Checkmate: Operation Outsiders #1

Checkmate: Operation Outsiders
An Earth-2 Title!
Issue #1: "Underground Heroes - Part One: Keeping Up with the League"
Written by: Scott Morgan Cook
Art by: Jina B.
Edited by: Jay Zirron[/center]



Arsenal - Lian Harper, master marksman, Black Queen's Knight and team leader.

Elasti-Girl - Rachel Dibny, the new Stretchable Sleuth.

Tempest - Sarin of Atlantis, super strong son of Aquaman and master of water.

Cyclone - Maxine Hunkel, happy-go-lucky wind witch.

Animal Man - Warren McCabe-Shaw, inheritor of the Tantu-totem and master of the animal kingdom.

Cassandra Cain - The former Batgirl and the world's deadliest martial artist.

Gene Nigma - White Queen's Bishop and manager of the Outsiders.

Natasha Irons - Pilot of Checkmate Jet 206.




In a concrete block called Belle Reve, in a subterranean level, five people sat at a table in a brightly lit small room. Standing in front of them was an official looking man with combed black hair and wearing a grey suit. His face wore a confident smirk; an expression that gave off the subtle impression that he knew something the others didn’t; something, which invariably proved true.

“Afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.” He told the group. “You’re probably wondering why you’re here.”

“I ask myself that question every day.” A woman in a purple and white uniform said, obviously not caring who heard the remark.

“Charming, Ms. Dibny.” The man in the suit said to her, and then addressed the whole group. “First, and introduction; in 1988, the United Nations set up an organization to monitor and control superhumans. That organization is now known as Checkmate. We make sure the heroes don’t get high and mighty and the villains stay down.

“Recently, superhumans on both sides have become too difficult to control. Despite stopping public catastrophes like alien invaders or killer robots, the good guys neglect much more secretive plots, orchestrated by terrorists or assassins; not just some nutjob scientist. That’s where you come in.

“You will be a new team of superheroes; one that is operated and funded by the United Nations. You will routinely be given intelligence by Checkmate on illegal operations that you will then put a stop to. You will be a group that works outside the public eye. The world thinks it’s safe. It’s your job to make sure it is.”

After he had finished his speech, the man eagerly awaited their answers. After a pause, an exchange of thoughtful expressions and a few hushed whispers, a man in a red and black costume spoke up.

“You do know who I am, don’t you?” He asked in a condescending tone.

“Sarin of the Royal House, a.k.a. Joseph Curry, a.k.a. Tempest, Prince of Atlantis.” The presenter replied with an air of smugness.

“Then you know that being a pawn of the surface world is strictly beneath me.” He said with the utmost seriousness. Immediately, everyone else at the table piped in, saying in their each special way why they wouldn’t join.

“I have so many better things I could be doing.”

“Sorry, but I don’t think this is something I want to do.”

“No.”

Amid the rabble of the recruit’s statements and the presenter desperately trying to keep them under control, one was silent; the woman, who had spoken before, lost in her thoughts. She had already made her decision about the team; she was just finding the right way to say it.

When the group finally quieted down, she spoke.

“I say we do it.”

They all turned to her and stared with disbelief.

“Look at us.” She continued. “We’re a handful of blood brats; we didn’t get our powers and our identities from some lab accident or magic encounter or anything. We got them from those who came before us. And I am damn tired of letting people think that’s all we are. We all deserve a chance to make a name for ourselves; are you really going to pass up that chance?”

Silence hung in the air as the woman’s surprisingly powerful words passed through the minds of everyone present. One by one, they all said yes, be it in a few words, a nod of the head or just a clever smirk in the corner of their mouth.

The presenter smiled. “Ladies, gentlemen, my name is Eugene Nigma. Welcome to the Outsiders.”



As the world’s newest superteam walked through an underground tunnel following Eugene Nigma, they were awkwardly silent, each one thinking something different about the current situation. The first words spoken were by the young Maxine Hunkel to the most knowledgeable person in the group.

“Excuse, Mr. Nigma…” She asked timidly.

“Please, call me Gene.” He told her.

“Gene…where are we going?”

“We’re going to Checkmate’s hangar.” Gene answered. “There, we’ll get you situated with a transport and get you started on your first mission.”

“We get to do a mission?” Maxine asked excitedly. Gene nodded his head and Maxine grinned like a happy child.

A little bit behind them, Tempest walked alongside the same woman who spoke up earlier. She asked the prince “Were you serious with that whole ‘strictly beneath me’ crap?”

“A prince should never speak anything but the truth.” He responded, not even bothering to look at the person he was talking to. She chuckled and said “Wow. You’re gonna be a riot.”

Tempest looked at her with confusion. The woman decided it was best to drop the subject, or change it. “Rachel Dibny.” She introduced herself, offering her hand to the prince.

“I am Sarin of the Royal…” He began.

“Yeah, save it.” Rachel stopped him.

Just behind them were the final two members of the team. One was a dark-skinned man in an orange costume, the top cut open in a V to show off his chest. Around his neck was a small wooden totem and around his best was a collection of animal fangs strung together.

“Hi,” He said to the other member. “I’m Warren. Folks call me Animal Man.”

The woman, who was of Asian decent and wearing a form-fitting black leather suit with a cape trailing behind her, said nothing.

Feeling the tense silence getting to him, Warren quickly asked “What’s your name?”

“Cassandra.” The woman answered before stepping up her pace and walking away from him.

“Ouch.” Animal Man said as he ran to catch up with the group.



When the Outsiders came to Checkmate’s hangar, a young black woman noticed them and stopped working on one of the many aircrafts to be introduced to the group.

“People,” Gene said. “I’d like you to meet Natasha Irons; mechanic, engineer, all-around miracle worker.”

“Hey guys.” Natasha said with a bright smile. “C’mon, I’ll show you all your jet.”

“Oh my god, we get a jet.” Maxine said as she and the rest of the team followed Natasha to a sleek black craft with the silhouette of a Queen Chess piece on the side.

“All aboard, folks!” Gene announced as the passenger door opened. The group filed in and each sat down in one of the chairs. Natasha then came in, sat down in the cockpit and put on a headset. Finally, Gene stood in the doorway.

“Alright guys, you’re almost ready to go. We just need to wait for one more person…” He spied something from the corner of his eye and nodded in recognition of it. “Here we are. Ladies and gentlemen, I give to you the Black Queen’s Knight of Checkmate, Lian Harper.”

A very young woman with ebony hair and dressed in a black and dark red uniform stepped onto the plane. At each of her sides were two guns in their holsters, as well as a belt covered in pouches and pockets. The Outsiders could tell just by how she carried herself that Lian Harper was commanding and dangerous.

“Lian will work as your team’s leader and liaison to Checkmate…”

“Liaison?” Rachel asked. “You mean a babysitter?”

“Of course.” Gene answered. “You didn’t think we were just going to let you five loose and hope you did what you were told, did you? Checkmate needed someone on the team it can trust and that someone is Arsenal here.” After he finished his explanation, Lian boarded the plane and sat down in the remaining seat, right in front of Warren and across the aisle from Cassandra.

Gene gave off the confident smirk they all knew him for and said, “They’re all yours.” And with that, he exited the jet, closed the door and stepped off the runway.

“Take us up, Nat.” Lian said. Natasha flipped a series of switches and pushed buttons as she spoke into her headset. “Hangar 13, this is Checkmate 206 requesting permission to take off, over.”

After receiving a reply that no one on the team heard, the jet turned towards the exit and drove towards it, shooting out of the hangar and going into the sky.



Eugene Nigma stood in a room in Belle Reve, stared out the large window and couldn’t believe it. The first Checkmate-owned superhero team had begun. The project was underway. All the hard work, all the planning, all the funds were about to pay off.

“Afternoon, Gene.”

And there was the icing on the cake: that voice. The same voice that made Gene’s heart beat faster each time he heard. It was the voice of the White Queen of Checkmate: Caroline Kelly.

Gene turned around with a broad grin and saw his boss enter the room, and it never ceased to amaze him. Caroline’s walk exuded confidence and control, yet the smile on her face made her approachable and friendly.

“Afternoon, queenie.” Gene said, trying his best to get her attention while at the same time trying not to be too out of the ordinary.

“The Outsiders have started up, haven’t they?” She asked, coming up next to Gene.

“They just took off with Nat in one of the black side jets.” He answered.

Caroline ran her hand through her red hair until she reached the back of her neck. “It’s happening, isn’t it?”

“Yep.” Gene said. “But there’s something that bothers me.”

“What’s that?” She asked.

“Cassandra Cain.” The White Bishop answered. “Former member of the Gotham Vigilantes, a faction of the Justice League and the League of Assassins. She’s one of the deadliest humans alive, she’s extremely unpredictable and yet she’s on our team.”

“It wasn’t my idea.” Caroline said. “Black Queen wanted her there. And this whole project was her doing.”

Gene sighed. “Still, it worries me.”

“It’ll be fine, Gene.” She then repeated to him for emphasis. “It will be fine.”

“Yeah, probably.” He chuckled a bit. “The Outsiders are up and running. We’ve got to go out and celebrate.”

The White Queen let out a small laugh and said, “I think it’s time for you to take your meds. Goodnight, Gene.” And with that she turned and headed towards the door.

“I hate it when you leave, but I love watching you go.” Gene said with a smirk.

“I will hurt you!” Caroline replied as she turned and walked out the door.

“Is that a promise?” He called after her, but she was already gone. At that point, his digital wristwatch started beeping, and he headed out the door towards the bathroom, a bottle of tiny white capsules in his right hand.



At six P.M., on the Outsiders jet, a panel opened on the wall to reveal a T.V. screen with the image of Gene Nigma on it.

“Evening, team.” He said.

“Cool.” Warren said. “Does that thing get Animal Planet?”

“Nope.” The White Bishop answered. “It’s a direct connection to Checkmate H.Q. Metropolis. From here, I’ll give you your missions, starting right now.”

The screen switched to a map of the big city: Metropolis.

“We’ve been researching the League of Assassins activity in the U.S.” Gene’s voice said. “Recently, they’ve been found delivering certain chemicals to a warehouse here.” A red circle appeared on the map. “We think they’re manufacturing venom.”

“What’s venom?” Maxine asked.

“A muscle enhancer,” Gene answered. “More potent and faster acting than any other steroid ever made. It’s been made illegal, after it was publicized by a Gotham City villain called Bane. Your mission, should you choose to accept it,” The team rolled their eyes at the phrase. “Will be to get in and shut it down.”

“A drug ring?” Rachel Dibny asked. “Isn’t that just a little beneath us?”

“Probably.” The screen returned to the White Bishop’s image. “But this is a test mission. We need to see how the team works before we bump you up to the big stuff. Good luck!”

The screen turned to black and retreated behind its panel, as the jet suddenly changed directions and flew towards downtown Metropolis.



If the Outsiders didn’t know the warehouse was being used by the League of Assassins, they certainly would have thought so. Among the nameless people who carted around various powders and liquids were several armed guards, each dressed in orange and black uniforms. The most notable one in the warehouse was wearing an orange ghi with a black cloth belt and a full mask that resembled a tiger’s head.

“Well, this is definitely the place.” Rachel commented as the Outsiders looked in from the overhead window.

“Okay, here’s the plan,” Arsenal said, focusing on the warehouse. “Cass and I will take out the guards on the outside. At that point, Elasti-girl and Cyclone will go inside and draw their fire. Tempest, I want you to take out the guards inside. Animal Man, engage the guy in the tiger getup. Anyone in a costume could be trouble.”

“Please,” Tempest said. “These are mere humans. I could defeat all of them myself.”

“I don’t care.” Lian told him. “We stick to the plan…”

But it was too late. Tempest had already broken through the sky roof and the guards had opened fire.

“$#*{}!” Arsenal cursed, and then looked to the rest of the team. “Well what are you waiting for? Get in there!”

And with that, the Outsiders mobilized.

Cyclone lived up to her namesake as a whirlwind spun around her, causing incoming bullets to steer away. Elastigirl took the fire, her malleable body absorbing the bullet’s force easily as she tried her best to knock out the guards with elongated fists.

Arsenal, Tempest and Cassandra were each fighting guards in their own way. Lian had a gun in each hand, shooting to wound the fighters rather than kill them. Each shot landed, but several landed where the guards were protected.

Tempest had the strength of an Atlantean. He could have easily just knocked out the guards with a single swipe each. But Tempest loved attention. He had to do something bigger. Focusing all he could, the prince used his powers to pull at the underground pipes, until they broke through to the surface and shot water everywhere. Tempest commanded that water to fly through the air and strike down every guard he could find, and it did.

Cassandra was having a much easier time than the rest of the team. She had been born and raised to fight; to take out assassins and dodge bullets. If she could see a guard, she could defeat him. Many of the soldiers fired at her, but to no avail, as she leapt and somersaulted through the air, her cape taking most of the fire. She landed next to three of the guards and knocked them unconscious with two attacks.

Simple. She thought.



Bronze Tiger could only watch as his operation fell to pieces. He had to get away. Somehow, he had to escape.

“Coming at ya!” He heard, and turned around to see Animal Man, the power of a rhinoceros at his feet, charging towards the assassin.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” Bronze Tiger muttered aloud, but snapped out of his thoughts when he realized Warren was about to hit him. At the last second, he ducked and dodged out of the way and Animal Man ran headfirst into a wall.

“Good one, buddy.” Bronze Tiger said. “A little quicker and you might have grazed me.”

Warren leapt into the air with the agility of a grasshopper. He flipped and somersaulted until he landed in front of the assassin. He swung with his right hand, hoping his claws would dig in, but Bronze Tiger blocked easily and punched him right in the face.

Far too angry to respond vocally, Animal Man answered through force, summoning the power of a bull and rushing at Bronze Tiger. The assassin nimbly leapt over his opponent’s head and delivered a back kick that sent the Outsider to the ground.

“Get up.” Bronze Tiger said. “I’m not done with you yet.”

Warren jumped to his feet and with the full strength of grizzly bear, ran at the assassin. He swiped and swung his claws but missed every time as Bronze Tiger easily side-stepped each powerful strike.

“You’re not good at this.” The assassin said. “You’re going to screw up.”

“Shut up!” Animal Man said. He delivered a right hook, but Bronze Tiger ducked and delivered a sharp kick to the chest. Warren fell to the ground winded.

“What I tell you?” Bronze Tiger said. “You screwed up.”

Animal Man summoned the speed of a cheetah and jumped to his feet, delivering an uppercut to his opponent. The orange tiger mask flew off and Bronze Tiger showed his face. He was dark skinned, with short black hair and wild brown eyes. On his forehead was a small scar in the shape of the letter T.

Warren could only stare dumbfounded. He had never expected to see the person under that mask be under that mask, or any mask at all.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me.” He finally muttered.

“That’s what I said.” The assassin responded.

Animal Man then brought forth his speed once again, this time knocking Bronze Tiger out with a single punch.

“Sorry about that.” Warren said as he hoisted the unconscious body. “I’ll make it up to you, buddy.”



The Outsiders had won. Most of the guards were knocked out, some were awake but incapacitated and the rest had managed to flee. Most of the chemicals had been salvaged and, most importantly, no casualties.

“I’d say we passed the test.” Rachel said, marveling at the group’s work.

“Nat, prep the jet.” Arsenal said into her communicator. “We’re all done here.”

Animal Man then joined the group, still carrying Bronze Tiger’s body. They were all shocked to see it, praying that he was still alive.

“Guys,” Warren said. “I’d like you to meet Richard Turner, my brother.”


To be continued...

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