#46: Shooting The Messenger (Part 1 of 3)

Previously, in JUSTICE LEAGUE...

Religious zealots! Impossible death traps! Things that lurk in the shadows! Alien arks! Stolen cities! Immortal madmen! These past months the JUSTICE LEAGUE have faced all variety of threats, and they’re just getting warmed up!

Last issue, SHRIKE-- aka the Tim Wayne from ten years into the future-- journeyed back in time to save the JUSTICE LEAGUE from an assassin sent by VANDAL SAVAGE to seal their doom, but not only did their end not come to pass, they also rescued the mysterious MAJESTROS-- an ancient and powerful alien imprisoned by SAVAGE for hundreds of years!

With SAVAGE now in custody inside the impenetrable prison known as THE SLAB, MAJESTROS was invited to join the ranks of the JUSTICE LEAGUE and find purpose in a brand new world unlike any he has ever experienced.

Meanwhile, the threat of the new United Nations sponsored metahuman oversight group known as STORMWATCH lurked in the background, led by the mysterious HENRY BENDIX and promising nothing but bad times for the world’s greatest heroes!

With all this in mind, please join us now for the continuing adventures of the JUSTICE LEAGUE--



The globe was suspended in a field of blue light, shifting on its axis as the world, as was its nature, turned.

Millions of tiny pinpricks covered the surface of the planet, reaching out into space, and one by one they began to spark, as one after the other lines of light connected each of the needles. A red field spread like a blanket where the lines of light met, until a certain point was reached and the needles went dark and the field fell away, lost to the winds of space.

The computer-generated voice spoke simply: <Simulation failed; satellite array damage at 14%>

“Damn it,” said Jack Marlowe, CEO of the HALO Corporation. “Maybe something smaller..?”

First the projection powered down, then the shutters covering the windows began to lift and the sunlight drifted into his previously-shadowed office. There was a buzzing at his desk and Marlowe glanced down at the glass screen next to his hand.

Outside, there was an unannounced visitor, someone who hadn’t called ahead but was of a certain pedigree. Someone potentially worth his time to meet.

“What is it, Miss Reeves?” said Marlowe.

The voice on the other side of the intercom was caught mid-giggle, but she quickly composed herself. “Sir, I know you don’t have him booked in, but Bruce Wayne is standing in front of me, hoping to speak to you.”

“Bruce Wayne?” said Marlowe, feigning surprise. “Who am I to say ‘no’ to Gotham City’s favourite son? Send him in.”

The door on the far side of Marlowe’s office and Bruce Wayne entered, wearing a broad grin. “Your secretary is an absolute delight, Jack.”

“I seem to remember finding your butler of a similar disposition,” said Jack, extending his hand.

Bruce took it and the two men locked eyes, measuring each other.

For all of Bruce Wayne’s foppish exterior, Marlowe knew there was something different, something harder, on the man’s inside, just as there was something starkly different within him than the façade he projected to the outside world.

Back when the two men first met, Lucius Fox chaperoning a recently-returned-to-the-civilised-world Bruce Wayne through a Wayne Enterprises board meeting that Jacob Marlowe-- Jack’s ‘uncle’-- also happened to be chaperoning Jack himself through, the two clocked each other immediately as outsiders to this world they’d been entered in to*.


Bruce didn’t give a damn. He found the proceedings tedious and let everyone present know, while Jake absorbed all the information on display without hesitation, receiving dirty looks from the less interested executives who built themselves up and locked themselves in their towers, away from the need to know more.

A few months later, Bruce had fired the majority of the board members and installed Lucius as the CEO of Wayne Enterprises. The company went to new heights, while Marlowe doubled down on their mission statement, ensuring every household had access to the best technology available.

When Jacob died Jack took HALO private. Erased himself from any database he was inside. Easy to do when you were of his disposition. The two men went in different directions. Odd they’d found their way back after all this time. And a damn shame Bruce Wayne turned out to be just as much a fop Jacob feared.

“Alfred would be most displeased to hear that,” said Bruce. He walked past Marlowe and looked out the window. “Phew. What a view.”

“It’s why I bought the building,” said Jack, walking over to join him. “Why are you here, Bruce? Gotham is quite a ways away from Los Angeles.”

“Well, if you’re in LA, why not see what’s going on with an old… well, we were never friends, were we? An old acquaintance, maybe,” said Bruce. “And hey, if friendship is on the agenda, then who am I to knock it? Sorry, I’ve been jet-setting these last few days, I’m all frazzled. I didn’t sleep, if you know what I mean.”

“Don’t worry about it, I get the jist. But it has been years, Bruce. You’ve done some crazy things with Wayne Enterprises since we last locked horns.”

“Oh, I remember. HALO trying to buy my business out from under me. Tsk, tsk, kemosabe,” said Bruce. “But I hold no grudges,” he held up his hands and grinned, “but that said, I’ve been hearing some odd whispers about you. My tech boys have access to all kinds of weirdness down in R&D. Something called, uh, the darknet? I dunno, it all sounds like some kind of weird porn site, but they assure me it’s as much on the up and up as your HALOphone.” He nudged Jake. “You got any freebies hanging around I could take a look at?”

“I’ll have Miss Price grab you the latest model before you leave, Bruce. You mentioned odd whispers?”

“According to some website my boys found, they say you’re a robot, Jackie-Boy,” said Bruce, a wicked grin on his face. “What say you? You a robot under that steely surface of yours?”

Jack Marlowe cocked an eyebrow. “Am I a what?”



“What are we looking at?” said the Guardian. They stood before what appeared to be a glass sphere, and inside it a blue and silver light flowed across the surface like an optical illusion.

The location was Keystone City, more specifically, Iron Heights’ Pipeline, the maximum security home of Central and Keystone City’s worst metahuman criminals.

The Flash stood in front of the sphere, along with Wonder Woman and the Guardian.

“Cobalt Blue,” said the Flash. “One of Lord Naga’s lackeys.”

“The speedster,” said Wonder Woman. “The one who sapped your speed when Naga first showed his face under Midway City.”

“The one and only,” said the Flash. “Never heard of him before the Kobra mess. What I don’t get is this--” He tapped something into the console in front of the sphere, and a holographic display popped up with Cobalt Blue’s mugshot.

“That’s you,” said Wonder Woman.

“I assume that’s him,” said the Guardian, indicating toward the sphere. “Man has your face, Allen. What’s going on?”

“I’ve no clue,” said the Flash. “First Burr has a double*, and now me? I’m honestly not sure what to believe.”


Cobalt Blue suddenly stopped, frozen in the centre of his cell. They couldn’t remove the armour from his body, but the mask had come away easily enough. He stood perfectly still, and his expression changed from completely neutral to a wicked grin. He pointed at Wonder Woman, then the Guardian, then finally at the Flash himself. He shook his finger and head, then continued his run. That look, on a face that was the spitting image of Barry Allen’s own, was chilling.

“Well, that’s a threat if I ever saw one,” said the Guardian. “He just runs?”

“Without nourishment or fuel,” said the Flash. “I need calorific intake, I need sustenance or I slow down eventually. I wear myself out. Found that out the bad way back in the day. But he just keeps going. I don’t know who he is, what he is, but he’s running at speeds I can reach, without, I think, access to the Speed Force.”

“How do you know?” said Wonder Woman.

“I can sense when the Speed Force is accessed. Every runner who uses it has a different vibration, and I’m training myself to, I guess, recognise them. When he was running next to me, I couldn’t feel it. Kind of scary.”

“And this sphere? It’s designed to contain him?” said the Guardian.

“Designed to contain me,” said the Flash. “I’ve been through a rough patch with the authorities in the Twin Cities recently, stuff I’m working through. Ever since my identity went public, things haven’t been the same*.”

“Understandable, son,” said the Guardian. “So this cell will hold him?”

“It was designed to contain speedsters of ill-intent,” Emerging from the large cast-iron doors behind them, Gregory Wolfe, the malicious former warden of Iron Heights and current Governor of Kansas, sneered at the Scarlet Speedster. “I must say, Barry, I don’t recall reading that Warden Wells granted the Justice League permission to enter the Pipeline.”

The Flash bristled. “Folks, this is Governor Wolfe. My biggest fan and the man who repeatedly threatened the safety of my wife and childre-- child.”

Diana saw Barry deflate after he forgot his situation for a moment. When his identity was revealed, he also lost his daughter Cassie, tossed into the time stream where she was adopted by a loving family and raised away from the Allens. The loss visibly tormented Barry, even now.

Wolfe approached the sphere and ignored Allen’s words. “I always knew Iron Heights would end up with you in custody, Barry. One way or another. Knowing that this man wears your face, well, that just confirms my suspicions about you.”

“Excuse me?” said Wonder Woman.

Wolfe flashed the Themysciran Queen a withering glance, but it did nothing to deter her. Diana walked up to the Governor of the state of Kansas and stood a head or so taller than him. Looking down at him, she began to talk.

“This man is a hero. Your petty vendetta-- for whatever reasons you hold it-- is paltry in comparison to the good the Flash has done for your cities, and for this world. You would not be alive ten times over if not for Barry Allen, and if you disrespect him in front of me, you are disrespecting me as well.”

“Hundreds died because of Barry Allen,” said Governor Wolfe. “There wouldn’t be any Rogues running rampant on the streets of Central and Keystone if it wasn’t for Barry Allen. I don’t care what you say, your majesty, but nothing Barry Allen does will ever make him a hero. He’s a cancer and--”

“Excuse me, Governor Wolfe?” A man in a wheelchair entered the room, and smiled warmly. “I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave Iron Heights at this time. I granted the Justice League access to the Pipeline, but not yourself. We do delicate work with the inmates down here, I wouldn’t want your disposition ruining the progress being made.”

“What?” said Wolfe.

“You heard me,” said the man. He didn’t stop smiling. “You were the one who enabled Iron Heights to be sold to the highest bidder, and I’m the man who paid to assume the responsibilities of its warden. Now, you got in here due to what little goodwill you had as the former warden, but as the current warden, I’m going to have to ask you again-- please leave.”

“I don’t know who you think you are, Wells, but I--”

“I know who you are, and I’m quite comfortable in who I am,” said Wells. Behind him, two armed guards appeared, and he glanced over his shoulder. “Barnes, Simon, will you please escort our deeply valued governor back to the surface?”

“I know the way out,” said Wolfe.

“I insist,” said Wells. He manoeuvred out of the way, and motioned toward the door. Wolfe blustered in front of him, then stormed off, leaving the rest of them in peace. Wells turned to the Justice League. “Flash, we’ve not had the proper pleasure yet. Harrison Wells.”

“Yeah, I’m well aware of who you are,” said the Flash. He extended his hand and grinned. “You’re somewhat of a hero of mine, Mr Wells.” He looked over to the others. “Guys, do you know who this is?”

“Harrison Wells,” said the Guardian. “At a guess.”

Barry rolled his eyes. “This is the man who founded STARS Labs back in the day. And now he’s taking everything he helped develop there, and applying it to Iron Heights. Breakouts have already been reduced massively.”

“Oh, please,” said Wells. “I’m just doing what I can with what time I have left on this world.”

The Flash was shocked. “What?! Are you--”

“Oh, we’re all dying, one day at a time,” said Wells. “Some of us with more grace than others, of course. I’ll leave you to your visit, Flash. You know where the exits are. All that will change when I’m done with the refurbishment, of course. Hopefully we can put the percentage of breakouts to zero.”

Wells left the sphere room, and the Flash smiled. “Where was he back when Wolfe was making my life a living hell?”

“Who knows,” said the Guardian. “But back to this guy.” He indicated back to Cobalt Blue. “What’s the play?”

“The sphere should hold, but in case that fails, they’re planning on positioning the Turtle’s cell underneath it and siphoning his kinetic-sapping field here, so my double can’t run. That should happen in the next few days.”

“Good,” said Wonder Woman. “And what about you, Barry? What’s on your mind?”

“Ah, so you could tell. Well, as depressing as it is to have this discussion here, I thought it best to let you know I’m going to step away from the Justice League for a bit,” said the Flash. “With the current speedster situation being a bit weird, what with there being two Bart Allens running around, one a toddler and the other one being his son—my grandson-- from the future with the maturity and impulse control of a toddler, I think I need to stick closer to home for a while.”

“That’s absolutely fine, Flash,” said the Guardian. “Your nephew still wears a costume though, right?”

The Flash chuckled and shook his head. “Hey now, if you want to invite Wally into the League, I have no problem. He’s on track to be better than me, just needs to drop ‘Kid’ from his name, and he’ll do that when he’s ready.” He shrugged. “No rush.”

“You’ll stay in touch though,” said Diana. “Your family is always welcome in Themyscira House if you want some tea, or to get away.” She embraced Barry tightly, and he returned the gesture.

“Of course, I’m not retiring, and I doubt I’ll ever be able to slow down,” said Barry. “Anyway, I have to run, I have to pick up Iris’ dry cleaning, and knowing my luck, the dry cleaners will be the front for some criminal operation. You guys stay safe, and if push comes to shove and you need someone to run around for you, I’ll always pick up the phone.

The Flash vanished in a burst of speed, and the Guardian and Wonder Woman stepped through a shimmering portal in space to exit the Pipeline.

Cobalt Blue just kept running.


No matter how hard society tries, there are some concepts that are nearly impossible to shake. Homophobia, racism, transphobia, all issues still prevalent across the globe, all outdated modes of thinking that only the backwards hold dearly onto. But as above, no matter how hard society tries, some people don’t want to let go, and so the cycle of hatred and violence continues, and some people thrive on it, every single day.

“I’m not the problem. I’ve never been the problem. They have. You know who I’m talking about. You see them walking down the street, hoods up, eyes staring. They don’t speak our language. They don’t respect what our fathers and forefathers did for this country, they just come in, and they take and they take and they take. I’ve had enough of it. I want this country to be for the people who built it. For the people who made America what it is. You know what I’m saying is right. You know what I’m saying is true. So tonight, when they have their little rally because another one of them didn’t do as he were told by a good cop and paid for his lack of respect, we’re going to show the world what happens when you try and take America way from REAL Americans. We wouldn’t have-- ”

Übermensch, Neo-Nazi leader of the super group Axis Amerika, paused when a small object fell from the ceiling and landed at the feet of the assembled men and women who had gathered to hear him speak.

“What is that?” asked Usil, as the deft bowman raised his weapon.

The grenade detonated and sent a pulse of energy flowing outward, through the room. Übermensch vomited and visibly shrank as his enhancements suddenly deactivated and the power in his body suddenly dissipated. The non-enhanced members of the audience were knocked out immediately, while Usil, whose eyes, muscular system and hands were all cybernetic prostheses, fell flat on his face as the weight of his enhancements became too much for his body to handle.

Übermensch struggled to turn his head as black-clad soldiers swarmed inside, vomit bubbling at his mouth, and cursed them as they began to restrain the unconscious procession.

“Zionist… rats… race… traitors…”

“Consider yourself arrested, Ratzi,” said the lead member of the soldiers, as he drove his assault rifle into Übermensch’s skull, knocking him out. The leader looked around at the others, and gave them a thumbs up. “Told you this would be easy. You see that, Weatherman?” He looked up through the hole they’d blown in the building’s ceiling, up toward…


…The orbiting satellite platform that the UN-sanctioned Stormwatch response team were based upon, The organisation’s leader, its ‘Weatherman’-- Henry Bendix-- watched the live feeds from the helmet cameras mounted on every member of his ground force, aka Team Achilles. “Don’t get cocky, Santini. Axis Amerika may be a gamma level threat, but that’s two steps away from a Justice League level threat.”

{Sure, sure,} said Ben Santini. {These guys are pretty amped up for some racist terrorist cell. How do these mooks keep getting their hands on super-soldier enhancements, Weatherman?}

Bendix’s brow furrowed. “Consider that your homework for tonight, Ben. Hand the non-enhanced to the FBI, and transfer the enhanced up to Skywatch for containment. Good work today, gentlemen. You made America a better place.”

Bendix terminated the communication, and looked over to the security camera that was positioned in the holding cell a few floors down. Der Grösshorn Eule, second-in-command of Axis Amerika was beaten and battered, and two auxiliary members of Team Achilles were still working him over in case he had more intelligence to share.

“Gage, Marcus, we have our targets in custody. Place our guest in cold storage, but make sure our targets are cognisant of his presence. I’d hate for Axis Amerika to go to sleep without knowing who helped put them there,” said Bendix.

The Weatherman watched the two men high five, and then drag their prisoner into the corner, where his restraints were kept. Bendix smiled, and redirected his attention to the multitude of information feeds that his brain was plugged directly into. The world would rest easy today, with one less threat on the streets.


Colonel James Harper stood to attention in front of President Jeb Stuart as the latter rose up from behind his desk. The two old soldiers were situated in the Oval Office, alone, and Stuart wasn’t having any of Harper’s pleasantries.

“Hey now, Jim, enough of that, take a load off,” said Stuart, beckoning the Guardian to sit.

Harper, dressed in the uniform befitting of a US marine of his rank, straightened his tie and took a seat. “I didn’t expect to be summoned here today, Mr President. Is everything all right?”

Stuart smiled. “Straight to the point as ever, Jim. And please, you knew my pappy, you saved his life, you can call me Jeb. Okay? I say this every single time…” He pointed a stern finger at the man. “Don’t make me order you!”

“Yes sir, Mr President,” said Harper, allowing himself a smile. “But Jeb, please, you don’t summon me unless there’s something terrible about to happen. That’s the nature of my work for this government, even if I am now attached to the Justice League.”

“This assignment is not for them,” said Stuart. “This is for your eyes only.”

Harper grimaced. “If there’s a problem, the Justice League can--”

“Colonel--”

The use of rank shot through Harper. Jim had known Jeb since he was in diapers, and had never heard him pull rank at any point during their interactions, even when protocol demanded it. Whatever troubled the Commander-In-Chief had to be bad.

Jeb visibly realised he’d done something he’d never done before and exhaled slowly, gathering himself. “Jim. What I’m about to say… is delicate. And I trust you to help me resolve it. I’ve been placed in an impossible position and if you don’t come through for me today, then… well. I can’t begin to imagine what comes next.”

“I’ll do my duty,” said Harper. “What’s the assignment?”


Bruce Wayne hadn’t stopped smiling.

“I’m asking you if you’re a robot, Jackie,” said Bruce. “Some footage got leaked from some government facility, I’ve no clue where or what, but it showed you-- or something looking like you-- all smashed up and what not.”

“Bruce, you’re being ludicrous. But I have to say, I am entertained,” said Jack. “Is this you being the weird bastard everyone warned me about, or are you fishing? Why would you, of all people, fish? Unless this isn’t personal? Are you here on Batman, Incorporated business*?”


Bruce’s expression faded. “Hey now, I just sign the cheques. I leave the guys with the ears to that kind of funny business. Did I touch a nerve? The footage was probably faked, doctored, whatever. Alfred always said I had too active an imagination…”

“Besides, I think you’re talking about this.” Marlowe gestured toward the holographic screen above his desk that activated at the push of a button on his wristband. “I save all the best advances for myself. Selfish, I know, but what can I say? I’m already a one percenter.”

The security footage was fuzzy, but on a gurney in what looked half like a hospital and half like a laboratory was a body, its chest opened up with wires spooling out. The body’s face was obscured by a mask and a weird mix of red and black liquid-- blood and oil?-- but it did resemble Marlowe’s own.

“Oh, wow,” said Bruce. “I have to get me one of these.”

“Bury the lead,” said Marlowe. “Yeah, it does look like me, doesn’t it? I’ve got my boys checking it, my curiosity getting the better of me. Who knows? Maybe there is a robot duplicate of me wandering around. That’d be crazy. Your friends in the Justice League seem to be having a problem with that right now, don’t they? Two Jason Burrs wandering around?”

“Yeah, I stay out of that too,” said Bruce. “That footage is probably fake. I hope it is, anyway. I’d hate to think I’d been dealing with a robot all this time.”

“Prejudice, Bruce?” Marlowe smiled.

“Oh, no, some of my best experiences have been with robots,” said Bruce, a wink and a twinkle in his eye. He put a hand by his mouth. “When you become mega-rich, part of the 0.1%, casual flings get boring. I like my lifestyle space age. I’ll tell you about it one day.”

“I’d rather you didn’t,” said Jack. “But I’m planning on being in Gotham in a couple of months to launch the next generation of HALOphone. I thought Metropolis, but then I thought… why not everywhere at once? Long story. I’ll pop into the offices and we can catch up properly? Lunch maybe?”

“Oh, I won’t be in the office,” said Bruce. “Maybe… Rio. I love Rio. The whole world is my office. This is my office. It’s your office, not literally my office, but you get the idea.” He headed toward the exit and waved a goodbye. “You look healthy, robot-man. Stay safe. Good luck with the launch.”

Bruce was met outside by a waiting limousine, Alfred Pennyworth behind the wheel. Before he got in he snapped the HALOphone he’d been gifted in half, and dropped the pieces into the sewer grate by his foot.

“How did your reconnaissance mission go, Master Bruce?” asked Alfred.

“That man’s hiding something,” said Bruce. He pulled his tie loose and unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt. “I could see the same kind of deflection I use. He’s been trained. Jacob Marlowe, perhaps. Are we even sure he’s really dead? I need to think. Let’s get to the airport. Gotham awaits.”

Upstairs, Jack Marlowe tracked Bruce’s limousine with his enhanced vision. He looked at the wristband and then allowed it to integrate back into his mechanoid body. “Computer, bring up deep body scan of subject Wayne, Bruce.”

The holographic display showed a fully realised, 360 degree, computer-generated model of Bruce Wayne. “Now bring up composite file of the Gotham vigilante, Batman.”

The computer did as it was told, and Marlowe took a seat, watching the data roll down the screen.

“That man’s hiding something,” said Marlowe. “And I hate fishing expeditions.”


Without the excessive beard and hair length that came with being imprisoned for centuries, Majestros finally looked the regal part his bearing suggested. Instead of being tucked away on Laputa, Wonder Woman invited the mysterious stranger into her embassy home in the heart of New York. This was, of course, after a full medical screening by the best minds the Justice League had to offer, but with Diana’s blessing, they allowed him to try the Big Apple on for size. Hidden by the mystical privacy shields the embassy had to offer, of course.

“Something on your mind, Majestros?” said Wonder Woman. She stood beneath the archway that led into the chambers, curious as to what was on her guest’s mind.

Majestros stood on the balcony overlooking Central Park, the magical enchantments that prevented onlookers peering within not restricting the beautiful view without. He had not slept, instead using his free time reading up on Earth’s culture, both known and unknown, thanks to the Themysciran archives, repairing his uniform, and generally keeping to himself.

Majestros turned and smiled. “I’m fine, thank you. During my imprisonment under the world, I only heard whispers of humanity. After all it has been through, and all I know that could have come with my absence, it relieves me that it still stands strong and tall.”

Wonder Woman nodded in understanding. “We protect her because she, and her children, deserve it more than anything. You have experienced the worst of us at the hands of Vandal Savage, I hope now you will experience the best.”

“You are too kind, Diana. And you are obviously held in high regard by your team. Your… Batman and Guardian… they didn’t look too happy with your decision to allow me to be here.”

“They’re cautious, and highly qualified pragmatists. I am blessed by the spirit of truth, and I can see that you mean no ill will toward Earth. The lasso confirmed as much, but even then, I didn’t need it to tell me so.”

Majestros nodded. “Again, thank you. I just don’t know what there is for me here… and with my memory so fragmented… I wish I knew what happened to my people. And with them, the Daemonites.”

“With what you can remember, what are you able to share about them?”

“According to your records you have met both the Daemonites and a Spartan guard already*”


“The Daemonites are currently being contained in a military facility far from here. We can visit there once the appropriate permissions have been granted. The Spartan is under observation in the same place, but unresponsive. He identified himself as Yon Kohl, but Batman tells me he resembles Jack Marlowe, CEO of HALO Corporation in Los Angeles--”

Something behind Majestros’ eyes lit up. “Kohl is dead. He fell during the first attack. He held the capital until reinforcements could arrive and died of his injuries soon after. I knew him for centuries. Lord Emp used him as the template of the Spartan guards, said that he taught the Daemonites fear and that he could--” He clutched his head. “--Aaow.”

Wonder Woman placed her hands on Majestros’ broad shoulders. “Your brain has healed, but the connections that were there previously haven’t been used in so long. Take your time, Majestros. We can continue this discussion later.”

“Exposition must disagree with me,” said Majestros. “Is there a place I can go to think? Where I won’t be disturbed? Above ground, with the sun shining?”

Wonder Woman nodded and led the way, the two of them flying toward the white clouds above.


“Team Achilles just took down Axis Amerika,” said Blue Beetle, as he leaned back in his chair inside the monitor womb. “How did we miss that?”

"Yeah, you're normally quite good at being a busy body, Teddy," said Booster Gold, grinning. Beetle shot him a look and he shrugged indifferently.

“It’s something I’m looking into, Mister Kord,” said Cyborg. The teenage half-man, half-robot’s CPU was plugged into the main computers nearby, scanning the system for issues. “I’ve noticed information isn't feeding into our data banks like it should. I’m sorry, but those guys aren’t the most subtle of super-creeps, and I feel like the Justice League should have picked up on their location using the ambient information sponges that are set up.”

“Yup yup,” said Beetle. “We’re plugged into every website on the world wide web. College-me would have hated that, but hey, it’s not like we’re spending all our time watching porn or reading people’s blogs, Booster. And hey, Victor, call me Ted. We’re all friends here.”

“Yeah, you say that, but this is Justice League, and I can’t help but feel a little overwhelmed by the invite,” said Cyborg. “I know they’re piloting a new membership model, and anyone can be asked to help out at any time, but there’s a difference between that and being asked onto the island.”

“Well, one thing leads to another here, nowadays, Vic,” said Superman as he stepped into the main chamber. “Thanks for coming on such short notice. Sorry if I kept you waiting.”

“Are you kidding? The computers here are insane. I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Cyborg.

“Martian wetware and hardware extrapolated from Mother Box designs,” said Superman. “Or so I’m told. Ted does most of the computer maintenance, and he does a damn fine job of it.”

“Oh, you,” said Beetle. “Did you see this Axis Amerika thing?”

“Yes,” said Superman. “Quite concerning we didn’t pick it up. What’s your take, Vic?”

Cyborg swallowed hard, not expecting to be put on the spot. “I… I think someone’s eating intel before we receive it here. I think someone, somewhere, is intercepting datafeeds before they make it into your fancy computers, so you can’t put two-and-two together like you have done previously.”

“Stormwatch?” said Ted, looking over at Superman. Booster Gold grimaced, but said nothing.

“Potentially. Harper seems to think so,” said the Man of Tomorrow. “Are you all right to keep watching the world?”

Ted smiled. “Quietest part of my day. Until it isn’t.”

“Good man,” said Superman. “Vic, could you follow me, please? And Booster, how about you?”

"Ah, I'm here to bug Ted, not for what's about to come. It's going to be legendary though. I've got my camera ready," he tapped his goggles. "Have a good one, guys."

Led by Superman, Cyborg walked down a long hallway, the glass walls showing how high up they were over the ocean. He’d never seen Laputa from the outside, and he’d only seen inside when the world’s superheroes united to take down Kobra*-, but from what he had seen it was insane how the place was constructed. “This place is amazing.”


“That it is,” said Superman. “Not only is it designed to serve as the best possible headquarters for the team, but it’s also capable of housing evacuees from any disasters we face. Fully staffed by versions of Kryptonian support droids built by Will Magnus and Ted. You won’t see them around, they’re only activated when we need the help. Otherwise, there’s currently a limited support team running around, thanks to--”

A young Latina rushed past the two men, then doubled back when she realised who she’d glanced. “Oh, hello--!”

“Hello, Angie,” said Superman.

“Oh, my God,” said Angie, “you have no idea how much of an honour it is to meet you. I mean, you’re a legend in the circles I run in.”

Superman chuckled, then suddenly realised that she was shaking Cyborg’s hand. The act surprised him and his smile broadened.

“Umm, are you sure you’re talking about me?” said Cyborg. He motioned to the Man of Steel next to him. “Superman is just--”

“You’re Victor Stone! The cybernetic enhancements integrated into your body are a technical marvel. I’d love to pick your brain at some point, if you ever get a free moment? I know how much of a taskmaster this guy can be,” Angie winked at Superman, “but yeah, over coffee, maybe, do you drink? I’ve never-- oh, I’ve got so many questions!”

“Victor Stone, this is Angie Spica,” said Superman. “Our resident engineer. I’m scared to put her in a room with Ted Kord.”

“Ted Kord is here?” said Angie. “Where? I mean, uh, haha, oh, Superman. I have lots to be getting on with. James has me working on a dataworm, says it’s of the ‘utmost import!” She laughed at her dramatic impression of the Guardian then headed away, the two heroes not noticing her trying to catch her breath around the corner, the excitement of the meeting overwhelming her.

Superman finally arrived at his destination, and beckoned Cyborg inside.

The room was massive, the far wall made completely of glass and showing the ocean down below. There was a large meeting table, with dozen or so seats. When Cyborg had last been on Laputa a few months back after the final Kobra incident, he hadn’t been privy to this area, and he soon realised that this was the main meeting room of the Justice League.

Hawkman stood by the window as he watched waves crash across the surface of the ocean, while Doctor Light was sitting at the meeting table with the Atom, who spoke enthusiastically about something Cyborg couldn’t make out.

The Guardian sat on the opposite side of the table, buffing his shield and looking unusually broody, while Wonder Woman smiled warmly at Cyborg’s entrance. Big Barda and Mister Miracle were in one corner, while Mera was talking to Zatanna Zatara next to the coffee pot.

“What’s going on?” said Cyborg.

“Restructuring is the name of today’s game,” said the Guardian, clearing his throat. “While we’re experimenting with an open call roster, we wanted to reinforce the main team, rather than rely on who might be available at any one time. Your name came up early.”

“I’m already a member of the Titans,” said Cyborg. “I mean, I don’t--”

“I used to run with the Outsiders, but we’ve obviously… been through a lot*,” said Zatanna. “I’m here to prove I have it in me. Sure, I have a tour coming up, but hey, this is like, heh, free publicity. And I get to make amends. Two teams is doable, Cyborg.”


“And I’m the Queen of the Amazons,” said Wonder Woman. “With all the duties that role entails.”

Mera smiled, put up her hand then motioned out of the window. “Queen of all you can see out of that window.”

“We’re Gods,” said Big Barda. “Dedicated to protecting this world from the great darkness known as Darkseid.”

“Barda’s saying we have lots of downtime,” said Mister Miracle. He kissed Barda on the cheek and she pushed him away playfully.

“Are we going round the table?” said the Atom. “I’m a professor with tenure at Ivy Town.”

Doctor Light nodded in agreement. “As am I, as of last year.”

“I run my own company and keep this island floating,” said Blue Beetle, his face appearing as a hologram in the middle of the meeting room. “Just saying.” The projection vanished almost as suddenly as it appeared.

“What we’re saying is simple,” said the Guardian. “If you’ll have us, welcome aboard.”

“I can’t really say no to all that logic,” said Cyborg. “Wow. Big leagues.”

“What you see here is what we’re calling first response and second response. First being Wonder Woman, Big Barda, Hawkman, Mister Miracle and Doctor Light, with the Guardian acting as co-ordinator and field leader. Second response are the Atom, Zatanna, Mera and Blue Beetle. On call at all times and ready to come in whenever needed. Batman will come in whether we think we need him or not.”

“Kimiyo and I are on sabbatical for a semester,” said the Atom. “Ready whenever we’re needed. Splitting our time between this and a possible venture I wanted to speak to Kord about, actually.”

“The idea behind the structure is to ensure that if reinforcements are needed, if expertise is required, then we can get it on the ground without having to make a half dozen phone calls,” said the Guardian. “It’s a work in progress. There’s no right or wrong way to structure the team, and so we’re able to try different things depending on the scenario.”

“It’s not a day job,” said Superman. “The threats the Justice League face are so immense in size that they don’t manifest daily, or weekly, or even monthly. Sometimes there are a spate of occurrences, such as our dealings with Kobra, but that was nearly three months ago and we’ve not been in the same place at the same time since.”

“Makes sense,” said Cyborg. “No alien armada in the skies, no dimensional invasions. Must be quite the quiet life, actually.”

“Sure, that’s the bottom line,” said the Guardian. “Easy life and all that. Anyway, if this is our core team and we’re all here, barring Batman, let’s talk agenda. Let’s see what’s on the board at the moment.” He picked up a small remote by his side and pointed it at the wall behind him. With the click of a button, a number of images appeared.

The first image was of Majestros, the being the Justice League rescued from the grips of Vandal Savage after centuries of imprisonment. “Wonder Woman’s current house guest, rooming in New York against recommendations,” said the Guardian. “Power levels undocumented and beyond anything I’ve seen before. He can probably hear us talking about him right now. Superman, I’d like to compare him to you, but I think he could clap his hands and atomise us.”

“Majestros is a guest,” said Wonder Woman. “I’d have liked to have included him in this meeting but he’s meditating, trying to work through his memories of the events that led him to Earth. We don’t have to worry about him.”

“If he’s as powerful as you say, I feel quite redundant, especially considering the Frees agreeing to return to the fold,” said Superman, nodding in Barda and Scott’s direction. “And from what Diana has said, Majestros is interested in becoming a full time Justice League member, based on the island.”

“I’m always looking for a new housemate,” said the Guardian. “If Wonder Woman vouches for him, then I’m happy to entertain his membership. It might even let us gauge his powerset.”

“I’ll take a step back then,” said Superman. “But you have my number if you need me.”

“Sounds good,” said the Guardian. He stood and shook Superman’s hand. “Always an honour, Superman.”

“And to you,” said Superman. “Stay safe, folks.” He headed out, leaving the others in the meeting room.

The second image was of Jason Burr. “The FBI currently have two of Burr in custody. One’s a loon, the other is there to prove he’s innocent. My sources tell me they’re going to release the latter, and pin Lord Naga’s crimes on the former. Makes sense, considering the circumstances behind his capture.”

Hawkman nodded. “Jonni Thunder’s detective work was impressive.”

The Atom agreed. “I heard about that-- secret compounds in the desert kind of suggest one thing when you’re found working a robot-driving machine, and that’s what they found the second Jason Burr in, right? Do we know what he is yet? Clone? Parallel duplicate? Tulpa? Boggart?”

“Still no clue,” said the Guardian. “His DNA is an exact match of who we believe to be the original Jason Burr, with all the cellular degradation recorded after the experiments his brother performed on him during captivity.”

“We keep an eye on him then,” said Mister Miracle. “Easily done. Can we get someone into his entourage?”

“Batman told me he had plans,” said the Guardian. “I’ll leave it with him for the time being.” He gestured to the latest image on the screen. “Vandal Savage is still tongue-less in the Slab, but his neighbour perked up-- Kenyan, the self-proclaimed ‘immortal’ who has, coincidentally, not aged a day since his arrest, can’t help smiling. Got a rise out of Savage too.”

“That can’t be good,” said the Atom.

“Warden Norman has a team dedicated to their monitoring,” said Hawkman. “No reason to be concerned at this point, other than over the fact they’re both immortal serial killers.”

“And finally, Stormwatch,” said the Guardian, an image of Henry Bendix and his elite Team Achilles flashing onto the screen. “Their movements across the world are increasing. Making it to the metahuman hotspots before we do. That’s all well and good, gives us time to do the other kind of good work, but I have some concerns, especially considering the fact that --”

A voice coming over the room’s speakers interrupted Harper: <Hey guys, Angie here. Just picked up Majestros returning to Earth, but he’s headed to LA, not back here. I was told to keep an eye on him-->

“HALO Corporation,” said Wonder Woman. “He’s making a move on Jack Marlowe. Batman says it’s too soon--”

The Guardian picked up his shield then looked at the others. “Door.”


Jack Marlowe considered last quarter’s numbers, and saw that everything was on track. Susanne, his receptionist, knocked gently on his door, and he looked up to see her standing in front of a seven-foot man clad in a red and white costume the CEO instantly recognised.

“S-sir, you h-have another v-visitor,” said Susanne.

Jack stood slowly. “Take the day.”

“Y-yes s-sir,” said Susanne.

Majestros entered the room and looked around, taking in the CEO’s office. “Spartan.”

“That’s not my name, not here,” said Jack. “It’s Marlowe. Jack Marlowe”

“You’ve taken a human name? Not assumed the name Yon Kohl? Your malfunction fascinates me,” said Majestros. There was a glint of light around his eyes. “Spartan, I stand by my earlier address.”

“This isn’t what you think, Majestros,” said Marlowe, trying to placate the superman. “You’ve been gone for a long time. Things have changed.”

“Gone? I wasn’t gone, I was a prisoner,” said Majestros. “You were here to prepare the world, but you’ve done what? Malfunctioned? Decided that some other cause is greater than the one you were built for?”

“I don’t follow your directives anymore, I follow the orders of Lord Emp, though he is no longer alive to see his work done.”

“Emp? Dead? So you have failed in all,” said Majestros. “A broken automaton on a broken world. We were supposed to fortify the Earth, not exploit it.”

“Stand down,” said the Guardian. He appeared behind Jack Marlowe, and stepped in front of him, shield raised. “We invited you into our home hoping you wouldn’t pull stuff like this. You need to take a moment and think about what you’re doing.”

“I have had enough time to think, Guardian. This Spartan failed in his work, and I demand to know why.”

The Justice League lined up in front of Jack Marlowe, separating him from Majestros.

Wonder Woman raised her hands. “I thought we had an understanding, Majestros.”

“None of you understand what is happening here,” said Marlowe. “If you would let me explain instead of assuming the worst--”

There was a loud crack, and the window behind the Justice League shattered as Majestros caught a small object that was propelled into the room. He looked down at the grenade and clamped his hands around it as it detonated. He doubled over in pain, and the Justice League turned to see a half dozen helicopters floating silently outside the building.

<This is Team Achilles! You are ordered to stand down, Justice League! A rogue metahuman has been reported to Stormwatch and under our UN remit we will apprehend and contain the threat until-- Oh, screw it-->

The weapons attached to the bottoms of the helicopters revved up, and the Guardian gave the order--

“Shut them down!” Harper grabbed Marlowe and said “Door”, and vanished from the scene.

Majestros looked up, anger in his eyes. “I do not have time for this!” He vanished from sight, the only clue to his direction being the helicopter he flew through as he made his exit.

Doctor Light disintegrated the debris with a high powered blast of solar energy, and Barda flung herself from the building and grabbed the pilot and gunman, landing with a roll in one of the buildings across the way. Behind the Justice League, black-clad soldiers stormed into Marlowe’s office, weapons primed.

Cyborg transformed his arms into white-noise cannons and levelled one at the soldiers, and the other at the helicopters. He looked to Wonder Woman, who steeled herself for action. {These guys aren’t exactly in the wrong, Wonder Woman.}

{I’m well aware of that, Cyborg,} said Diana. She lowered her arms, and looked toward the soldiers. “There has been a misunderstanding here. The Justice League--”

“Just kidnapped the CEO of HALO Corporation,” said Santini, the leader of Team Achilles. “After one of their own tried to assassinate him.” He shook his head. “You know this looks bad, right, sweetheart?”

Hawkman growled and took a step forward, but a dozen rifles were levelled at his chest. Wonder Woman put a hand in front of him. “Jack Marlowe has been removed from the area for his own protection. The only way this looks bad is when you misconstrue the truth. I won’t let that happen.”

“Sure,” said Santini. “I believe you.” He pulled the trigger on his rifle, and the firefight began--


The Guardian and Jack Marlowe appeared in the middle of nowhere, the sound of the ocean nearby and nothing but trees every which way you could see. Marlowe immediately pushed Harper away, angry. “There’s nowhere you can take me. Majestros--”

“There you are,” said Majestros, floating above the two men. “Do not try to run.”

The Guardian slung his shield against his back and stormed forward. “Majestros, dammit, if this man is trouble, then yeah, let’s take him down, but you don’t get to be judge, jury and executioner. Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.”

“Jack Marlowe is a Spartan unit. A member of the Kherubim royal guard. Programmed to protect my people and prepare Earth for the coming Daemonite invasion. As you can see, that’s not what this malfunctioning unit has done,” said Majestros. “And as the only relic of my people left, I demand answers.”

“The invasion took place and the Daemonites won, Majestros,” said Marlowe, quickly. “They insinuated themselves into the infrastructure of the planet while we slept, and by the time we woke it was too late. Lord Emp saw that the only way to fight back was to beat our eternal enemy at their own game. He assumed the identity of Jacob Marlowe and created what eventually became the HALO Corporation. The technology we build is designed to circumvent their influence and reveal their true selves to the world!”

Majestros grimaced. “They won? But no one knows of the Daemonites. No one has ever seen one. You expect me to believe the war has come and gone?”

“They learned the subtle arts from us, Majestros. Took on human form and stayed hidden,” said Marlowe. “We need to ensure that your arrival doesn’t tip the status quo in such a way as to incur their wrath. Our best asset in this war is secrecy.”

“What on Earth are you talking about?” said the Guardian.

Marlowe shook his head. “There isn’t enough time.” The back of his head clanked open and dozens of tendrils shot out of a compartment in his skull, striking the Guardian on the back of the neck with such force that the hero was thrown to the floor. Electrical impulses passed from Marlowe to Harper, and the latter passed out under the pressure.


--Or the firefight would have begun, but when Santini looked down at his weapon and saw that it was now a rubber chicken, he realised why no shots had actually fired. He looked up, and saw Zatanna grinning. “Magic? Ain’t that something?” He instantly pulled out his side arm, but the bullets had become syrup.

“Stand down, Santini,” said Wonder Woman. “Today isn’t your day to go to war with the Justice League.”

“You think I’m intimidated by you?” said Santini. “I have the authority of the almighty United States of America on my side, as well as the United Nations Security Council.”

“So do we,” said Blue Beetle. “The Justice League is a globally-sanctioned team.”

Santini cocked an eyebrow. “Have you checked that sanction recently?”

Blue Beetle’s brow furrowed, and Cyborg’s eyes widened as he connected with the internet. “My God, our US operation sanction has been nullified at Bendix’s request.”

“Internet man gets it,” said Santini. “You’re dead in the water, Justice League. Operating illegally on United States soil. Let me make it clear: people are god damn sick of the shit you pull and so they’re not going to take it anymore. An emergency session of the United Nations security council is meeting tomorrow to discuss one hell of a hot topic: whether or not the Justice League should be allowed to operate as freely as it currently does.”

“And if we choose to ignore this farce,” said Hawkman. “Then what?”

Santini threw his rubber chicken to the floor and shook his head in disdain. “Words won’t come out of her mouth fast enough,” he said, gesturing toward Zatanna, “to stop you from having a hole in your head, alien.”

Mera clenched her fist, but Wonder Woman spoke first. “This isn’t over. Door.”

An orange portal opened behind her, and the Justice League filed through.

“You have an hour to return Jack Marlowe to American soil, or we come and get him,” said Santini.

Above the planet Earth, Henry Bendix smiled. “Perfect. Begin phase two.”

NEXT ISSUE: Who will defend the Justice League to the United Nations? What is phase two of Henry Bendix’s plan? Whatever happened to Lord Emp, Spartan and the Daemonite invasion? See you next issue, with answers galore! But before then, introducing our brand new back-up serial…