a clue what you're talking about, he counters with a smug voice which gives the distinct tone he's been caught. "Don't deny it Ellis. Remember, I can get the truth in many ways. This time I have seen the file. Your name was on the dotted line to install the positronic implant in my brain. You doomed me to this. You made me a monster!"

"What?!" he exclaims, "I made you the perfect soldier! I made you a weapon that could keep taking the fight to the enemy on his own turf. I made you a superman!" "At the cost of never really being a man," I counter beginning to get enraged. "You took my humanity and didn't ask if I wanted it. You made me into a freak, a Frankenstein's monster for a modern time! I've lost everything to this country Ellis! Body in an operation that got me shot down during Enduring Freedom. Terri to a drunk driver for just coming to see me. Now I find I've sold my soul to the devil so that you can have a Superman of your own. You've made me nothing but a puppet. Now it's your turn."

He looks baffled. The puzzlement on his face is quite amusing to me. That's when he notices I'm still plugged in. Ellis's eyes grow large in recognition and fright. "That's right Ellis. I'm taking over. Did you know that the operations of this facility have been given over to my command? Did you know that the Joint Chiefs have been made aware of your treason? How could you give military secrets to foreign powers while commanding a United States military facility Ellis? Did you know right now the cameras and microphones are recording the confession you are not giving? Puppet indeed Eilis. Puppet indeed."

"You can't do this to me!" "You did it to me, didn't you?" " I was ordered!" "As was I, check the records. communications have been going back and forth from me to the higher ups and they have put me in charge. That part was not created by me. they believe that the "super soldier" is the one best fit to run this operation. They also know you to be a traitor to this country. How does it feel to be something you never wanted to? Let me know after your court marshal." At this I seize his wrists and send a call for the MP's.

"I need this man taken to the brig. As of 1900 today I have been given orders to assume command of this facility and it's military personnel by order of the Secretary of Metahuman Affairs. Lock him up, there will be a transport for him at 0800 tomorrow. See that he is on it." "Yes sir," snaps the young MP with a salute. He begins to escort Ellis out when things play into my favor again.

Ellis takes the MP by surprise knocking him into the metal door facing allowing the young man to collapse into a heap while he frees the gun from the MP's holster. "I'll kill you if it' the last thing I do!" "I knew you'd say that," I say as I flash the heat vision across the gun detonating the shells inside. The explosion ruining his hands forever. "I don't expect you to be quiet either," I say as I hit him with a concentrated burst from my eyes. The effect was astounding, instant legitimization. I'll have to look into that more later.

I pick up the MP at the door and get him conscious again. "Are you alright soldier?" "Yes sir," he replies with more than a little guilt from his vocal tones. "Get over it son, there will be others that resist as well. We'll take care of them. Now, get this man to medical. I've scanned him and I believe he's had a hemorrhage in his brain. Hurry! We can't have a prisoner of the United States Government die on the floor with charges of treason impending!" With that a medical team arrives thanks to my subconscious signal and Ellis is taken out of my life for good.

Now to get this facility in proper working order...

 

[Saved]

"Well," said Superman as he bent forward, pushing closer into Corben's personal space, "since you've obviously got things under control here, Detective, I'll leave you alone." The frustration of weeks dealing with this man was clearly evident on Superman's face as he turned and took a few steps away from Corben. Just before taking off into flight, Superman looked at Corben's second in command, who was just to the left of the angered detective, and who didn't seem to be nearly as angered by the Man of Steel's presence as his superior was. "If you guys happen to change your minds and decide that you just might like some help tracking down those weapons, just give me a holler," Superman said to the other officer, and then left the streets of Metropolis far behind him as the clouds became his next playground.

Corben frowns, his face making a sneer. "Yeah, I'll be damned sure to do that." He turns around, and begins to walk toward the other officers.

"What have you got on him?"

"What was that about, Lieutenant?" The officer asks him.

"Nothing, officer. Don't mind the vigilante. He's just starting trouble again."

"But...but sir, he stopped Bloodsport." Corben sneers as he begins to fill with anger. He grabs the officer by his uniform and pulls him close.

"Listen to me, rookie. That damned alien is no hero. He's fooling you! And I'm going to make sure that he never gets this city, or this planet for that matter!"

"B-But, Lieutenant, he's only been doing good. What makes you think he's going to turn on us?" Corben smiles, releasing his grip on the officer's clothes.

"Better to be safe then sorry, rookie. Now file the report. I'm going back to the station."

 

[Eddie Brock]

The Atom senses the change in air-currents.

This could only mean one thing...the Cavalry has arrived. The question is how do I get word to them? There is only one way to do it...well prepare to be stared and gawked at yet again...it's a good thing I have a positive self-image...otherwise all of this could make me really self-conscious.

She floats out through the air-vent and spots Detective John Grayson.

Well here goes my privacy.

The Atom floats down and lands on Grayson's shoulder and shifts her weight just enough so he feels pressure.

He stares at her in utter disbeief and she says, "Relax I am friend of Batman's, well friend might be too strong of a word...I'm an associate of his. Look if I wanted to hurt you you would be down and out already."

She takes a deep breath and says, "Two-Face has the Mayor in the main conference room two floors up it's just the two of them. He is trying to blackmail the Mayor. Two-Face knows something about the Mayor something very big, and considering the source on this one that's saying something. Let me just leave it at this remember the drug-bust in the Narrows?Umbrellas...very rare ones...pay particular attention to the Mayor's umbrella stand that is all I'm gonna say for now. If you're half-the-detective that Gordon thinks you are you should be able to put two & two together and see where this is going."

Grayson is still unsure of The Atom but seems a bit more relaxed with her apperance and she asks, "What can I do to help detective?"

"I was given orders from Gordon to protect the Mayor," I explain hesitantly. You have to understand - I've never come face-to-face with a miniature person before. And no, I'm not referring to dwarfs - I'm referring to a little woman small enough to live in a matchbox.

As I check the clip of my gun, I add rashly, "And that's exactly what I'm going to do."

The gun's cocked and ready. I knew that, but it's a nervous twitch of mine to double-check everything. Better safe than dead. And if I'm dealing with Two-Face, the latter is a strong possibility. I won't dare leave Dick like that.

"So unless you have a plan, I'm going up there," I explain with determination. I can be quite a thick-headed person when I set my mind on something.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

"I was given orders from Gordon to protect the Mayor," I explain hesitantly. You have to understand - I've never come face-to-face with a miniature person before. And no, I'm not referring to dwarfs - I'm referring to a little woman small enough to live in a matchbox.

As I check the clip of my gun, I add rashly, "And that's exactly what I'm going to do."

The gun's cocked and ready. I knew that, but it's a nervous twitch of mine to double-check everything. Better safe than dead. And if I'm dealing with Two-Face, the latter is a strong possibility. I won't dare leave Dick like that.

"So unless you have a plan, I'm going up there," I explain with determination. I can be quite a thick-headed person when I set my mind on something.

The Atom floats up, looks at Grayson and says, "I think I do have an idea. We go up there I sneak in the room. Trust me I won't be spotted unless I want to be spotted. You let Two-Face know who you are no doubt he will turn to his coin to decide whether you get blasted through the door or let in. The minute he flips the coin I knock it away. Without it he's an emotional train-wreck, and then you come in and get him. Just remember what I told you about the Mayor...he is The Penguin."

She takes a deep breath and says, "Unless you got a better plan, besides going in guns blazing. I'm ready to go."

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Doris prepares to enter Lexcorp as Orr strides next to her.

She looks at him and says, "Our business is concluded you may leave now."

He looks at her and says, "Hey wait a minute. I answer only to the guy who signs my paycheck and not some bimbo who needs the Chrysler Building to have a good time. I was brought into this operation for specific purpose not to play second fiddle to Queen Kong."

Doris stares at Orr for a moment and fakes like she is going to hit him. He drops the box with the Kryptonite, assumes a defensive posture and she grabs the box. She looks around quickly sees no one around.

Doris steps back, smirks and says, "Jackass."

She grows to about 15 feet, grabs a nearby trashcan and slams it on-top of Orr.

Giganta hears several bones in Orr's body crack and break.

She returns to normal size, walks by Orr and says, "Don't bother getting up."

Doris enters the Lexcorp towers.

 

[Eddie Brock]

The Atom floats up, looks at Grayson and says, "I think I do have an idea. We go up there I sneak in the room. Trust me I won't be spotted unless I want to be spotted. You let Two-Face know who you are no doubt he will turn to his coin to decide whether you get blasted through the door or let in. The minute he flips the coin I knock it away. Without it he's an emotional train-wreck, and then you come in and get him. Just remember what I told you about the Mayor...he is The Penguin."

She takes a deep breath and says, "Unless you got a better plan, besides going in guns blazing. I'm ready to go."

I consider Atom's plan before grunting in approval. "Touche," I state while being sincerely impressed. I suppose these hero types have to be crafty to stay alive for so long. Then again, so do I.

I rummage through my brain for information I have on Two-Face. In theory, Atom's plan should work like a charm. Two-Face has an obsession with that coin, and if he can't see its verdict, he might be powerless to make a move.

On the other hand, he could throw caution to the wind and simply blow me away. But that doesn't fit his MO.

"Well, we don't have much of a choice. How will I know that you're in position?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

I consider Atom's plan before grunting in approval. "Touche," I state while being sincerely impressed. I suppose these hero types have to be crafty to stay alive for so long. Then again, so do I.

I rummage through my brain for information I have on Two-Face. In theory, Atom's plan should work like a charm. Two-Face has an obsession with that coin, and if he can't see its verdict, he might be powerless to make a move.

On the other hand, he could throw caution to the wind and simply blow me away. But that doesn't fit his MO.

"Well, we don't have much of a choice. How will I know that you're in position?"

The Atom replies, "Once we get to the room I'll shrink down. Count to 15 then announce yourself. When he flips the coin you'll know it because he'll scream when he realizes that he's lost it."

She takes a deep breath and says, "If that doesn't happen...I'll take him. He won't be expecting me. When he reacts to me then go in. You gotts figure he is not going to be expecting to face to face...to face as it were with Tinkerbell."

The Atom grabs a hold of Grayson' coat and says, "All-right let's get go."

 

[trustyside-kick]

J'onn acted on instinct, slipping into intangibility and sliding cleanly from the alien intruder's grasp. Hands balled into tight fists, he launched himself backwards, landing in a crouch behind the scrappy two-seater sofa. Driven by a rage-mingled surprise, he gripped the edges of the battered seat and prepared to slam it into Despero; before he could complete the movement, though, he realised that if he were to maintain his life in Gotham City, he would have to limit the collateral damage. Rising to his feet, he allowed scarlet beams to lance out of his eyes, striking his opponent in the chest, before curling an arm around him and darting into the skies.

"I don't know what your purpose is, alien," J'onn barked as he continued his swift ascent, "but you will regret attacking me this day!"

IC:

"Hahaha. You sought to move the scenery to somewhere less...vulnerable to devastation. If there is one thing I have learned as I've searched the cosmos, it is that no matter what planet, no matter what species, a hero...always thinks like a hero."

Despero lifts his arms up, grabbing the Martian Manhunter's head and flips him over, his massive force forcing Martian Manhunter's grip to loosen as he plummets downward. With the flash of his third eye, a beam shoots out at the Martian Manhunter, but the hero turns intangible, the beams phasing right through him.

A wise move to make, Martian. However, this wasn't meant to last long at all. The real fun begins elsewhere. I suppose I'll just have to resort to a different method to make that work out!

Flying down at the Martian Manhunter, Despero sends out a telepathic shockwave attack, striking J'onn's intangible form, making him lose focus and revert back to his solid form. Despero tackles J'onn and takes him down into the pavement of a nearby playground, just a block away from J'onn's apartment.

Rising from the small crater made from their descending crash, Despero floats to the sky, a mere few feet above J'onn as the Martian Manhunter recovers from the blow.

"You should've worried less about keeping the innocents away from our battle, and more about winning the battle..."

Despero enters J'onn's mind once more, as visions swarm and begin to plague the deepest corners of J'onn's sub-conscience.

 

[trustyside-kick]

OOC: Previously...

Maxie Zeus
'Power Belongs To Only Those With The Fortitude To Take It'​

Maxie exits the Englehart National Bank of Gotham City after his meeting. The discussion was about the new Casino he wanted to get started on in Gotham City: one of the biggest Casinos in the entire United States of America. At first is bankers advised him to turn away from such an idea, but it was one he held too dear. His Casinos were known nationwide! Saving only the best for last to dedicate a Casino in the honor of Zeus.

So...he fired that banker. Not doing so never really crossed his mind really; he had 6 more left over at Englehart Nation Bank. What was one less? Nothing would stop him from dedicating a new Casino for the glory of Zeus. His assistant Charles was waiting in the lobby as Maxie ran into a friend of his, the very owner of Englehart National Bank.

"Maxie?"

"Yes, Mr. Moench?"

"I heard you fired Bernard...now, was that really necessary? He's been one of your bankers for years! And he has always been a valuable asset to the company. After the little dispute earlier...I was hoping nothing has changed between us. You've been a great customer over such a short span of time...I could see quite a friendship coming together."

Maxie Zeus crosses his arms, and places one of his fingers upon his chin as he tries to think. He rocks his head to the side back and forth as if ruling out options of what to say, and then he even rose his hand up in a sort of experience of enlightenment. It was as if he had a floating lightbulb above his head that shined brightly.

"Ah! You wish to have a share in the new Casino, hmm? You scratch my back, I scratch yours?"

"With all do respect, Maxie. I've never personally liked that phrase. Now, doesn't I'd like to help you with your plate sound much less...parasitic?"

Maxie slaps Mr. Moench's shoulder as he smiles and he shakes his hand. Mr. Moench plays along, smiling along and the two start a small laugh as they start to walk out the door of the Englehart National Bank. As Maxie's assistant opens the door for them, Maxie turns to Mr. Moench, wiping a tear from his eye he was laughing so hard.

"Ah. I haven't had a good laugh in quite some time, Mr. Moench. Why...perhaps almost as good as a laugh as I did when I read the tale of Oedipus Rex. And mind you, that is not easy to achieve! Ah! The irony of that story."

Playing along, and trying to seal the deal by tending to Maxie's known...fondness, one could say...about Greek Mythology, Mr. Moench adds to his comment.

"Yes, Homer truly did know how to entertain."

Maxie's expression all but fades, and he pulls his arm from around Mr. Moench's shoulder as he scoffs.

"Homer wrote the Illiad and the Odyssey. Sophocles wrote Oedipus Rex, you twit."

Maxie Zeus starts to head down the stairs of the Englehart National Bank, and Mr. Moench stands there frozen and completely surprised from how quickly Maxie's mood shifted. As Charles opens the limousine door for Maxie, Maxie turns his head over at Mr. Moench.

"I think I'll be taking my business elsewhere, Mr. Moench. But, when the Casino is up and running? Feel free to come by and gamble. You know, what the low-life people do. You'll have no hand in my Casino."

Maxie gets into the limousine and as Charles enters the passenger seat up front, and signals the chauffeur to drive, Maxie curses under his breath thinking about the mistake Mr. Moench made. Wasn't it so obvious? Homer is known worldwide for his Illiad and Odyssey.

"The damned cretin..."

 

[Catman_prb]

His name was Arthur Light. He was one of the most hated men in the country. His very name brought tears to the eyes of mothers and gave little girls nightmares. He was a monster, a villain, a rapist and a pedophile. They called him Dr. Light. This is his tale.

*****​

He was an awkward child. He was rejected by his peers at a young age, they automatically decided he was a geek and that's what he became. He would hide under his sheets at night, reading thick books by the dim torchlight, trying to block out the noises of his father beating his mother. So he needed glasses, an expense which his father said was a waste of money. He was beaten for that. He was beaten for everything. His mother looked after him. She held him close when his father was in one of his rages, kissing his forehead and brushing the lank black hair out of his eyes. At night, Arthur would sneak into her bed, and they would sleep curled up together.​

As he grew older he grew even more apart from his fellows. His hair grew long, and became greasy, and combined with his watery eyes, became even more unattractive to the few girls he knew. Whenever he did approach a girl, they would scream and laugh at him before running away to rejoin their cliche. He tried to play soccer and basketball, he really did, but he had two left feet, falling over himself and it was garunteed that he would drop the ball if it by some miracle came his way. So Arthur soon began to read during his breaktimes and became a star pupil, much to the disgust of his peers.​

And so he grew older still, growing a small thin mustache and a whispy little beard. He got a job as soon as he could, working at a little cornershop and making a pittance, barely enough to afford the bus trip home. One summer, his father was layed off from the factory he worked at. He became more violent than ever, and Arthur would hear his mother's screams from his tiny little room, often feeling his fathers steel belt buckle on his back himself. And still the people hated him, and still he had no friends, no confident and no money.​

Then one day during the summer, Arthur came home from his job to find police tape covering the door. He ripped through it with his weedy arms, and ran into the living room, where men in white plastic suits were combing it for evidence. And then there was the blood. There was blood all over the walls and the thin carpet. In one corner, there was a chalk outline, which Arthur knew would fit the body of his mother perfectly. And he knew who did it.​

"Dad..." he whispered. The policemen looked at him, slightly bored.
"He was shot while resisting arrest," one of them said, not bothering to look at him. Arthur felt his knees give way, and he fell to the thin carpet, his bones jarring on the concrete beneath. His hands went to his eyes and he wept. The man in charge of the investigation sighed and looked at his colleagues.
"Someone get this kid outta here," he said, turning back to his work.​

And so Arthur was packed off to an orphanage, and he was rejected even there. The staff looked at this young man, who acted funny and didn't wash, with indifference bordering on repulsion. So he sat in his little room, where his room mate beat him up, and he studied his books. Soon he graduated high school, and it was decided that he was old enough to leave the orphanage. He had very little money still, and took a job as assistant manager at a local supermarket.​

He was hated by his colleagues, who talked behind his back and laughed at his sticky out ears, his lank hair and his old, old glasses. Every night he would sit in his little one room apartment and write applications to various science organisations. Always he would get the same reply, telling him that there were no openings for an employee of his 'qualifications' and to apply again after he got some more experience. And so he did, filling out the same old applications every night, to the same places, in the hope that he would finally be accepted for the first time in his life.​

And finally, one day, he was. A place had opened up in STAR Laboratories for a lab assisstant, and they gave him the job. He was to work with renowned physicist Jacob Finley, who had written a book that Arthur had read in his youth. Arthur joined eagerly, and his colleagues at the supermarket didn't give him anything but a brief smile as he left, but he didn't care. He was finally worth something, going to make something of himself.​

But he wasn't. Jacob Finley barely acknowledged Arthur's existence, and answered his constant questions with contempt and a short temper, prone to fly into rages and smash up the laboratory, which he would then blaim on Light. Arthur was treated even poorer than he had been the rest of his life, if that was even possible. Eventually a great, festering hatred for Finley grew within him, and he dreamt of taking his place as the world renowned scientist instead of washing out beakers.​

One fateful night, he was locking up the laboratory around ten minutes after Dr. Finley had left. He heard a noise outside in the corridor, maybe a rat or a small monkey, escaped from one of the cages in another lab. He walked outside to investigate, and saw something else that transfixed his eyes. A person easily recongnisable as Dr. Finley was putting on a white suit, which seemed to crackle with an unknown energy. As he pulled the hood over his face he gave a deep sigh then burst into the sky in a flash of white light.

All the hatred and the rage that Arthur had held in his life until that point bubbled and boiled over. How dare Finley, who had everything, have this as well? He, who had had money and brains and popularity all his life, now had this...suit which could make him fly? How could he not even tell Arthur, who had looked up to him as his hero. His teeth gritted, he knew what he had to do to make it all better.​

 

[Blacklight]

As the lightning-lit dark sky erupted, he crouched atop a telephone line. A dark, cape-and-cowled clad figure...

He witnessed a mugging, and heard a woman's scream in the distance...

"HELP!!"

He jumped from the line, to the ground below, and landed in front of the woman and her attacker. The attacker tried to run, but he grabbed the criminal's shoulder.

"Oh thank you, sir. You saved my life..."

The caped man turned to the woman, but he moved his sights back to the criminal.

"Wh-who are you?"

The man did not answer. Instead he let go of the mugger's shoulder, and signaled him to run free...

"Thanks, man!" The mugger said as he ran.

"What are you doing!?! Why did you let him go? Who are you?"

The caped man looked at her, and sternly responded whilst taking out his knife...

"I'm the Wrath..."

SHNK!

And that was the last thing she heard, before he stabbed her in the heart, leaving a pool of blood on the alleyway floor as he leaped away from the scene...

 

[Eddie Brock]

The Atom replies, "Once we get to the room I'll shrink down. Count to 15 then announce yourself. When he flips the coin you'll know it because he'll scream when he realizes that he's lost it."

She takes a deep breath and says, "If that doesn't happen...I'll take him. He won't be expecting me. When he reacts to me then go in. You gotts figure he is not going to be expecting to face to face...to face as it were with Tinkerbell."

The Atom grabs a hold of Grayson' coat and says, "All-right let's get go."

Atom leads me upstairs to the room where the Mayor is being held hostage. As a method of habit, I check my gun for the third time. Once again, I find that it is in full working order. I look to Atom and nod.

Atom shrinks down - God, that's so weird - and slips into the air vent. I begin to count as per my instructions. With every number, I picture a possible scenario. Unfortunately, quite a few involve me in the hospital - a handful involve me in the morgue. That's life in Gotham City.

Fifteen.

I bang loudly on the door whilst I hold my pistol in my free hand.

"Mayor Cobblepot?" I call out. "This is Detective John Grayson of the Gotham City Police Department. I was sent here to protect you - are you in danger?"

And with that, I hold my breath.

 

[MST3K 4ever]

Atom leads me upstairs to the room where the Mayor is being held hostage. As a method of habit, I check my gun for the third time. Once again, I find that it is in full working order. I look to Atom and nod.

Atom shrinks down - God, that's so weird - and slips into the air vent. I begin to count as per my instructions. With every number, I picture a possible scenario. Unfortunately, quite a few involve me in the hospital - a handful involve me in the morgue. That's life in Gotham City.

Fifteen.

I bang loudly on the door whilst I hold my pistol in my free hand.

"Mayor Cobblepot?" I call out. "This is Detective John Grayson of the Gotham City Police Department. I was sent here to protect you - are you in danger?"

And with that, I hold my breath.

The Atom floats near Harvey still small enough not to be too noticable, but big enough to affect the coin when she has to.

All-right Grayson I think you got his attention...Come on Harvey...follow your pattern you psycho...flip the coin and the game is over...then we get to have fun with The Penguin. Gotta admit from this angle he is...still one gruesome looking s-o-b.

She quickly begins working out the physics of where to hit the coin and how hard to hit it to make it go in the air vent.

 

[Batman]

There's an uncertainty in the air, bolstered by the chill of shattered ice and fresh greenhouse moisture. An uncertainty that, even with my training, patience, and experience with these criminals... I may not leave this building alive.

A situation this extreme has never lended itself to my strengths. But in Gotham, I've learned... you can make room for new ones. That is all but evident, by the look on Freeze and Ivy's faces, as I step forth, through the combined snow and plantlife under my boot. And all at once, one of my reputiars takes effect. I've scared them. The uncertainty becomes just ever so scarce, as I try to figure out any possible way of getting past them, and to the hostages.

"I won't ask again.", I warn, as my fingers rest on the hidden Batarangs beneath my cloak. "Harvey Dent. Two-Face. Where is he hiding?"

Fries is the first to take immediate action. Not surprising. While his past crimes mirror the scale of an operation such as this, with literally dozens of lives in the balance, Isely's were always on a lower key. She was more personable in her crimes: Drugging and poisoning Gotham's forensic and DNA specialists, stealing hundreds of pounds of growth hormones, attacking land owners for mistreatment... all in the name of her 'children', as she deludedly believes all of Gotham's plantlife to be.

Freeze was different. He wanted money. He wanted anything to bring Nora Fries back. And he wasn't going to let anyone stand in the way of that. I can see Harvey's twisted logic in bringing him into this. Just like I can see the reason they were meant to be the first to catch attention. It's all a game. And the more time wasted, the more time their clearer plan has to take shape of fruition.

"You Have Far More Pressing Matters...", The icy barritone echoes, right before a sheet of glowing hail departs the barrel of the cold gun. "Such As The Cold Grip Of Death."

By the time I hear the click of Freeze's weapon, I've tossed the Batarang straight for him. Predictable offense. The usual defense. It's a pattern that even time in Arkham has failed to prevent. Naturally, by the time the Batarang even comes close, it's frozen to the ground. That's why, by the time the mist of his weapon gives way, revealing my frozen weapon... I've disappeared. Naturally, Freeze's visual confusion gives me all the leverage I need. With a low kick, I land on the back of Freeze's armor, and push, hard, sending him crashing forth into the lobby.

I land, with a roll, and release a barrage of gas pellets. They explode near Ivy, as she violently coughs, rendering her vulnerable enough for me to run past, to the patches of bound innocents behind her. Wild vines and flytraps snap at me, but a quick slice of my blade quickly solves the problem. Rachel's widened eyes look down at me, as I approach her, ripping at her vines.

"Stay calm. You'll be free in a-"

My neck snaps back, suddenly, as a vine wraps around my cowl. I try to pull away, but more come, pulling me back, as Ivy recovers from the gas. Damn it. Should've put her out, not distracted her. Didn't count on... her control of these things...

"Oh, no you don't. You don't get to play hero today, mystery man!", She calls out, with a wicked laugh. "Let's see exactly how far man has really evolved..."

Few seconds pass, as I'm pulled to the ground, and slammed into the tile. Blood already runs down my nose, as I feel the plants jerk me back up, to face her. She's readying some sort of strange lipstick, applying it as I continue to struggle. There's something more to this. Have to focus...

"W-Why?", I ask, jerking my elbow, trying to snap them. "You were making progress, Pamela. Surely, Two-Face couldn't have offered you so much to abandon that."

"You'd be surprised at what I'd be willing to do to save my babies,", She explains, strolling over to me as she tosses the cosmetic tube behind her. "Dent only played to our interests. Truthfully, he knew money wouldn't get us. We're not all as predictable as you, Batman."

My brow furrows, as she grabs me, and lets out a heavy breath of pheromoned dust. It tries to enter my nostrils, but the blood is blocking it. But she doesn't seem to mind, as she wraps her arms around my neck, sensually.

"Of course, predictability does have it's advantage...", She whispers, going straight for my lips.

Fight it, Bruce. Just a few seconds more...

"I wouldn't swear to that."

She reels back, at my statement, just enough for me to finally loosen the vines. Several snap, as I bring my arm forward, and rip them free. Ivy's eyes widen, just as the backhand lands across her cheek, knocking her over one of her lilly patches. Grabbing a blade from my belt, I swipe them across my other bonds, and pull through. A close call, I admit, but nothing worse than I've ever endured. Now, if I can free the lawyers...

That same mist of hail that I saw earlier brings those thoughts to a halt, as I backflip, and tumble, barely missing it as it turns one of the walls into solid ice. Freeze clicks the gun again, as I run towards him, ready to strike. He doesn't give me the opprotunity, as I find myself slammed across the face by one of his armored gauntlets.

"It Was Your Mistake In Coming Here, Batman.", He warns, aiming right for me. "There Are Hundreds That Would Kill To Be Given The Opprotunity To Rid This World Of You. You Made Far Too Many Enemies Of This City's Underworld. "

I wipe the blood from my jaw, getting to my feet.

"No,", I argue. "They just made one too many."

Freeze smiles, sadistically, as the barrel of his gun fires up once more.

"Then Allow Me To Ease Their Burden, Aswell As Mine..."

An explosion rips right infront of my eyes, as the ice and snow overlap me in an instant. I try to shield myself, but it's no use. In seconds, my skin burns, my heart jolts, and I've become immobile. But the strongest ailing... the most torturous feeling, is the jarring cold, as it rips into my body...

The cold touch of death...

"Mayor Cobblepot? This is Detective John Grayson of The Gotham City Police Department. I was sent here to protect you - are you in danger?"

The scarred silver dollar coin lands in Harvey's palm, as he sneers at the door, hearing the voice from behind it. Obviously, while The Joker's attack on the GCPD did distract many of the usual suspects from making a rescue attempt, not all of them were placed in such dire circumstance. It had figured. Even when you cripple one department, you haven't crippled them all...

Just as Oswald's mouth opens, the barrel of Two-Face's gun swipes him across the jaw, forcing him to reel in pain. As he turns, Cobblepot finds himself facing down the barrel, as Two-Face stares on, readily clicking the hammer.

"One word, Ozzie...", Harvey whispers. "That's all it takes to make sure that your Mayoral reign comes to an indefinite end."

"He already knows I'm in here, damn you.", Oswald barks back, quietly. "What am I supposed to do? Wait until he leaves?!"

Harvey looked over, angrily, knowing that Oswald had a point. If they remained quiet, the cop would grow suspicious, and try to break down the door. Especially with all the wounded bodyguards in the hall outside. There was no denying that there had been an attack here. Quickly, Harvey stood up, and grabbed Oswald, pulling him over to the door.

His hand firmly grasped on the weapon that stood between him and justice, Two-Face gritted his teeth, aiming it at the back of Oswald's head, at a relative distance. Oswald stood, frightened, not knowing what to do.

"Well? Go ahead, Mayor.", Two-Face ordered, viciously. "Go ahead and do what you do best; Tell that idiot outside that everything's fine."

Persperation beaded down Oswald's brow, as he turned, understanding his instructions, and pulled the door slightly open... knowing that every minute he had his eye away from Two-Face, it could very well be his last.

"Y-Yes?", He hesitantly greeted, as he met eyes with Officer Grayson. "Everything's fine. Wha... what do you want?"

 

[MST3K 4ever]

"Mayor Cobblepot? This is Detective John Grayson of The Gotham City Police Department. I was sent here to protect you - are you in danger?"

The scarred silver dollar coin lands in Harvey's palm, as he sneers at the door, hearing the voice from behind it. Obviously, while The Joker's attack on the GCPD did distract many of the usual suspects from making a rescue attempt, not all of them were placed in such dire circumstance. It had figured. Even when you cripple one department, you haven't crippled them all...

Just as Oswald's mouth opens, the barrel of Two-Face's gun swipes him across the jaw, forcing him to reel in pain. As he turns, Cobblepot finds himself facing down the barrel, as Two-Face stares on, readily clicking the hammer.

"One word, Ozzie...", Harvey whispers. "That's all it takes to make sure that your Mayoral reign comes to an indefinite end."

"He already knows I'm in here, damn you.", Oswald barks back, quietly. "What am I supposed to do? Wait until he leaves?!"

Harvey looked over, angrily, knowing that Oswald had a point. If they remained quiet, the cop would grow suspicious, and try to break down the door. Especially with all the wounded bodyguards in the hall outside. There was no denying that there had been an attack here. Quickly, Harvey stood up, and grabbed Oswald, pulling him over to the door.

His hand firmly grasped on the weapon that stood between him and justice, Two-Face gritted his teeth, aiming it at the back of Oswald's head, at a relative distance. Oswald stood, frightened, not knowing what to do.

"Well? Go ahead, Mayor.", Two-Face ordered, viciously. "Go ahead and do what you do best; Tell that idiot outside that everything's fine."

Persperation beaded down Oswald's brow, as he turned, understanding his instructions, and pulled the door slightly open... knowing that every minute he had his eye away from Two-Face, it could very well be his last.

"Y-Yes?", He hesitantly greeted, as he met eyes with Officer Grayson. "Everything's fine. Wha... what do you want?"

The Atom hangs her head for a moment.

He flipped that coin too fast! He is determined to kill either the Penguin or Grayson....hopefully Grayson is smart enough to know that he is lying like a cheap rug...well I did say if I didn't get the coin I'd take care of Two-Face....okay Rhiannon...time to step-up.

Still nearly microscopic size she floats to the Penguin and says, "Get ready to run."

The Atom floats right in front of Two-Face's face, grows to 6 inches and stares right at Two-Face.

Without a word she clocks him as hard and as fast as she can twice right on the bridge of his nose and then immediately shrinks back to nearly microscopic size.

 

[SenseiofCheese]

Previously on...

ULTIMATE

Spoiler

​

[FONT="]"Power Levels at 10%. Offensive capabilities shut off. Remaining power rerouted to defensive reserve."[/FONT]

[FONT="]And that was that. The words that signaled Hal‘s death. As the giant, emerald sword that had been cutting through the Manhunters a second before faded and disappeared, all the power in Hal‘s ring was being funneled to his protective shield. He couldn't fight back, and he was damned if he was going to run.[/FONT]

[FONT="]Well, it was a great ride.. Hal thought, as the swarm advanced on him.[/FONT]

[FONT="]„No man escapes the Manhunters.“[/FONT]
​

​

Hal Jordan did not want to die.

Far from it. In fact, he had rarely felt as alive as he did in this moment. But as his ring kept reminding him in an insistent tone, he was in grave danger and had no way of getting out. Hal had never run in the face of danger, not even when faced with his own mortality, and he would not start now. The very reason he was drafted into the Corps was that he was fearless, a title he had proudly worn. Perhaps foolishly so, Hal thought, as he stared at the approaching Manhunters, his fists defiantly clenched and his body unmoving.
Taking what he assumed would be his last breath, Hal inhaled deeply. He took a look around him and felt a chill down to his bones. The swarm of mechanical creatures descended upon Oa with ferocity he had never seen, as small patches of bright shining emerald fought the dark army. A thought came to him, one he forced out of his mind; If the Green Lantern Corps couldn't stop these things, then what could?

As he exhaled, Hal let his eyelids slide down, as the last thing he saw were the Manhunters coming to a halt as they raised their weaponized arms and took aim.


Hal Jordan isn't a member of the Green Lantern Corps. Hal Jordan doesn't battle alien sociopaths and killers. He's 7-years old and he plays with toy airplanes, just like the ones his father flies.

"Hal? Hal, it's time." Martin Harold Jordan says as he kneels down and puts his hand on his son's shoulder.

Staring straight down at the ground with a slightly manufactured pout on his face, Hal Jordan nudges his father's hand away. "No. They're all gonna laugh at me, I know it!"

Martin chuckles and pats his son on the back. "Listen, son. You have the best damn presentation I've ever seen. I mean, I helped you with it, and you know how I'm the smartest guy in the world, right?"

As much as he tries, Hal can't keep from laughing. "Heh. Yeah."

Looking up at his father's warm, safe eyes, Hal smiles. His father could tell him he walk on water, and little Hal would take it for a fact. "But, dad, what if- - "

"No no no, none of that. Hal, don't ever worry about what other people think. And don't you ever be afraid of failing, you hear me? You did the best you could do, and that's all anyone can do. You're going to go out there and talk about airplanes, and you're going to do it perfect, you know why?"

Martin Jordan smiles a smile that washes over Hal and gives him all the courage in the world. "Because you're fearless."

"Okay, dad."

Latching onto his father's shoulders, Hal was bulletproof in that moment.

"Hal, watch out!"

"Wha - -"

"Hal, GET DOWN!!"

Hal's eyes shot open as the voice of Abin Sur called out to him. Instinctively raising his hand and magnifying his protective shield, Hal saw a a giant green barrier had been erected between him and the Manhunters, who were barraging the wall with scorching blasts of energy.

"Abin! Come to save little old me?"

Hal tried to hide his obvious fluster, as Abin's ring's glow intensified and his wall of solid light began to enlarge. Giving it no more than a seconds thought, Hal felt as if the Manhunters' attention had been shifted the moment Abin arrived. The barrier began to fold in on itself, as Abin soon had the androids closed in a sphere. With gritted teeth, Abin clenched his fist, the sphere closing in on itself. A sickening crushing sound, and the Manhunters were reduced to spare parts.

"I am, but we don't have much time. They seem to be going after the Central Power Battery...duck."

"No man escapes th - KRZZZZTT**" A green pole shoots from Abin's ring, barely missing Hal's head as it plunges into a Manhunter's face, immediately immobilizing it.

"Okay, I'm going to need a change of underwear, but okay."

Abin soars up to Hal and puts his hand on his shoulder. Hal's first thought is that his mentor wants to ease a rookie's mind, but when he sees Abin Sur up close, he sees that it's for support. Heavily scarred, blood dripping from the multiple scratches on his face, Abin breathes heavily as he lets his ring-bearing hand fall to his side. "They're ordering all Lanterns to retreat and defend the battery. If the Battery falls, Oa falls."

Hal feels a simultaneous sense of dread and a boost of morale as he sees his mentor fight through what must be unbearable pain and unimaginable odds with such tenacity.
Worn weary by his injuries, yet possessing an animalistic fire in his eyes that Hal had never seen before, Abin regained his composure as his hand slid of Hal's shoulder and he flew several inches higher into the air.

"We need to keep moving. We fight our way to the Battery, regroup with the others and stand our ground. How's your ring?" Abin speaks without pause.

Whatever confidence that they just might get through this Hal had possessed after reuniting with Abin quickly dispersed. "I'm under 10%. All the energy's been rerouted to defense capabilities. A nice way of saying the ring has affectively castrated me." Hal says with a bitter streak in his voice.

Not for a moment losing spirits, Abin ponders for almost half a second before a plan comes to his mind. "Alright, we'll need to get to th -Ghhrg-..."

It doesn't hit him right away, what has just happened. But the look in Abin's eyes, one of tortured confusion and pain, cuts into Hal like a knife.

"No man escapes the Manhunters." A single, solitary form levitates behind Abin Sur, who's body suddenly goes limp and begins to plummet to the ground miles below.

No

No

NO!

A wave of confusion and anger washes over Hal, as his first thought becomes action not even a second later. Catapulting down and catching Abin's lifeless body in his arms, he focuses every inch of his mind on increasing speed. The wind beats against the two Lanterns as the ground comes rushing up to meet them, and Hal hears the Manhunter giving chase, echoing the same, cold statement.

That try as he might, no man could escape the Manhunters.

Slowing down as his feet hit the ground, Hal kneels down and gently lays Abin down. "H..Hal..." Abin's voice, so soft and low he can barely hear it, beckons him. And for that moment, both Abin Sur and Hal Jordan experienced the same emotion. An emotion that reaches out across any distance, be it measured in miles or light years. An emotion that no species in the universe can deny, even if their duty demands it.

Abin Sur and Hal Jordan were afraid.

Snapping Jordan out of any illusion that the two were safe, a brilliant flash of light shone down on them as a searing hot blast of energy punched into the ground mere feet away from him. Looking up into the sky, he saw the Manhunter responsible hovering above them. Seeing the mechanical face, completely and absolutely devoid of emotion, staring down at him snapped something within Hal. Tears of anger welled up in his eyes as an indescribable rage filled every fiber of his being, a rage he had never felt before. His mind felt like it was going to explode and his body screamed for blood, as he let out a furious scream and the emerald aura surrounding his body burned bright. As Hal shot up into the sky with immense speed, the Manhunter issued another energy blast. Hal didn't even try to dodge it. It hit him directly in the shoulder, and he heard something inside him break. But he didn't even feel it, as he unrelentingly flew closer and closer to the android.

"AAAAaaah!!!"

Finally colliding with the mechanical behemoth, Hal's hand found themselves around the android's neck. "No man escapes the Manhunters."

Blind with rage, any notion of where, what and who he was, Hal clenched his fist and brought it down into the Manhunter's face with all the strength he could muster. Pain coursed through his entire body, as he once again reached up and brought his fist down into the robot's head.

"No man esca-kzzt- nhunters."

The Manhunter clumsily swung his metallic arm into Hal's side, and he could feel several ribs break. But he didn't stop.

He punched the android with all his might.

Again.

And again.

And again.

"No -kzzzzttttzztkzkktkktzzz- nters."

And again.

And again.

His fist was a bloody heap of shattered bones.

And again.

And again.

Until he could do no more. His head was swimming as Hal felt all the pain he fought past rush back to his senses. "Aaagh....uugh..."

"No...-kzzt-...man...--kzzzzzt-..."

It's face, or what used to be a face, a dented and crushed heap of metal stained with Hal Jordan's blood, the Manhunter's eyes went blank as it plummeted to the ground, where it lay a twitching, sparking mass.

Slowly bringing himself down to the ground, Hal fell to his knees beside Abin.

"Abin.." he spoke softly to his friend and mentor, as he winced in pain. "Abin....come on...we, we have to get to the Central Power Battery...Abin.."

"Hal...don..don't.."

Abin fought through every breath, as his hand reached up and once again touched Hal's shoulder. "Don't..be...af..afr..." Abin exhaled as his head lulled to the side, the spark of life leaving his eyes.

His soul as broken as his body, Hal's eyes filled up with tears that streamed down his face and mixed with blood. "Abin, no. No. Abin, come on." he pleaded with his friend, nudging his body.

**Green Lantern of Sector 2814 deceased.**

Abin Sur's ring sparked to life, it's announcement a dagger in Hal's heart.

"No...No..."

**Scanning sector for replacement.....**

Crackling with a brilliant green glow, Abin's ring began pushing itself off his finger. And on it's own accord, it broke free of Abin's hand and silently hovered in front of Hal. **Scanning sector for replacement...**

"No. No..." Hal repeated hopelessly, as it would somehow change what had happened.

Suddenly the ring stopped dead in the air, pointed itself upwards, having found a suitable replacement for Abin Sur. But for Hal Jordan, there was no such thing. As the ring blasted off into the sky, Hal's hand darted after it and snatched it mid-air. "NO!" he shouted angrily.

The ring fighting within his grasp, Hal held on to it for dear life. Gritting his teeth and clenching his fist as hard as he possibly could, Hal thought he got his wish when he finally felt the ring stop fighting.
Catching his breath, Hal's heart was pounding furiously as he relaxed his grip in the ring.

"nnNNNYYYAAAAAAAahhhhh!!!!!"

Hal howled in pain as the ring's energy became scolding hot. Hal felt like he was holding his hand over a fire, as all of a sudden, with a brilliant flash of green light, the ring burst through his palm, leaving a cauterized hole in his hand as it shot off into the sky with a trail of blood following it.

I..I can't...can't...

Hal's broken and bruised body fell to the ground as darkness overwhelmed his senses.






​

 

[celestial guard]

There is a certain satisfaction in knowing that you are in control of your own destiny. Since relieving that gutless worm Ellis from his post I have made several requests in the restructuring of Project Cadmus. The first order of business was to clear our all of those that could be thorns later. Each soldier was reassigned to a new post somewhere else in the world. Every scientist was given a project that seemed unrelated to the others. This would allow me to combine their research in my own laboratory without the trappings of them talking to one another. Each project was to present daily and weekly progress reports. Those that failed to produce results were replaced with new projects in order to keep suspicion down. At this stage in the game I could not afford for questions to start being asked.

Each of the soldiers that left the facility was replaced by a Sentry Class 100 light combat android. These were all made in a humanoid form, which had a life like human skin texture. The human illusion was further backed up with the introduction of a uniform designed by myself. The military was provided with the shutdown codes for the Sentries, should their deactivation be needed. I did not however, give them the backup code I held in my own circuitry or the override activation. With nearly a hundred soldiers at my own command whose minds could be imprinted by my own, I had to keep that ace up my sleeve.

A further upgrade to the security of the complex developed in the form of the Sentry Class 200 heavy combat android. Fifty were produced post haste in the event the compound is placed under attack. These heavily armored androids were given the same uniformities as the Class100 androids. The main difference in appearance came from the heavy combat modifications and armor. Each was purposefully given a face for an attacker to look at. Having been in combat myself, I know that the thing that stops a man from killing another is that spark of life in his face. Using this advantage I made sure to make every android look and perform as if it were a real person.

One surprise to my listings was the addition of one doctor Dabney Donovan. I had heard of this man before. His research into genetics was extraordinary. For some time I felt elated to have him on the staff. I gave him a laboratory of his choosing along with all the materials he had asked for. The progress reports on his genetic manipulation of the human genome were things I had only read about in comics or seen in movies. If his research into cloning pays off I may be able to become a fully human Henry Henshaw once again. I am eagerly awaiting more form the good doctor.

So what does on do when an army is amassed? Why go to war of course! My first order of business was to introduce the world to Cadmus. By the order of the Secretary of Metahuman Affairs I am to use Cadmus to police the area. This is an initial test run of the project to ensure that the populace can be protected without the aid of those costumes who are not backed by the government. If all goes well, more grants will be given to Cadmus for expansion. That’s fine by me, that’s more of an army I can muster before I take measures of my own. The past seven months diligence has paid off handsomely. Tomorrow we take to the streets...

 

[Eddie Brock]

In the chaos of Atom's attack, I grab the Mayor and pull him into the hallway. I don't need to say a word - he understands exactly what to do. Without so much as a 'thank you' or any regard for my safety, Cobblepot takes off down the abandoned corridors of City Hall.

You're welcome, I think to myself.

I turn back to the now closed doors behind which Atom and Two-Face are located. Part of me wishes so badly to run away like Cobblepot. After all, Atom can probably handle herself - right?

Nonetheless, I can't abandon a comrade like that. Kicking the door open, I enter the room with my pistol drawn and trained. The sight of Two-Face terrifies me, but I try my best not to show it.

"DROP THE GUN!"

 

[Catman_prb]

"...pocket full of posey. Ashes... ashes... they all, fall down..."

The Scarecrow paused, in his merry walk, and looked outside the prison walls, as several free inmates began to cause a growing chaos behind him. Black Mask had gone to deal with some of the other guards, as he offered to stay behind, and look over the courtyard of Blackgate Prison.

The police had arrived just below, as he was told that some would. And thankfully, he had come prepared for such an event. Looking back, Doctor Crane viewed the madness before him, as several inmates began to strongarm random guards, and fend off gunfire, some of which used their shackles to strangle their would-be recaptors.

Crane clenched his hands together, in delight, as his eyes peered down to his palms. A green powder had appeared in his gloves, upon opening them back up, and this was the perfect opprotunity to use it. With a grin wretched upon his lips, Crane once again ceased to exist, as the chemist within him was replaced by the madman lurking just beneath the surface.

The Scarecrow withdrew a weapon, sheathed upon a rope tied around his thin waist, revealing it to be what appeared as a scythe. It was time to see just what Gotham's Finest, and subsequently, the only hope that the city had, really feared in their nightmares.

"Oh, Mister Mask, it seems we have company...", The Scarecrow hissed, as Black Mask returned to the courtyard. "Shall we let them in? Please, say we should. They're just dying to visit us..."

"Well Mr. Crane, I think we should give them a chance to prove themselves," he said, reloading the ammunition in his pistol. He walked into the guards hut, and flicked a switch that opened the main gates of the prison. From within the cavernous folds of his jacket he pulled a megaphone, and blimbed up on top of the huts.

"Ladies and Gentleman, freaks and felons, I invite you one and all to enter the funhouse of Mr. Crane and Mr. Mask. Please hand in your coupons at the desk, and prepare for a very shocking evening. I garuntee it will give you the fright of your life," he shouted, firing three shots off up into the midnight sky. He jumped down, and turned to The Scarecrow.

"Let's have some fun, Mr Crane," he said, a manic grin lighting up his face.