Issue #3: "False Pretenses"

Now

“Are you sure about this?” the Atom asked.

Wonder Woman nodded. “We all received the message that Batman sent us. We know what those soldiers are now, so it’s pretty obvious whose hand is in the middle of this entire mess.”

Superman’s face turned red. “This has gone on long enough. If he’s involved, then we go to Washington and we put a stop to it… NOW!

Hawkman nodded. “I agree. All this subterfuge has gotten us nowhere.”

“Any word from Barry?” Hal asked their cloaked friend.

Batman shook his head. “Nothing concrete. Rumor is that he escaped, but I have yet to be able to confirm it. My source does tell me, though, that the Government is calling on other meta-humans to help in the fight to take us down.”

“Then we have no other choice,” Wonder Woman sighed. “We go to D.C. and we don’t stop until we get to Stuart. We check to make sure there’s no Starro on him, and, if not, then we somehow make him listen to us.”

They all nodded in agreement and began the final path of their journey.

Now…

“Live, from Keystone City, you are listening to WKCR with ‘Mister Perfection’ himself, Vince Kaline. Go ahead, caller.”

“Vince, I agree with you one hundred percent on this whole Justice League crisis. I mean, why would the Flash try to kill the president? Why would the Justice League attack the White House without a good reason? I mean President Lord never answered for his crimes committed during the crisis last year right? He deserved…”

“Hold on, caller! President Lord was never officially charged with anything and it could be argued whether he deserves to be in a coma right now.”

“The President ordered two people to be shot right on live television. My cousin lived in Baltimore last year and saw the whole thing go…”

“Well I wouldn’t believe everything your cousin tells you there. Thanks for the call. Besides, last year this country, hell, the entire planet was at war. This time it appears that the Justice League have gone from heroes to terrorists overnight and I don’t buy it. I want to hear their side of the story. I want Superman to come on this show and set the record straight; to come in and tell their side of the story before we go judging… Hold on, dear listeners. It appears that the there is another statement ready to be released from the White House. Let’s go there live as the newly-sworn-in President Stuart approaches the podium…”

Steel reached over and shut off the video monitor in front of him. “Idiot. What does he think will happen now? Superman and Batman are going to turn themselves in and this whole misunderstanding will just work itself out?” His driver looked back at him but said nothing as the car stopped inside a parking garage. “Park the car. We could be here a while.” Steel got out and walked over to the door. The two men at the door said nothing but stepped out his way as he went inside. From the outside the building appeared to be a single-story office building, but inside it was one of the largest private medical facilities in the world, where only the most rich and powerful received the finest health care.

Steel passed several more guards as he worked his way toward the elevator. Once he reached the underground level he passed six more security checkpoints before reaching his intended destination. He opened the door and walked inside.

“Leave us alone,” he said, walking over toward the bed of the comatose Maxwell Lord.

“We can’t do that, sir,” the lead secret service agent said, stepping in front of Steel.

“Son, I order you to stand down,” Steel asserted as the other five agents moved toward Steel. “I will not repeat myself.”

“At ease, gentlemen,” King Faraday announced as he entered the room. “Do as you were asked.”

The lead agent nodded and followed the other agents as they exited the room.

“What are you doing here, Faraday?” Steel asked, once they were alone.

“I could ask you the same thing,” Faraday said, walking over to the other side of the comatose Lord. “But I knew you would come here. I almost ordered them to move him when I was informed that you were on the way here.”

“You’re a smug son of a bitch, aren’t you?” Steel growled.

“We are what our President needs us to be, are we not? But you didn’t answer the question; What did you hope to accomplish by coming here?”

“I wanted to see him for myself. I needed to know his condition before…”

“You were planning on waking him up, weren’t you? He’s in a coma, Steel, and Stuart is President.”

“For now,” Steel was quick to reply.

“And it pisses you off to no end that a military man has taken command of this country again? You’re wondering where an old government spook like yourself stands now?”

“I know where I stand. My concern is where the agency stands with the ‘Chairman of the Board’ in a coma.”

“I spoke with Stuart earlier concerning the pieces on the board. I told him I would keep an eye on things.”

Steel remained calm at Faraday’s attempt to get a rise out of him. “I want a meeting with all of the Royals to determine our next course of action concerning this Justice League situation. And after that we will discuss your blatant abuse of the protocol that Lord established to maintain the balance of…”

“Lord was a shortsighted fool who didn’t care about balance. He’d rather play with his food than eat it. This could turn out to be the opportunity we have been waiting for concerning the metas’ place in our country.”

“So what do you think will happen when and if the League is captured? You’ll put them in prison and throw away the key? Execute them?”

“What would you prefer, Steel? We offer them early parole if they take part in a dangerous mission for their government?” Faraday began to smile. He knew he was getting to Steel. “But then again, how well did the Squad manage against the Justice League earlier today? Superman and Batman could be just the upgrade that team needs.”

Steel looked down at Lord and then back at Faraday. “Do you really want to play games with me, Faraday?”

“Games,Steel? We all play games. How else would we know if we’ve won or not?” Faraday watched as Sarge Steel clenched his prosthetic left hand. “You were a bully back in school, weren’t you? Regardless, I agree that there is a situation that needs to be addressed. With Lord incapacitated there needs be a new Chairman of the Board.”

“That position falls to Stuart as you were so quick to remind me,” Steel replied.

“Stuart has too much on his mind right now, which means that it falls to me as White King because as you well know, in all chess games, the white side goes first.”

“Unacceptable.”

“Do you want to challenge me? White versus black? You will lose!” Faraday moved toward the door and then turned and looked back at Steel. “It’s your move… Black King.”

Steel said nothing as Faraday exited the room. The secret service agents returned and Steel blew past them through the door and didn’t stop until he was back in the parking garage.

“Go,” he ordered his driver as entered the car. Twenty minutes later the black sedan was racing southwest down the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. Steel flipped open his phone and pressed the third number on his speed dial. “Things are beginning to accelerate.”

“I take it things didn’t go well in Baltimore?” the female voice on the other line asked.

“No.” Steel pounded his fist on the seat next to him. “But Faraday made a mistake. He was trying too damn hard to get a rise out of me. Almost like he was testing me.”

“Testing you for what?”

“I’m not sure. He may be as paranoid as I am but he’s definitely involved in more than he’s letting on. He probably thinks the same of me. Or else he was attempting to take suspicion off of himself. Either way, if he’s responsible for what happened to Lord and everything else going on, then I want him neutralized.”

“But he’s the White King. What reason would he have for taking down the President?”

“That’s what I plan to find out.”

President Jeb Stuart stood uncomfortably inside the Oval office. It was the first time he had been alone in there since being officially sworn in. Nothing could have prepared him for the sudden weight of responsibility that came with being thrust into the position so suddenly and unexpectedly. Though he welcomed the opportunity, deep down inside his biggest fear was making a decision that he would regret forever. At that exact moment he found himself facing one of those decisions.

He glanced back at the phone on his desk and reached over and hit a button, “I need an update. I was just given confirmation that the Justice League is less than ten miles away. If they are coming back here I want to be ready for them,” he said to the man on the other line.

“Mister President, you will be pleased to know that you have an entire army at your disposable. All you have to do is give the order.”

“I saw what happened in Gotham and Coast City with these ‘super-soldiers’ so my confidence isn’t too high at the moment.”

“That was merely the test phase using small groups at a time.”

“No more tests. Do whatever it takes to end this.” Stuart pulled out the chair and sat down at the desk. “And no more small groups. Send all of them. Now!”

The man on the other line allowed himself a brief smile. “Yes sir, Mister President.”

After Stuart hung up, he turned to Faraday, who stood in the corner of the room, his face a blank slate.

“I hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Trust me, Mr. President.”

Earlier in the day, the Suicide Squad had been ordered to take down the Justice League. In the end they were severely outmatched and the League managed to get away again. As the Squad licked their wounds and headed off with their tails between their legs, Nightshade slipped away. This hadn’t been the first time the Squad had failed miserably and she was sick of it. This time she’d had enough and wasn’t going to return.

Unbeknownst to her ‘teammates’ within the Squad, Eve was also part of another government organization called Checkmate. Less than a year ago, Sarge Steel revealed to her his position as Black King and offered her the position as his Black Knight. She quickly bought into the concept of a secret government agency that would serve the greater good. But she had to question what the price was for obtaining that greater good when a group of heroes like the Justice League were hunted down like criminals. Perhaps the shadows she relied on had been blinding her from the truth.

She was finally prepared to step out of those shadows. Eve knew that the situation with the Justice League had quickly gotten out of hand at this point and sought to find another solution. She attempted to contact Steel directly but instead was given an order directly from the Black Queen to investigate a group of rogue agents outside of Washington. She felt uncomfortable with the order since she had never spoken with the Queen directly and always took her lead from Steel.

When she arrived in Washington she was met by two other members of Checkmate: Adam Blake, the Black King’s Rook, and Star-Tsar, the Black King’s Bishop. She had heard of Blake, who also went by the name Captain Comet, but she was unaware that someone new had been appointed to Bishop.

“Who’s the new guy?” Eve asked as she came up behind both men, who stood off in the shadows.

Captain Comet slowly turned to look over at Eve. “I don’t know but he hasn’t said a word since I got here.”

Eve looked over at Star-Tsar, who wore a white and blue costume with a large star on his chest and a mask that completely covered his head. In his hand he held on to what appeared to be a power baton of some sort. Eve recognized the name and costume but was completely unaware that someone new had assumed the identity of Star-Tsar. “Well, I couldn’t care less at this point what he says as long as he doesn’t get in the way. I already feel uneasy meeting like this in broad daylight. Where are these rogue agents at anyway, Adam?”

“I did some initial investigating before you got here and determined that this entire area is an abandoned retail outlet mall with no signs of any activity inside.”

“Alright, that’s it. I am going to get a hold of Steel. This whole thing smells like a…” With a blur Eve was thrown to the ground. Eve projected a shadow to keep from slamming into the wall of the building but only managed to keep from breaking her back when she made impact. She was dazed but managed to slowly rise to her feet and look back to see what had attacked her. When her eyes finally focused she saw a seven-foot-tall man completely encased in a metal alloy standing next to a woman dressed like she shopped at a Victoria’s Secret for hookers.

“Welcome to the party!” Major Force shouted, while Cheshire licked her lips. “Prepare for an ass-kicking courtesy of Checkmate!”

Major Force pushed Star-Tsar out of the way as he tackled Captain Comet to the ground and Cheshire went for Nightshade.

Cheshire searched for Nightshade who managed to blanket the surrounding area in darkness.

Where was she? No way to tell in the darkness.

“Come out, come out, wherever you are,” Cheshire playfully called out. “You can’t hide from me forever, Nightshade!”

Without warning, a cold hand reached out through dark sludge and latched onto her throat. “ I am not hiding. I am home here in the shadowlands, so you would be wise to remember that,” Nightshade whispered as her grip grew tighter. “Now, perhaps you’d be inclined to tell me why you chose to attack us?”

Cheshire struggled to break free but found that the darkness around her had taken shape and had wrapped itself around her. Nightshade released her hold on Cheshire’s neck. She choked a bit and then began to laugh. “We were ordered to eliminate you and any of the other Black King’s pieces from the board.”

“By whose orders?”

Cheshire smiled. “The Queens’, of course.”

“That’s ridiculous! Why would…they…” Nightshade suddenly felt hot. Too hot. Like something inside of her was burning. Cheshire watched with excitement as Eve Eden fell to the ground holding her arm close to her body.

“You made several mistakes, Eve. One, you put your trust in others way too easily. And two, you never should have touched me. The poison in your hand is slowly traveling up your arm toward your heart. Once that happens your heart will start to pump more blood than it can handle. I imagine it will explode inside your chest and kill you.” Cheshire leaned down toward Eve as the shadows around them began to dissipate. “You know what’s sad? I figured that you would have been the first to realize that Checkmate had been compromised, but, just like all the others, you were so consumed with finding the bad guys you never thought to look in your own backyard.”

Cheshire screamed out as a surge of electricity struck her shoulder, forcing her face first onto the ground.

“You’re going to do something for me,” Star-Tsar asserted as he held his power baton firmly against Cheshire’s shoulder. “You will counteract the poison you unleashed inside Miss Eden’s body.”

“How do you know I can reverse the effects?” Cheshire said as she attempted to mask how much pain she was in.

“I know you can, Jade. Otherwise I would have killed you already. And I won’t hesitate to end your life if you question me again.”

Cheshire looked as though she was going to respond but thought twice about it. She slowly reached her hand out and firmly placed it on Eve’s chest. After several seconds she let go. “There. It is done.”

Star-Tsar watched as Eve slowly came to. She was weak but managed to nod her head up at him. “Very good, Jade. You did a smart thing. Now, how about doing another by telling me who is really pulling the strings inside Checkmate these days? Who gave the order to have two of the White King’s agents attack us?”

“The Queens. They are in charge as it should always be.” Cheshire smiled, just before lifting her right leg, and spun up to knock Star-Tsar backward.

He quickly jumped up and found that she was gone. ‘Damn it!” he muttered under his breath. He looked back over at Eve who was struggling to get to her feet. “Stay still. The effects of the poison still haven’t entirely left your body yet. We need to have you checked out. And I don’t know what happened to Major Force and Comet but both seem to have disappeared. I’ll check it out but I just need to make a call first.”

Eve was too weak to argue. She sat there on the ground as Star-Tsar pulled a small communication device out and activated it. He pulled his mask off and spoke into the device. “You were right, Batman. Checkmate has been infiltrated by outside forces and it appears that Faraday and Steel may be innocent after all.”

“They are far from ‘innocent’,” Batman growled back, “but I suspect they let their delusions of grandeur get the better of them at some point.”

“I can try and pick up Cheshire’s trail and see if it leads back to the Queens.”

“Negative. I have a feeling the rabbit hole goes a little deeper and I don’t want you involved.”

“I’ve been involved for weeks now and I…”

“Enough. I am in the middle of something here. Wait for me to contact you again.” Batman abruptly ended the transmission. Star-Tsar grunted and put the communicator away. He walked over to where Eve had managed to slowly rise to her feet. “You shouldn’t be up.”

“I have to contact Steel. If the Queens have gone rogue then we need to do something!”

“Batman will handle it. Like he always does.”

“I do not trust Batman!” Eve began to stumble backward. He reached out to steady her.

“Well, I do. I was his partner for too long not to.” Nightwing smiled reluctantly.

“Batman!” a gruff voice announced from the treetop above him. “Do not move. I see no reason to make this complicated.”

Batman had no reason to turn around. By the voice alone he was able to determine it was Oliver Queen, Green Arrow. He knew that Ollie had to be around somewhere when he saw Dinah Lance show up with Captain Marvel and Firestorm. “Complicated? I believe you already have that covered by hiding in a tree and pointing an arrow at me.”

“I see no reason to fight you. I have the advantage here,” Green Arrow responded, bow in hand.

Batman slightly turned his head to look up. “From where I stand, I have seven different options to escape from your subtle trap.”

Green Arrow balked, “Seven? That’s it?”

“Given adequate time I could come up with more but most would be redundant and it isn’t necessary to over-emphasize a point. So let’s just say that you ‘got’ me. Did you have anything planned beyond this moment?”

“I see that recent events have made you more crabby than normal, so I expect it too much to ask that you turn yourselves in?”

“For what reason? We’ve committed no crime. Or are you to tell me that you believe everything your government tells you?”

Green Arrow knew Batman would say something like that. “There’s more going on than you know. I had no choice but to come here. But you do have a choice: stop the fighting and turn yourselves in. We can sort everything out, but the longer you guys continue this the guiltier you look.”

“And if we don’t, will you shoot me? This isn’t Vegas. Your way of sorting things out won’t work here.” Batman turned and looked up to see Green Arrow pointing an arrow down at him. “Then again, perhaps your judgment is off with the mess that the Outsiders have been in, lately. You are correct though, there is much more going on here than meets the eye. Of all the people in this world, I would expect you to know that.”

Batman watched as Oliver struggled to maintain his composure. He began to pull back on his bow but hesitated just slightly forcing him to lose focus for a second. Oliver blinked and Batman was gone. He shifted around on the tree branch to get a better look around but he couldn’t find him. “It’s the middle of the afternoon…How did that bastard…Should’ve shot him on principle alone,” Ollie grumbled as he began to climb out of the tree. “Ah well, can’t say I didn’t try.”

Superman was pleased that Diana had led them away from populated areas. It was one of many sound decisions she had made since assuming the role of Justice League Chairperson. He was particularly pleased at this moment because the civilians were safe. Secondly, it meant he could finally cut loose for the first time today.

And with Captain Marvel, he would have to. This was one of the few beings that could go toe to toe with him.

He had admired the old Captain Marvel, growing up in Smallville. By all accounts the current one was a worthy successor...

.... until this.

He unleashed his heat vision, straight into the Captain's chest. The Captain rocked backwards...and then came on.

Superman intensified his heat vision but it did no good.... the Captain came on at full speed.

BOOOM.

He found himself thrown out to sea. He knew this had to be done quickly; he matched the captain speed for speed, a head-on collision.

The collision was such an utter crack of thunder that a concussion wave spread in the sea below them. Hopefully a tsunami would not form as a result.

God.... what were they doing to the world? Was it worth it? Was it worth all this?

He shook himself. Of course it was. If they lost, Starro would own everything.

The Captain had recovered faster than him, and was pressing his advantage, slamming into his stomach, and then, before Superman could get his breath back, taking him up, up, up. Into the thinner parts of the atmosphere.... toward the moon. Captain Marvel then let go as Superman fell… down and down towards the crowd of flying figures that were suddenly swarming in.

Lady Shiva and Scandal Savage walked side by side down the long carpeted hallway that led to a lavish boardroom. Savage stopped and opened the large glass door and motioned Shiva inside and then followed behind her. Once inside, the man seated at the end of an oversized mahogany table rose, and motioned them both to take a seat amongst the other eight individuals seated around the table.

“Well done, ladies. Well done.” The man remained standing, “For those of you that haven’t met before now, this is Lady Shiva and Scandal Savage. Ladies, around me in no particular order are: Cheetah, Abra Kadabra, Riddler, Sinestro, King of Hearts, Black Manta, Poison Ivy, and finally Solomon Grundy. Now, since I suddenly realized that having you all together in one room may prove to be hazardous to my health, let’s move on, shall we?” The man cleared his throat before continuing, “Ladies, gentlemen…and others of the Society, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Justice League has fallen!” Lex Luthor said with a devilish grin on his face. “Now we can finally get down to business.”