Post by HoM on May 30, 2017 17:03:59 GMT -5
Previously, in AQUAMAN and JUSTICE LEAGUE…
Years back, a war raged under the seven seas as OCEAN MASTER-- the half-brother of AQUAMAN-- made pacts with numerous villainous factions that descended on the underwater kingdom and left it a ruin!
When the tide of war turned and the currents stilled, AQUAMAN emerged triumphant with his beloved wife MERA at his side, and soon the undersea kingdom was rebuilt!
But the enmity between the two brothers ran deep, intensifying when it was discovered that not only had OCEAN MASTER survived the war, but he had also sold the terrorist cult leader LORD NAGA weapons from the water-dimension Xebel, weapons the villain used to further his destructive agenda!
Now, OCEAN MASTER is a wanted man on both land and under the sea, and the hunt is on to track him down before he strikes back at AQUAMAN, seeking to reclaim a throne that he believes is rightly his!
Meanwhile, the Justice League comes off an adventure that left them splintered-- the MARTIAN MANHUNTER returned due to the resurfacing of his mad-brother MA'ALEFA'AK, who kidnapped numerous flame-themed villains and utilised their psychoses to enable his transformation, a Burning Martian! The final battle resulted in J’ONN being rendered human and his brother caught in a chimeric state, his body caught between all the forms he had ever taken!
With all this in mind, please join us now for the continuing adventures of the JUSTICE LEAGUE--
“--The kingdom of Atlantis fell, and it took the indomitable will of the people to rebuild her. We were betrayed by those we thought trustworthy, but who proved themselves traitors to our home. That is why I am formally declaring my brother Orm Marius, the self-proclaimed ‘Ocean Master’, an enemy of the state. An enemy of the seven seas. There is a reward for his capture. He will be tried for his crimes--”
The royal broadcast buzzed through the shell-systems as the patrons imbibed the potent volcanic ale. The heavy-set liquid clung to the interior of the glasses, thick like honey, so the water-breathers could draw it in through their mouths.
Dubava Saher was as far as one could get from Poseidonis as possible without travelling to the surface. The volcanic mines were still open, even though the majority of the magma glass and other related ores had been excavated many tides ago. Now it was a hub of somewhat dubious activity, known for the criminal activity that seemed to congregate there at times.
There wasn’t much by way of the law, but since King Orin had assumed the throne, regular contingents of marshals floated through, and the more violent crimes had subsided. No one wanted to be dragged to the capital for trial.
If you weren’t working the mine or sleeping, you’d be here, at the only bar the ocean floor had to offer on this edge of the sea. The owner, Nell, shook her head as she listened to the King of Atlantis’ voice, then turned to one of the locals. “You heard what Ocean Master did?” she asked.
“Yeah yeah yeah,” murmured the old man, rubbing the scars on his cheek that he’d received from a life as a magma collector down in the pits. After considering the question further, he sucked the liquid out of his glass in one go. “Don’t care though.”
Ignoring her instincts as a good host, Nell asked the first question that came into her head. She was bored, there was nothing much to do down in this trench of the ocean other than pour drinks, so interesting conversation was mined wherever it could be.
“Why’s that?”
The old man sighed and played along. “There are seven kingdoms on the ocean floor and then there’s the Up-Above, where the surface dwellers lurk. Folk tend to forget about us and our little fiefdoms, our little townships. Y’think Atlantis gives a damn about us, this far out? In the dome city of Poseidonis, do you think they spare a thought about Dubava Saher?”
Without fanfare, a gloved hand placed a dozen pieces of gold on the bar top and a wry smile formed on the newly arrived stranger’s lips. “You’d be surprised, sir. A round of Kolumbo ale for the bar.”
Free drinks of the finest variety offered and his interest piqued, the old man turned and instantly recognised the uniform worn by the King’s Guard. Though the colours this visitor wore were scarlet and black, and he didn’t look old enough to hold rank, there was an aura about him, something that meant you were immediately in awe of his position.
It helped he was flanked by five armoured figures, their vestments identifying them as the elite members of the King’s Guard, and one woman, whose own uniform was made up of shifting shades of blue that clashed where the edges of colour met. Her dark brown hair was braided and floated behind her, and her hand was close to the youngest man’s own. Each of them held a long, sleek, silver rod, apart from the young man.
Answering the silent question asked by nearly everyone in the bar, the stranger cleared his throat. “I am Tempest, commander of the one true king’s royal guard,” he gestured to the woman beside him, “and this is Tula, royal envoy. We are here looking for an enemy of the seven seas”
“Who’s that then?” asked the old man. Nell shook her head, knowing better than to ask snide questions.
Tula smiled softly and addressed the man. “His name is Orm Marius. Traitor to the throne.”
“And what makes you think he’s here?” asked Nell.
Tempest looked at Tula, then around at the dishevelled faces of the bar patrons. “Every creature under the sea is looking for him and the trail turns cold here. Undeserved or not, Dubava Saher has a reputation as a place that thrives on--”
Bubbles rose up as the door to the bar opened and a man floated through, only looking up when the silence indoors hit him. His face was obscured by the thick black beard that floated around his head, but Tempest recognised him immediately, and the feeling was mutual.
“Oh, no,” whispered Orm.
“Ocean Master!” growled Tempest.
Except… this wasn’t the Ocean Master, was it? He was a crumpled looking man, dishevelled and appearing as though he had been living rough since he’d last been sighted on the surface world. Where was his purple and black regalia? Where was his devastatingly powerful trident?
Regardless, Garth had known Orm before his fall from grace. They’d shared stories and adventures, but that meant nothing now. He levelled a finger at the traitorous half-brother of his king and declared, “Your time as a free--”
Nell smashed a glass bottle across the back of Tempest’s head, interrupting him, and the entire bar raised up in defiance as she screamed, “Protect the true king of the seven seas! Death to the pretenders!”
Tempest looked at Tula and grimaced, blood blurring the waters around his head. “…Found him.”
Kimiyo Hoshi watched as her dear friends in the Justice League went to work dismantling the laboratory that she had shared with Ray Palmer and Ted Kord over the last few years. Ray was preparing things on the other end, clearing a space in the Ivy Town science building’s basement ready to receive the technology they were removing, while Ted… Ted hadn’t stepped foot on Laputa since he was cleared from the medical wing. She wished he was here, because this was his passion, his drive, and Ray and Kimiyo had been along for the ride, allowing his enthusiasm to drive their imaginations forward.
“All this needs to stay connected?”
John pulled Kimiyo from her reverie, and she smiled instinctively. “Yes, thank you, Green Lantern.”
He grinned, but then followed that up with a disappointed shake of his head. “C’mon, Kimiyo. John.”
“Sorry, John. I am in my head today. It is a momentous… and sad occasion.”
“We wouldn’t be here today-- be alive today-- if it wasn’t for you,” said the Guardian, numerous boxes piled up on his shoulder. Thank the Gods-of-Moving-Out for American-designed super soldier enhancements…
“Ah, and the world wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for this team a hundred times over,” corrected Kimiyo, though she smiled warmly, appreciating her friend’s sentiment.
“Doctor, I could finish this entire process in a matter of minutes,” bemoaned Majestic, hefting a large computer console with two fingers.
“This technology is very delicate, we have to be careful,” said Kimiyo, moving to take his spare hand and place it on the other side of the device he carried.
Majestros shook his head. “But…”
“Superspeed might throw off the calibrations more so than the move will already. I know what I am asking of you, Majestros. And you did volunteer…”
“My apologies, Doctor. I will continue without complaint,” said Majestros.
“That’s the second or third time he’s said that,” said Cyborg, nudging Doctor Light as Majestic exited the lab.
“Fourth or fifth, for sure,” countered Doctor Light.
There were numerous projects the trio of Blue Beetle, Doctor Light and himself had been working on in their spare time in the labs located at the bottom of the Justice League’s island headquarters. With her lab partners away, Kimiyo had volunteered to coordinate the transport of their work to Ivy Town, so they could resume the in-between university obligations.
Cyborg continued to chat with her, hefting a large bank of computers while the others buzzed around them. “Are you sure there’s nothing we can say that would make you stick around? I mean, the three of you are the big brains of the team, losing you is gonna smart, you know?”
“You will be fine, Victor. You especially. You are plugged into the entirety of the internet. With all that information at your fingertips and it is not like we are leaving you shorthanded. Ray and I already had our obligations to the university, this is just them rearing their heads.”
“I’m really surprised you’re going to be able to go back to the classroom after all this. I mean, this is the Justice League. It’s bigger than anything I’ve ever known.”
“It will be difficult, but that was my life before this one, and will be after.”
Cyborg and Doctor Light talked all the way to the mass transport pad, where the rest of the team awaited her after delivering the rest of the scientific equipment to Ivy Town. They stood waiting, and Kimiyo almost blushed as they gathered around.
“We’re going to miss you, Kimiyo,” said Wonder Woman.
“I’m going to miss you all. Hopefully this isn’t the last you see of me by your side… and if you truly need me… what is it Batman always says?”
“You’ll be there?” offered Mister Miracle.
“Always,” replied Doctor Light with a nod.
She stepped onto the transport pad, along with the last load of equipment from the laboratory.
The Guardian smiled as he adjusted the transport controls, then with a silent salute, Doctor Light, along with the Atom and Blue Beetle, were no longer members of the Justice League. Off the active duty roster they went.
Earlier that week, Batman had taken one of his leaves of absence, and with the big brains no longer on the books, the meeting room felt empty, even though eight of the world’s greatest superheroes were currently assembled.
The team chatted amongst themselves, heading upstairs to the main meeting room. Cyborg hung back, and upon his entry into the Justice League’s roundtable room, saw that everyone else had taken their seats. He took his, and looked around as the others settled in. With the Guardian at the head of the table, ready to call the meeting to order, everyone else had congregated in pairs; Hawkman sat with Wonder Woman, Majestic and Green Lantern had been discussing cosmic politics before a transmission came through John’s ring, meaning he had to excuse himself momentarily, and Big Barda and Mister Miracle were reminiscing about times gone by.
Before the Guardian could get to the business of the meeting, a transmission request came up on the threat board from a frequency known to the team, but disguised to the rest of the world. Harper knew the name of the man who was communicating with them, and answered immediately.
“Commander Morgan, as I live and breathe. What’s going on, old man?”
Commander Kyle ‘Ace’ Morgan, specialised operations director for a half dozen secret projects trail-blazed by the United States military complex-- and former Challenger of the Unknown-- looked happy to see his old friend when his face materialised above the team’s meeting table via holographic projection.
{Colonel Harper, I thought I heard you’d moved onto bigger and better things…}
“You know me, I serve with the best of the best,” replied Harper.
“How can we help you, Colonel Morgan?” asked Wonder Woman, pleasantly amused by the discourse between two old friends.
{Straight to the point. I always admired your mom for that, Diana. Right; SEDPA12, one of my pet projects, just sent a transmission down to command. Something just entered the solar system. We would have missed it if we weren’t looking in that direction… and it sounds like the League’s satellite array has experienced the same problem.}
Cyborg closed his human eye and his cybernetic prosthesis flashed from red to blue. He plugged himself into the island’s servers, and sure enough, no alarms had sounded; but there was a shape out there, in the depths of space, and it was just that-- an out-of-focus image, but nothing that triggered the solar-system-focused proximity alarms. “Damn… that’s a concern.”
John held up his hands. “Not necessarily-- my ring just received the same alert, Colonel. My partner is headed out there now.”
“Care to fill the rest of us in, GL?” said Hawkman.
With a nod, Stewart held up his ring and constructs-- datafeeds, live streams of data, distorted video footage-- filled the air. This was the internal life of a Green Lantern, all that information being fed directly into their brain on the subtle level so as to not overload. Watching it web out like this, spreading out like a net, was an interesting glimpse inside the minds of one of the team’s most powerful members.
“Right. Some sort of unknown celestial body 278 thousand kilometres in length -- that’s twice the diameter of Jupiter-- has manifested at the edge of the solar system. It’s travelling slowly, but at the size, and at its speed, it’ll reach Earth in a matter of weeks. And… that’s all we can tell. Our deep scans can’t get a bead on shape. My partner was going to take a look.”
Harper nodded. “If Ace called us up, then we should take a look too. Can your partner take a detour to Laputa and then we can send a team up to investigate along with him?”
“I mean, I don’t see why not… and he could use the socialising,” said John.
{I appreciate you taking the time, people. Let me know what happens, it’s big and it’s scary and I got the brass breathing down my neck. Good to know the Justice League are on the case.}
Morgan ended the transmission, leaving the Justice League to plan.
“Your partner… it’s not Guy Gardner, is it?” asked Mister Miracle.
Hawkman laughed at the suggestion. Cyborg wondered; why did everyone dislike Guy Gardner? Then he recalled his own interactions with the man. He wasn’t the easiest of their ilk to get along with…*
“No, no, it’s the other one. He ran with the League a while, a few years back…”
“Hank Henshaw,” said Wonder Woman. Why did she sound so sad?
John didn’t seem to pick up on the intonation in her voice and smiled. “I forgot you met him, Diana. That… oh.”
Things caught up with him.
“What?” asked Cyborg.
“I was there when he died*,” said Wonder Woman. “I tried to save him, but failed… he came back later, under dire circumstances… it’s one of my deepest regrets…”
“Okay, if we’re sending folks out into deep space, I’d like to think they could survive it. Barda, Majestic and Scott, interested?”
“Sounds good to me,” said Miracle.
“If I may, I’d like to go too,” offered Cyborg.
Harper smiled. “Oh?”
“I’ve been itching to implement some modifications Angie and I designed… deep-space survival… integrated EVA specifications. We’ve done alpha testing, and now is as good a time as ever for the live test. Besides, at that distance, we won’t be able to communicate with you guys, and vice versa. Can’t hurt to have some additional tech support up there.”
“You don’t have to sell yourself to me, kid. If you’re confident your upgrades will work, then so am I,” said the Guardian.
Stewart held up his hand. “Either way, I’ve transmitted to Hank. He’s en route.”
“We’ll need to upgrade our armaments and attire, but that won’t take more than a few minutes thanks to Mother Box,” said Barda.
“And when we’re done, we can get there in less time with a Boom Tube,” finished Scott.
With a salute, Harper agreed. “And that sounds good to me. Good luck, folks. Call if you need back up. Let’s be careful out there.”
The foursome left the room, leaving Green Lantern, the Guardian, Hawkman and Wonder Woman the sole active members of the Justice League on Earth.
“And that brings me to my next point,” said the super soldier.
“Go on,” said Wonder Woman.
“Ignoring the fact four of our heavy hitters just exited the atmosphere, we just lost three members permanently,, and with Batman on one of his sabbaticals, we need to consider readjusting the roster.”
“Batman will be here if we need him, but he’s currently on a separate case back home,” explained Wonder Woman.
“We knew what we were getting with him, Diana,” said Hawkman with a smirk.
Diana sighed. “You know who I miss right now? J’onn. He was always the heart of the Justice League. With him back but unable to access his natural Martian abilities… at least he already had a human identity in place to fall back on, but he’s taking it hard*.”
“And there’s been no progress on transforming him back?” asked the Guardian.
He knew they’d reformed one of the brain trusts that came together in times like this to combat the problem; the likes of Niles Caulder, John Henry Irons, Will Magnus; even the likes of Rose Psychic, Zatanna Zatara, not even the combined greats of both science and magic could revert the change J’onn J’onzz had undergone.
Cyborg shook his head. “None yet. His current biological structure is completely human; there’s no trace of his Martian DNA left. His brother really did a number on him.”
“Not even our rings can make a difference, and I called in the rest of the guys in this sector to triple our chances,” said Green Lantern.
“Then we hold out hope. The best super-minds are working on his case, but it’s going to be a long walk back to where he was before. All we can do is support him in this time of need,” said the Guardian.
“You mentioned readjusting the roster, Guardian?” said Hawkman.
Green Lantern leaned forward. “New members?”
“Kind of,” said the Guardian.
Katar scoffed. “‘Kind of’? I can tell I’m going to enjoy this.”
“You would. There’s a gap in the field I wanted to fill, so I reached out to an old friend or two. It’s the start of a drive, but we can discuss other options as time unfolds.”
The Guardian pressed a button on the underside of the meeting table and the door to one of the side rooms slid open to reveal the newest member of the Justice League.
“Ladies and gentlemen…”
“--Firestorm?” said Green Lantern, somewhat surprised. “Wait, you’re not--?”
The woman clad in the warping, transformative Firestorm matrices was quick to put him at ease. “He’s indisposed. I’m an old friend. This is a new fit for me, though.”
Wonder Woman stood, recognising the woman’s voice immediately. “Firehawk, is that you? It’s lovely to see you again. I didn’t realise you’d taken on the mantle of Firestorm?”
Firestorm gratefully accepted the hand extended by Diana. In her time outside of the costume, she was Lorraine Reilly, formerly the heroine known as Firehawk. This new identity was one she was still getting used to, but she appreciated Wonder Woman’s kindness.
“You recognise me? This is all such a recent change, so, I, well. I didn’t…”
Diana nodded. “Of course! Welcome to the Justice League. An exemplary choice.”
Firestorm took a seat. “Um. Right. So as some of you may know, it takes two people to make Firestorm,” she tapped her temple, “so the Professor sends his regards. If you see me talking to myself, it’s all right, I’m not going mad, he’s just giving me an earful.”
Hawkman pointed a finger at her. “See, the old Firestorm never gave us that information up front. Is he…?”
Firestorm shifted around in her seat. “Indisposed, like I said. Long story. Uh. Yeah. Okay. This is the Justice League. Is it okay for me to say how intimidating this is?”
Hawkman shook his head. “Sure, and we won’t even hold it against you..”
Memories diluted as Orm floated backwards, dazed after Tula managed to send a bolt of energy his way. The concussive spear she held fell from her hands after she was tackled to the ground by one of the bar’s patrons, and it was in that moment, with all the King’s Guard present occupied, that Nell the barkeep barked an order at the man she and the rest of her Saherans believed to be the true king of the seven seas.
“Swim, my lord! Swim fast! Get away from here!”
Orm burst through the front door of the bar, cursing all the way. His loyal subjects would keep the King’s Guard off him if possible, but that didn’t mean there weren’t reinforcements in the surrounding waters. He was about to dive into the volcanic trenches that ran beneath the ocean floor. If he could get to them, he could lose any tail, and resurface far from there. If he kept away from the active magma lines, he should be--
A purple explosion shattered a nearby rock face, sending debris clattering down around the fleeing villain. He cried out, diverted, but the distraction was enough for the cause of the chaos to catch up with him. With lavender eyes still crackling with energy, Tempest reeled back his fist, and struck Orm with enough force to send him ploughing into the molten rock below.
“Why did you do it, Ocean Master? Why did you betray the throne?”
Orm wiped blood from his mouth and watched as it floated upwards. “It was m-my throne! It was s-supposed to be mine! I’m the eldest!”
Tempest shook his head and swam forward. He clutched shackles in one hand, while his other was still balled up into a fist. He was shaky after taking a glass bottle to the back of the head, but he was angry at the words coming out of his mentor’s half-brother’s mouth. “Orin’s throne. Arthur’s. You betrayed your oath to serve the crown! And because of that--”
Without warning, the water surrounding Tempest solidified in an instant, and he seized up, unable to move inside the column that had formed around him. His eyes darted from side to side, but he couldn’t even blink while he was trapped there.
Orm looked at his own hand, the way it contorted in Tempest’s direction. He felt the power flow through him, extending into the water molecules surrounding the young man. It hurt to wield the power, but it was a gift he’d been given… and it seemed wrong not to share.
“I’m… I’m sorry, Garth. It never should have come down to this,” said Orm.
With his left hand, he gripped his nails into the water to the right of him, then tore a hole open in the skin of reality. As Tempest watched, helpless, the Ocean Master exited, the tear sealing after him and the villain’s absence causing the pillar of solid water to evaporate back into the ocean.
Tula was by his side in seconds, having witnessed the one-sided fracas from afar as she rushed from the bar, and she checked over her lover with delicate hands. “What was that?”
“I... I have no idea…” mumbled Tempest.
In the sky, using his optical array and linking to the net of satellites the Justice League had access to in orbit around Earth, Victor Stone could see the vague shape floating at the edge of the solar system. 278 thousand kilometres in length… but when he focused on it, his eyes seemed to be subjected to a static that obscured the thing’s features. They could be about to step into the path of an alien armada, for all he knew. This could be the first strike that might spell doom for the human race!
But before he could waste his time worrying, Vic watched as, shrouded in emerald light, Hank Henshaw touched down on the landing pad. as Cyborg watched.
The former Titan raised his hand in acknowledgement, and the Green Lantern returned the gesture with a nod. “Hey, man. Welcome aboard!”
“Yeah, hello,” replied Hank, not paying the young man much attention.
Cyborg was taken aback somewhat by the curt response, but didn’t show it. For whatever reason, the grey-haired Green Lantern looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here. Which was odd, of course, because the Justice League was the big… leagues… and most anybody Vic had met wanted to be here, with a seat at the big table.
Deciding to press on, Cyborg said, “The Frees are on their way up, and--”
“Good day, Green Lantern. Your colleague has spoken highly of you,” said Majestic, floating up from the base of Laputa.
“And this is Majestic,” finished Cyborg.
Henshaw nodded again. “Right. How long before we--?”
“Are you ready to depart?” asked Mister Miracle as the Frees appeared, floating up thanks to their Aero-Discs.
Henshaw held up his power ring. “Sure. My ring can--”
“No need. Our Boom Tube will take us directly to our destination. You may want to cover your ears,” said Big Barda.
“It’s going to get loud,” agreed Mister Miracle.
The Boom Tube formed and an immense tunnel manifested in mid-air. Majestic zipped through after taking a deep breath, and then Big Barda followed. Cyborg watched as Mister Miracle beckoned them forward, and then saw Green Lantern contemplate the hole in space. Almost regretfully he flew through, and Cyborg did the same, his upgrades activating as he took his first step--
Poseidonis, capital of the Seven Seas, the vast kingdom ruled by King Orin-- the man known to the surface world and across the oceans as Aquaman-- was buzzing with activity. Transmissions from Dubava Saher confirmed their liege’s fears-- his brother Orm had resurfaced-- and he had managed to slip out of the net they’d cast.
In the war room, where undersea operations were coordinated, Orin sat at the head of a table that also seated numerous advisors, including his old friend and mentor Vulko. Above the table floated the hard-water facsimile of his old friend Tempest’s head, as he continued his report from Dubava.
“--It was my fault he escaped, my lord. I’m not sure how he managed it--”
Orin raised his hand to silence his old friend’s doubt. “No, Garth. From your reports, it sounds like you were the ones walking into a trap. It amazes me that Orm managed to foster such loyalty…”
Vulko shook his head sadly. “Unfortunately, some of the outlier colonies still find your surface-upbringing distasteful. Our people can be xenophobic at times.”
Aquaman smiled and almost laughed. “Don’t I know it? Garth, did you sense any mystical energies during your interactions with my brother?”
“None. He exhibited abilities I didn’t know he had in him. Water manipulation, the ability to create portals… at least, that’s what I think that was…”
Orin leaned forward, his hands nestled under his chin. Something itched at the back of his head. “…Water manipulation is an ability that the Xebel colonists developed. And the portals… they have technology capable of creating such things*…”
Vulko nodded, remembering an event from a year or so back. “Orm provided details of a Xebel weapons cache to the surface terrorist Lord Naga, did he not?* That madman used it to further his wretched agenda…”
“And now he’s utilising Xebel technology for his own ends, but what are they?” asked Aquaman.
“What do you want us to do here, my lord?” asked Tempest.
“Round up his loyalists and have them taken into custody. Close down the volcanic mines. I’m dispatching a contingent of marshals to be stationed in the town until Orm surfaces again. He’ll find no safe harbour there anymore. Then make sure you get back here for tonight’s event.”
“I’d be more comfortable coming back if I knew what the heck it was for, my lord,” said Garth.
“Ah, you’ll find out soon enough. Thank you for your work today, Garth.”
“Yes, my lord.”
The transmission cut off and Orin continued to be pensive about the whole affair. Everyone in the war room was looking to him for answers, for leadership, but he was a quiet man at times, and Vulko knew he sometimes needed to be prompted to share his thoughts.
“Is there anything else you would like us to do today, my lord?” he asked.
Aquaman stood and leaned over the table, placing his palms down on its surface. “Yes. Have the city’s protective seals checked again. And have them regularly checked until this affair ends. I don’t want my brother simply teleporting inside the city’s limits. Increase guards and issue a statement to the citizens. We will find him. When we do, he’ll pay for what he did to this kingdom.”
“And what of tonight’s festivities?”
“We’ve been planning this for some time now, you know that. I don’t want to abandon them. In fact, I think it would do the capital good to know it’s life as usual. Have the royal guard double their patrols and make sure we don’t let security slip. I’m going to go to the edge of the protective shield. I want to take a look at our defences up close. Keep me posted of any changes to our standing position, Vulko.”
Vulko bowed as Orin exited, and the war room resumed their intelligence analysis. Ocean Master was a threat to the safety and sanctity of this newly rebuilt Poseidonis. He had once held the position of Chief Guard of Atlantis, and that meant he knew every secret passage, every nook and cranny, one might use to enter the kingdom on a whim.
After the capital’s destruction a few years ago*, they had to rebuild everything, and while Vulko hoped the city’s planners had located every trapdoor, every bolthole, it was his job to fear the worse…
Orm was once the greatest protector this kingdom had, outside of King Orin himself… and when he fell from grace, he still held all that knowledge…
Cyborg wasn’t surprised that his enhancements allowed him to survive in space, but he was relieved to find they worked. His body was infused by once-cutting-edge nanomachines, but they were generations old by this point, even though they’d only been part of him for a couple of years. The nature of the science meant it moved fast, but once-cutting-edge was still impressive. Impressive enough for him to be a superhero with powers beyond so many others.
An aside; he still remembered what it was like to feel the blood pumping at your temples. Phantom pains. A phantom life.
{Anyone else weirded out by this?}
In the silence of space, they communicated via the nanotelepathic link, but out here the sound quality was tinny. A slight echo on the fringe of their hearing.
The ‘this’, in this context, was the immense shape that drew them to the edge of the solar system. A shape that seemed to have mass, but hadn’t disrupted any of the planetary bodies it passed through on its way deeper into the Milky Way. When you looked through any of the deep space telescopes at it, you couldn’t see detail. It was an optical illusion, a blur, and even Green Lantern’s ring had problems discerning its features.
As ever, when it came to the Justice League’s attention, it was an impossible thing that caught it.
{Weird doesn’t even begin to describe it,} said Green Lantern.
Earth’s second, currently active Green Lantern, Hank Henshaw, had once been a member of the Justice League for what could have been described as two minutes. Long story short, his Sector Lantern partner, John Stewart, now held active membership, but when it came to a problem like this, a second set of eyes was preferred.
{My Zoom Vision cannot penetrate its hide,} explained Majestic, rubbing the bridge of his nose. {Even focusing… hurts…}
{Weird is the wrong word, I think Barda would agree,} said Mister Miracle.
{Then what’s the right one?} asked Cyborg.
Big Barda floated forward, guided by the Aero-Discs she wore on her soles. {The right word to describe it? Unfortunately, it’s simple… we are in the presence of a dead god, Victor.}
{We have different definitions of the word ‘simple’, Bard,} replied Cyborg.
The quintet of Justice Leaguers floated in front of the immense celestial body that floated freely in the void of space. They were in the presence of something impossibly large, but when it came to alien life and scale, who knew what normal was?
On this scale, they were insects. Microbes.
{How could it get here without our early warning systems alerting us…?} pondered Hank.
Majestic was focusing on the details as best he could. {It’s clothing almost appears second century Earth in nature; Roman, almost. The cloak has texture, you can see between the folds, even at this scale. But the pigmentation of its skin … gold.}
{Look at its mouth,} said Mister Miracle.
Huge, jutting ice crystals, like a glacier, filled the god’s mouth. The corners of its mouth, where top and bottom lips met, were split viciously, and its face was a mountainous range of bruises and contusions.
{He was in a fight. At least, I guess it’s a he?} offered Cyborg.
{I’m going to perform a deep tissue scan with the ring. See if we can get any answers,} said Hank.
He held up his ring and sheets of emerald light began to flow outward, penetrating the corpse of the celestial being. There was a movement inside the folds of the god’s clothing, on the other side of its body where none of the Justice League could see.
But, as if attracted to the light projected by the power ring, they began to scuttle across the landscape of the god’s body, until they were a swarming army headed straight for them--!
{Whoa, whoa, whoa! What the hell are they?} yelled Cyborg.
His scanning systems couldn’t detect anything but shape and movement. Anything deeper and all he received back was a reading of solid nothingness. A paradoxical thing that, while apparently unreal, was coming at them with black claws ready and evil intentions!
Henshaw had ceased scanning the corpse and had also turned his attention to the horde, and his ring had found the same-- whatever this was-- it was both there and not there simultaneously!
{This is impossible, they shouldn’t be here!} said Barda.
Her Mega-Rod crackled intensely, ready to go to war.
{Anything’s possible, Barda. What are we dealing with?} asked Majestic, barring his teeth.
{They’re the Throshti! By the Source, I didn’t think we’d ever see them this far out from their believers’ world…} said Big Barda.
{English, please! Not New God!} said Cyborg.
Weapons systems were primed, but Majestic held his hand up-- not yet-- not yet--
{Odin had the Wild Hunt, or, uh, the Odensjakt. A force that followed him from battle to battle. Well, these guys? They follow a God of Carrion called the Klathyr… a being from the farthest reaches of old space.}
{Sounds bad,} admitted Cyborg.
{We’ve faced worse,} said Majestic.
{And recently too,} offered Mister Miracle.
{Gods recognise gods, my friends. Scott and I know the celestial when we see it. These beasts devour the enemies of their god, or those who die in its presence. I didn’t know they manifested anymore! And if they reach Earth they’ll seek out any meat they can find that worships-- they’ll devour humanity!}
{Except the atheists?} suggested Cyborg.
{Quiet. Not only have they manifested, they’re headed right for us. We need to hold them here,} said Henshaw.
{Then here is where we’ll hold them,} said Barda.
Cyborg swallowed hard and heavy. An old habit. It did nothing to settle a stomach that no longer existed. {Weapons hot,} he said quietly, and then this quartet went to work.
Orin drifted above the city, performing his own checks on the seals that kept the capital safe from incursion. When the Justice League helped him learn that Orm had sold military secrets to the Kobra cult, he’d immediately put a plan in action to prevent their use within the city’s borders. They were extending the seals out across the ocean floor, so that an invading force couldn’t land just outside the city-- which would also be a devastating act-- but it was slow going.
“Portal weavers… but Tempest saw no evidence of technology on Orin’s person…” murmured Aquaman.
He reached the edge of the sealed border, and checked the work done by the city’s technicians. Mera had been the one instructing them on how to perform the rites that would keep Poseidonis safe, and he wished she was here now.
Orin ran his hand over the seal. There was an odd vibration to it usually, but as his fingers touched it now, the feeling that ran up the length of his arm was different. Almost painful. “What…?”
Bubbles formed behind him at the same moment he noticed that the seal had been tampered with! He turned immediately after that realisation struck him and saw his brother Orm floating there, looking dishevelled.
The man known as Ocean Master reached out and gripped Orin’s face, and then the two brothers vanished as more bubbles floated upwards. The cacophony of motion had caused the sands underfoot to shift, revealing the bodies of the three technicians sent to inspect the seals. As Arthur’s royal trident hit the sea floor, it was obvious-- this moment had been prepared for!
Meanwhile, back in the royal chambers, Mera cried out, clutching her chest with one hand while holding her child, Arthur Jr, in the other. She didn’t know what, but something had happened to her husband--!
“Hello, dear brother,” said Orm, leaning forward to inspect the damage his sneak attack had done to Orin.
Roused from the suffocating comfort of unconsciousness, Aquaman strained his muscles to surge forward and attack, but immediately found he was bound by thick, seemingly cast-iron chains. Every single heavy metal link was emblazoned with a sigil, carved into the metal and shining with every exertion he made. As he once again tried to power out of them, he found that his strength was sapped.
Magic, then.
Orin barely recognised the shell that was his half-brother. What had happened since they last met face-to-face? His treasonous sibling had made a deal with Lord Naga, with the cult of Kobra, to provide forbidden weaponry to the surface world, and then he’d vanished. He was an enemy of the state two-times-over. Had the shame driven him to these new depths?
“O-Orm, what have you done?”
“Nothing yet; but I have… I’ve found allies. They want to provide me with an army. An army capable of leading Atlantis into a new age of global dominance, one unlike anything our-- my people-- have experienced before. Especially under your stewardship.”
“Like you did when you drew our enemies down on Poseidonis? When your actions led to the deaths of thousands? Tens of thousands?”
“No! No, no, no! You never understood! You never knew!” cried Orm, following his outburst up with a sharp slap across his brother’s face.
There was a silence then, the sting of impact hanging in the water, and he began to pace in small circles in front of his half-brother, back and forth.
“If you’d… listened to the will of the people… I wouldn’t have had… to do… what I did…”
“Will of the people? You declared yourself the master of all oceans and then revealed our capital’s location to every enemy who ever hated us, or me. You could have been responsible for the final destruction of our people, Orm. You’re deluded. I didn’t know it before, but I had my suspicions. You’re mad.”
“I’m not mad. I’m not insane. But… I’ve had enough. Do you remember your briefings, brother? The tales Vulko used to spin to amuse you, to keep you focused on the history of our people?”
“You make me sound like some ADHD-addled child, Orm. Say your piece and kill me. Say your piece and let me go. Do whatever it is you’re building yourself up to, but don’t delude yourself into thinking your words sting.”
“Heh. I never took you for a thin-skinned carp. Do you remember what Vulko told you of Kamchatka’s Drowning, brother?”
Aquaman’s eyes turned to slits. “I know the legend.”
Orm smiled. And behind that smile, Orin recognised madness. What had happened to the great man his brother had once been? Why was he now this broken thing?
“Yesss. A weapon of ultimate destructive power. Capable of taking the seas back from our surface enemies. Built at the order of King Kamchatka himself; used once, and then banished into the void between tides. The kingdom of Atlantis deposed the king after he wrought destruction upon the world, and his brother assumed the throne. But the weapon was still out there. What is the Earth myth? Pandora’s Box was opened, brother… no putting that… genie?… back inside the bottle…”
Aquaman shook his head. “Orm, you committed treason, but you’re still my damn brother; stop this now. Stop this and come home. There’s still time to come back from this.”
“It’s not my home anymore. You took that from me. They told me. They told me what I needed to hear. And they bought this to me.”
Momentarily, Orm vanished behind a pillar; Orin’s vision was clearing and he could see they were inside some kind of temple. He didn’t recognise the language emblazoned across the walls, but he didn’t get long to consider their origin. Instead, Orm returned, dragging a large stone box along with him. The runes carved across the box’s surface were unlike those on the walls of the temple; it was old Atlantean. Warnings about death, about destruction.
“Oh, no,” whispered Orin.
He recognised the carvings on the container. A king’s name. A warning.
“You know then. You know the legends are true. Isn’t that always the way with our people? We make up stories in the hope that our tragedies, our shames, are forgotten. I wonder what story they’ll make up for you.”
Once again, Aquaman tried to lunge forward, but the chains were too heavy, their strength-sapping properties too much. “Don’t! Don’t do this, whatever this is, just don’t. Please, Orm, please!”
Orm laughed. “Oh, that is not the behaviour of royalty. You were always so human.”
He smashed his fist on the side of the stone container and it shattered, revealing an arcane-looking device made of glass tubes and purple crystal. As the debris floated to the ground of the chamber, the device showed itself to be mute in colour, dull, and very, very old.
“It sings a song, really. It sends out a call. Like a whale song. It will bring the surface world to heel. Without their precious water-- our precious water-- they’ll dry up and die.”
“You… forget the legend… don’t you? The machine… it caused the deaths of so many, not just surface worlders, but Atlanteans too. You need to stop, you need to think-- you’ll kill millions--”
Orm shook his head. “No, I won’t. It takes a king to activate Kamchatka’s Drowning, brother. You’ll be the devastator. I’m just a humble witness.”
He surged over to Aquaman, dragged his hand loose from the chains and yanked it toward the surface of the machine. Orin wrestled his hand back, but even with adrenaline and terror rushing through him, he was no match for the magic in the chains. Orm smashed his elbow into his brother’s face repeatedly, then, with him weakened to such a degree, the former Chief Guard of Atlantis placed his brother’s palm on the surface of the ancient device, and watched as the dull colours faded, replaced by the bright lights that came with activation.
A vibration began to ring through the temple, the walls shook, and the arcane device sang its song of devastation. Ships began to sink, swimmers began to drown, and across the world, Atlantean devastation reigned down upon the globe.
Orm laughed as the device went to work, and leaned in close to his brother’s ear. “This is just the start. I found them all, brother. I found the devastation Atlantis always held the promise to deliver. I’ll drown the world and become the true king of the seven seas. And you… will… be…”
Aquaman head-butted Ocean Master so hard it broke his nose. He was still chained, still weaker than a minnow, but he wouldn’t sit here and listen to the rantings of a mad man. Orm floated awkwardly toward the machine, but found his balance as he clutched his bleeding nose.
“I will be the man who stops you, Orm. I promise you that,” growled Aquaman.
“Too late, little brother. The surface world drowns!”
The Guardian continued his briefing, while the rest of the team considered the facts outlined. “…It’s been a while since our roster has been so compact, but I’m confident we’re more than able to take on whatever threats come our way from this point on. As most you know, but for the benefit of our newest member, we are not always operationally active. There can be large gaps of time between Justice League emergencies. We’re here to--”
Interrupting the Guardian mid-sentence, Laputa suddenly sank.
There was no warning-- no alarms or klaxons-- one moment the high-tech compound that had stayed afloat these last few years no longer had any buoyancy, and the entire island slipped beneath the waves, plunging into the depths of the ocean before anyone could react!
Everyone was sent scrambling, but a second after the initial shock struck, John had already surrounded the base in a protective sphere with his power ring, just in case the emergency forcefields didn’t activate and the pressures of the ocean crushed them. The windows were all reinforced, the doors leading to the outside all automatically sealed, and they were safe, but the fact of the matter was, they had sunk, and they had no clue as to why!
“What-- was-- that--?” asked Hawkman, clutching his mace.
The entire structure was sinking, but at least they weren’t drowning. Lantern was bringing the descending island to a slow stop, so as to not shake the structural integrity down to its nuts and bolts.
Firestorm held out a hand and closed her eyes. Light danced around her fingertips as she read the signals being sent by the molecules in the air, and when she opened them, she looked scared.
“Something’s wrong with the water outside-- all the water, I mean. The ocean. The buoyancy is gone, like, uh, the entire cohesion, the molecular cohesion of the ocean has shifted.”
“What does that mean?” asked the Guardian.
Firestorm opened her mouth but a man’s voice emerged from it-- Martin Stein’s. “When an object enters water, two forces act upon it. There’s the downward force that’s determined by the object’s weight and an upward force that’s determined by the weight of the water displaced by the object. Gravity and buoyancy, working in tandem--”
She cleared her throat, and her own voice resumed primacy.
“Sorry, we’re still getting used to this. Basically, if the downward force is less than the upward an object will float. Something just flipped a switch and that’s changed. Laputa should displace more water than, say, a huge rock, and therefore should float, but that’s all changed.”
The Guardian grimaced. “I’m going to assume we’re not the only ones affected. Wonder Woman, go with Green Lantern and get above water-- begin searching for survivors. There are hundreds of thousands of boats out on water at any moment in time, the death toll… we need to send out a call to the entire community-- GL, can you coordinate? Your ring can detect life signs, we need to know where we’re needed. And damn, see if the deep-space team can receive transmissions-- Cyborg said they’d be out of range, but we have to call everyone in!”
“On it,” said John.
Without needing to hear another word, Diana and he left as quickly as they could, but heavy with the knowledge that potentially they’d be too late.
On the other side of the meeting room, Angela Spica, the Justice League’s technical advisor, popped her head in. “I’m on my way down to the engine room, I’ll grab some techs and we’ll get the engines back online. The systems have been shocked by our descent, maybe that’s why we’ve not automatically shot back up!”
“Good, go! Firestorm, any idea what could have caused this?” asked the Guardian.
Laputa shook as it landed at the bottom of the sea, Green Lantern’s constructs dissolving as they kept her intact on impact. There was a creaking sound, but the structural integrity of the Justice League’s base held.
“It shouldn’t be possible, but uh, no, I know, I know-- sorry-- these are the fundamentals of nature, sir. I know we deal with the impossible on the Justice League, I know that was part of the sales pitch, but this really is impossible.”
{We’ve got another problem,} came the voice of Green Lantern.
“Go ahead,” said the Guardian.
{We can’t break through the surface of the sea. Diana is trying to punch her way through now and I’m using my ring to drill, but the density is immense, I don’t know how this is--} There was a white noise shriek and the line went quiet for a moment, before Green Lantern’s voice broke back through. {Judas Priest! What was that--?}
“What’s going on up there?” pressed the Guardian.
{We managed to push our way to the surface but it took everything we had-- but-- but we need to call in everybody!}
“This isn’t just an attack on us--?” started Hawkman.
Wonder Woman’s voice piped into the conversation, fear and urgency filling their heads as her words cut through them: {Listen to me! Every ocean, every body of water-- they’ve all lost their surface tension-- thousands are drowning, maybe more-- we need to move! Call everybody, Guardian! We need everyone we can get, before everyone drowns!}
NEXT ISSUE: As the surface world drowns, Aquaman discovers that not everything is as it seems under the mask of the Ocean Master! Mera rallies Atlantis’ forces to come to her husband’s aid, which brings her into the path of the Justice League! And in space, a swarm of god-devouring entities attack five space-bound heroes, who will need to dig deep if they’re to survive the onslaught and discover the cause of the celestial corpse’s death!
Years back, a war raged under the seven seas as OCEAN MASTER-- the half-brother of AQUAMAN-- made pacts with numerous villainous factions that descended on the underwater kingdom and left it a ruin!
When the tide of war turned and the currents stilled, AQUAMAN emerged triumphant with his beloved wife MERA at his side, and soon the undersea kingdom was rebuilt!
But the enmity between the two brothers ran deep, intensifying when it was discovered that not only had OCEAN MASTER survived the war, but he had also sold the terrorist cult leader LORD NAGA weapons from the water-dimension Xebel, weapons the villain used to further his destructive agenda!
Now, OCEAN MASTER is a wanted man on both land and under the sea, and the hunt is on to track him down before he strikes back at AQUAMAN, seeking to reclaim a throne that he believes is rightly his!
Meanwhile, the Justice League comes off an adventure that left them splintered-- the MARTIAN MANHUNTER returned due to the resurfacing of his mad-brother MA'ALEFA'AK, who kidnapped numerous flame-themed villains and utilised their psychoses to enable his transformation, a Burning Martian! The final battle resulted in J’ONN being rendered human and his brother caught in a chimeric state, his body caught between all the forms he had ever taken!
With all this in mind, please join us now for the continuing adventures of the JUSTICE LEAGUE--
THE UNDERSEA TOWNSHIP OF DUBAVA SAHER:
“--The kingdom of Atlantis fell, and it took the indomitable will of the people to rebuild her. We were betrayed by those we thought trustworthy, but who proved themselves traitors to our home. That is why I am formally declaring my brother Orm Marius, the self-proclaimed ‘Ocean Master’, an enemy of the state. An enemy of the seven seas. There is a reward for his capture. He will be tried for his crimes--”
The royal broadcast buzzed through the shell-systems as the patrons imbibed the potent volcanic ale. The heavy-set liquid clung to the interior of the glasses, thick like honey, so the water-breathers could draw it in through their mouths.
Dubava Saher was as far as one could get from Poseidonis as possible without travelling to the surface. The volcanic mines were still open, even though the majority of the magma glass and other related ores had been excavated many tides ago. Now it was a hub of somewhat dubious activity, known for the criminal activity that seemed to congregate there at times.
There wasn’t much by way of the law, but since King Orin had assumed the throne, regular contingents of marshals floated through, and the more violent crimes had subsided. No one wanted to be dragged to the capital for trial.
If you weren’t working the mine or sleeping, you’d be here, at the only bar the ocean floor had to offer on this edge of the sea. The owner, Nell, shook her head as she listened to the King of Atlantis’ voice, then turned to one of the locals. “You heard what Ocean Master did?” she asked.
“Yeah yeah yeah,” murmured the old man, rubbing the scars on his cheek that he’d received from a life as a magma collector down in the pits. After considering the question further, he sucked the liquid out of his glass in one go. “Don’t care though.”
Ignoring her instincts as a good host, Nell asked the first question that came into her head. She was bored, there was nothing much to do down in this trench of the ocean other than pour drinks, so interesting conversation was mined wherever it could be.
“Why’s that?”
The old man sighed and played along. “There are seven kingdoms on the ocean floor and then there’s the Up-Above, where the surface dwellers lurk. Folk tend to forget about us and our little fiefdoms, our little townships. Y’think Atlantis gives a damn about us, this far out? In the dome city of Poseidonis, do you think they spare a thought about Dubava Saher?”
Without fanfare, a gloved hand placed a dozen pieces of gold on the bar top and a wry smile formed on the newly arrived stranger’s lips. “You’d be surprised, sir. A round of Kolumbo ale for the bar.”
Free drinks of the finest variety offered and his interest piqued, the old man turned and instantly recognised the uniform worn by the King’s Guard. Though the colours this visitor wore were scarlet and black, and he didn’t look old enough to hold rank, there was an aura about him, something that meant you were immediately in awe of his position.
It helped he was flanked by five armoured figures, their vestments identifying them as the elite members of the King’s Guard, and one woman, whose own uniform was made up of shifting shades of blue that clashed where the edges of colour met. Her dark brown hair was braided and floated behind her, and her hand was close to the youngest man’s own. Each of them held a long, sleek, silver rod, apart from the young man.
Answering the silent question asked by nearly everyone in the bar, the stranger cleared his throat. “I am Tempest, commander of the one true king’s royal guard,” he gestured to the woman beside him, “and this is Tula, royal envoy. We are here looking for an enemy of the seven seas”
“Who’s that then?” asked the old man. Nell shook her head, knowing better than to ask snide questions.
Tula smiled softly and addressed the man. “His name is Orm Marius. Traitor to the throne.”
“And what makes you think he’s here?” asked Nell.
Tempest looked at Tula, then around at the dishevelled faces of the bar patrons. “Every creature under the sea is looking for him and the trail turns cold here. Undeserved or not, Dubava Saher has a reputation as a place that thrives on--”
Bubbles rose up as the door to the bar opened and a man floated through, only looking up when the silence indoors hit him. His face was obscured by the thick black beard that floated around his head, but Tempest recognised him immediately, and the feeling was mutual.
“Oh, no,” whispered Orm.
“Ocean Master!” growled Tempest.
Except… this wasn’t the Ocean Master, was it? He was a crumpled looking man, dishevelled and appearing as though he had been living rough since he’d last been sighted on the surface world. Where was his purple and black regalia? Where was his devastatingly powerful trident?
Regardless, Garth had known Orm before his fall from grace. They’d shared stories and adventures, but that meant nothing now. He levelled a finger at the traitorous half-brother of his king and declared, “Your time as a free--”
Nell smashed a glass bottle across the back of Tempest’s head, interrupting him, and the entire bar raised up in defiance as she screamed, “Protect the true king of the seven seas! Death to the pretenders!”
Tempest looked at Tula and grimaced, blood blurring the waters around his head. “…Found him.”
Issue Sixty-Four: “Celestial Bodies”
HoM / RIMMER / BOWERS
LAPUTA:
Kimiyo Hoshi watched as her dear friends in the Justice League went to work dismantling the laboratory that she had shared with Ray Palmer and Ted Kord over the last few years. Ray was preparing things on the other end, clearing a space in the Ivy Town science building’s basement ready to receive the technology they were removing, while Ted… Ted hadn’t stepped foot on Laputa since he was cleared from the medical wing. She wished he was here, because this was his passion, his drive, and Ray and Kimiyo had been along for the ride, allowing his enthusiasm to drive their imaginations forward.
“All this needs to stay connected?”
John pulled Kimiyo from her reverie, and she smiled instinctively. “Yes, thank you, Green Lantern.”
He grinned, but then followed that up with a disappointed shake of his head. “C’mon, Kimiyo. John.”
“Sorry, John. I am in my head today. It is a momentous… and sad occasion.”
“We wouldn’t be here today-- be alive today-- if it wasn’t for you,” said the Guardian, numerous boxes piled up on his shoulder. Thank the Gods-of-Moving-Out for American-designed super soldier enhancements…
“Ah, and the world wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for this team a hundred times over,” corrected Kimiyo, though she smiled warmly, appreciating her friend’s sentiment.
“Doctor, I could finish this entire process in a matter of minutes,” bemoaned Majestic, hefting a large computer console with two fingers.
“This technology is very delicate, we have to be careful,” said Kimiyo, moving to take his spare hand and place it on the other side of the device he carried.
Majestros shook his head. “But…”
“Superspeed might throw off the calibrations more so than the move will already. I know what I am asking of you, Majestros. And you did volunteer…”
“My apologies, Doctor. I will continue without complaint,” said Majestros.
“That’s the second or third time he’s said that,” said Cyborg, nudging Doctor Light as Majestic exited the lab.
“Fourth or fifth, for sure,” countered Doctor Light.
There were numerous projects the trio of Blue Beetle, Doctor Light and himself had been working on in their spare time in the labs located at the bottom of the Justice League’s island headquarters. With her lab partners away, Kimiyo had volunteered to coordinate the transport of their work to Ivy Town, so they could resume the in-between university obligations.
Cyborg continued to chat with her, hefting a large bank of computers while the others buzzed around them. “Are you sure there’s nothing we can say that would make you stick around? I mean, the three of you are the big brains of the team, losing you is gonna smart, you know?”
“You will be fine, Victor. You especially. You are plugged into the entirety of the internet. With all that information at your fingertips and it is not like we are leaving you shorthanded. Ray and I already had our obligations to the university, this is just them rearing their heads.”
“I’m really surprised you’re going to be able to go back to the classroom after all this. I mean, this is the Justice League. It’s bigger than anything I’ve ever known.”
“It will be difficult, but that was my life before this one, and will be after.”
Cyborg and Doctor Light talked all the way to the mass transport pad, where the rest of the team awaited her after delivering the rest of the scientific equipment to Ivy Town. They stood waiting, and Kimiyo almost blushed as they gathered around.
“We’re going to miss you, Kimiyo,” said Wonder Woman.
“I’m going to miss you all. Hopefully this isn’t the last you see of me by your side… and if you truly need me… what is it Batman always says?”
“You’ll be there?” offered Mister Miracle.
“Always,” replied Doctor Light with a nod.
She stepped onto the transport pad, along with the last load of equipment from the laboratory.
The Guardian smiled as he adjusted the transport controls, then with a silent salute, Doctor Light, along with the Atom and Blue Beetle, were no longer members of the Justice League. Off the active duty roster they went.
Earlier that week, Batman had taken one of his leaves of absence, and with the big brains no longer on the books, the meeting room felt empty, even though eight of the world’s greatest superheroes were currently assembled.
The team chatted amongst themselves, heading upstairs to the main meeting room. Cyborg hung back, and upon his entry into the Justice League’s roundtable room, saw that everyone else had taken their seats. He took his, and looked around as the others settled in. With the Guardian at the head of the table, ready to call the meeting to order, everyone else had congregated in pairs; Hawkman sat with Wonder Woman, Majestic and Green Lantern had been discussing cosmic politics before a transmission came through John’s ring, meaning he had to excuse himself momentarily, and Big Barda and Mister Miracle were reminiscing about times gone by.
Before the Guardian could get to the business of the meeting, a transmission request came up on the threat board from a frequency known to the team, but disguised to the rest of the world. Harper knew the name of the man who was communicating with them, and answered immediately.
“Commander Morgan, as I live and breathe. What’s going on, old man?”
Commander Kyle ‘Ace’ Morgan, specialised operations director for a half dozen secret projects trail-blazed by the United States military complex-- and former Challenger of the Unknown-- looked happy to see his old friend when his face materialised above the team’s meeting table via holographic projection.
{Colonel Harper, I thought I heard you’d moved onto bigger and better things…}
“You know me, I serve with the best of the best,” replied Harper.
“How can we help you, Colonel Morgan?” asked Wonder Woman, pleasantly amused by the discourse between two old friends.
{Straight to the point. I always admired your mom for that, Diana. Right; SEDPA12, one of my pet projects, just sent a transmission down to command. Something just entered the solar system. We would have missed it if we weren’t looking in that direction… and it sounds like the League’s satellite array has experienced the same problem.}
*That’s Space Exploration and Detection Platform ‘Alpha Twelve’ if you read Green Lantern Corps
Cyborg closed his human eye and his cybernetic prosthesis flashed from red to blue. He plugged himself into the island’s servers, and sure enough, no alarms had sounded; but there was a shape out there, in the depths of space, and it was just that-- an out-of-focus image, but nothing that triggered the solar-system-focused proximity alarms. “Damn… that’s a concern.”
John held up his hands. “Not necessarily-- my ring just received the same alert, Colonel. My partner is headed out there now.”
“Care to fill the rest of us in, GL?” said Hawkman.
With a nod, Stewart held up his ring and constructs-- datafeeds, live streams of data, distorted video footage-- filled the air. This was the internal life of a Green Lantern, all that information being fed directly into their brain on the subtle level so as to not overload. Watching it web out like this, spreading out like a net, was an interesting glimpse inside the minds of one of the team’s most powerful members.
“Right. Some sort of unknown celestial body 278 thousand kilometres in length -- that’s twice the diameter of Jupiter-- has manifested at the edge of the solar system. It’s travelling slowly, but at the size, and at its speed, it’ll reach Earth in a matter of weeks. And… that’s all we can tell. Our deep scans can’t get a bead on shape. My partner was going to take a look.”
Harper nodded. “If Ace called us up, then we should take a look too. Can your partner take a detour to Laputa and then we can send a team up to investigate along with him?”
“I mean, I don’t see why not… and he could use the socialising,” said John.
{I appreciate you taking the time, people. Let me know what happens, it’s big and it’s scary and I got the brass breathing down my neck. Good to know the Justice League are on the case.}
Morgan ended the transmission, leaving the Justice League to plan.
“Your partner… it’s not Guy Gardner, is it?” asked Mister Miracle.
Hawkman laughed at the suggestion. Cyborg wondered; why did everyone dislike Guy Gardner? Then he recalled his own interactions with the man. He wasn’t the easiest of their ilk to get along with…*
*The two met back in Teen Titans #60-62
“No, no, it’s the other one. He ran with the League a while, a few years back…”
“Hank Henshaw,” said Wonder Woman. Why did she sound so sad?
John didn’t seem to pick up on the intonation in her voice and smiled. “I forgot you met him, Diana. That… oh.”
Things caught up with him.
“What?” asked Cyborg.
“I was there when he died*,” said Wonder Woman. “I tried to save him, but failed… he came back later, under dire circumstances… it’s one of my deepest regrets…”
*Green Lantern #35
“Okay, if we’re sending folks out into deep space, I’d like to think they could survive it. Barda, Majestic and Scott, interested?”
“Sounds good to me,” said Miracle.
“If I may, I’d like to go too,” offered Cyborg.
Harper smiled. “Oh?”
“I’ve been itching to implement some modifications Angie and I designed… deep-space survival… integrated EVA specifications. We’ve done alpha testing, and now is as good a time as ever for the live test. Besides, at that distance, we won’t be able to communicate with you guys, and vice versa. Can’t hurt to have some additional tech support up there.”
“You don’t have to sell yourself to me, kid. If you’re confident your upgrades will work, then so am I,” said the Guardian.
Stewart held up his hand. “Either way, I’ve transmitted to Hank. He’s en route.”
“We’ll need to upgrade our armaments and attire, but that won’t take more than a few minutes thanks to Mother Box,” said Barda.
“And when we’re done, we can get there in less time with a Boom Tube,” finished Scott.
With a salute, Harper agreed. “And that sounds good to me. Good luck, folks. Call if you need back up. Let’s be careful out there.”
The foursome left the room, leaving Green Lantern, the Guardian, Hawkman and Wonder Woman the sole active members of the Justice League on Earth.
“And that brings me to my next point,” said the super soldier.
“Go on,” said Wonder Woman.
“Ignoring the fact four of our heavy hitters just exited the atmosphere, we just lost three members permanently,, and with Batman on one of his sabbaticals, we need to consider readjusting the roster.”
“Batman will be here if we need him, but he’s currently on a separate case back home,” explained Wonder Woman.
“We knew what we were getting with him, Diana,” said Hawkman with a smirk.
Diana sighed. “You know who I miss right now? J’onn. He was always the heart of the Justice League. With him back but unable to access his natural Martian abilities… at least he already had a human identity in place to fall back on, but he’s taking it hard*.”
*J’onn was rendered human in Justice League #63
“And there’s been no progress on transforming him back?” asked the Guardian.
He knew they’d reformed one of the brain trusts that came together in times like this to combat the problem; the likes of Niles Caulder, John Henry Irons, Will Magnus; even the likes of Rose Psychic, Zatanna Zatara, not even the combined greats of both science and magic could revert the change J’onn J’onzz had undergone.
Cyborg shook his head. “None yet. His current biological structure is completely human; there’s no trace of his Martian DNA left. His brother really did a number on him.”
“Not even our rings can make a difference, and I called in the rest of the guys in this sector to triple our chances,” said Green Lantern.
“Then we hold out hope. The best super-minds are working on his case, but it’s going to be a long walk back to where he was before. All we can do is support him in this time of need,” said the Guardian.
“You mentioned readjusting the roster, Guardian?” said Hawkman.
Green Lantern leaned forward. “New members?”
“Kind of,” said the Guardian.
Katar scoffed. “‘Kind of’? I can tell I’m going to enjoy this.”
“You would. There’s a gap in the field I wanted to fill, so I reached out to an old friend or two. It’s the start of a drive, but we can discuss other options as time unfolds.”
The Guardian pressed a button on the underside of the meeting table and the door to one of the side rooms slid open to reveal the newest member of the Justice League.
“Ladies and gentlemen…”
“--Firestorm?” said Green Lantern, somewhat surprised. “Wait, you’re not--?”
The woman clad in the warping, transformative Firestorm matrices was quick to put him at ease. “He’s indisposed. I’m an old friend. This is a new fit for me, though.”
Wonder Woman stood, recognising the woman’s voice immediately. “Firehawk, is that you? It’s lovely to see you again. I didn’t realise you’d taken on the mantle of Firestorm?”
Firestorm gratefully accepted the hand extended by Diana. In her time outside of the costume, she was Lorraine Reilly, formerly the heroine known as Firehawk. This new identity was one she was still getting used to, but she appreciated Wonder Woman’s kindness.
“You recognise me? This is all such a recent change, so, I, well. I didn’t…”
Diana nodded. “Of course! Welcome to the Justice League. An exemplary choice.”
Firestorm took a seat. “Um. Right. So as some of you may know, it takes two people to make Firestorm,” she tapped her temple, “so the Professor sends his regards. If you see me talking to myself, it’s all right, I’m not going mad, he’s just giving me an earful.”
Hawkman pointed a finger at her. “See, the old Firestorm never gave us that information up front. Is he…?”
Firestorm shifted around in her seat. “Indisposed, like I said. Long story. Uh. Yeah. Okay. This is the Justice League. Is it okay for me to say how intimidating this is?”
Hawkman shook his head. “Sure, and we won’t even hold it against you..”
DUBAVA SAHER:
Memories diluted as Orm floated backwards, dazed after Tula managed to send a bolt of energy his way. The concussive spear she held fell from her hands after she was tackled to the ground by one of the bar’s patrons, and it was in that moment, with all the King’s Guard present occupied, that Nell the barkeep barked an order at the man she and the rest of her Saherans believed to be the true king of the seven seas.
“Swim, my lord! Swim fast! Get away from here!”
Orm burst through the front door of the bar, cursing all the way. His loyal subjects would keep the King’s Guard off him if possible, but that didn’t mean there weren’t reinforcements in the surrounding waters. He was about to dive into the volcanic trenches that ran beneath the ocean floor. If he could get to them, he could lose any tail, and resurface far from there. If he kept away from the active magma lines, he should be--
A purple explosion shattered a nearby rock face, sending debris clattering down around the fleeing villain. He cried out, diverted, but the distraction was enough for the cause of the chaos to catch up with him. With lavender eyes still crackling with energy, Tempest reeled back his fist, and struck Orm with enough force to send him ploughing into the molten rock below.
“Why did you do it, Ocean Master? Why did you betray the throne?”
Orm wiped blood from his mouth and watched as it floated upwards. “It was m-my throne! It was s-supposed to be mine! I’m the eldest!”
Tempest shook his head and swam forward. He clutched shackles in one hand, while his other was still balled up into a fist. He was shaky after taking a glass bottle to the back of the head, but he was angry at the words coming out of his mentor’s half-brother’s mouth. “Orin’s throne. Arthur’s. You betrayed your oath to serve the crown! And because of that--”
Without warning, the water surrounding Tempest solidified in an instant, and he seized up, unable to move inside the column that had formed around him. His eyes darted from side to side, but he couldn’t even blink while he was trapped there.
Orm looked at his own hand, the way it contorted in Tempest’s direction. He felt the power flow through him, extending into the water molecules surrounding the young man. It hurt to wield the power, but it was a gift he’d been given… and it seemed wrong not to share.
“I’m… I’m sorry, Garth. It never should have come down to this,” said Orm.
With his left hand, he gripped his nails into the water to the right of him, then tore a hole open in the skin of reality. As Tempest watched, helpless, the Ocean Master exited, the tear sealing after him and the villain’s absence causing the pillar of solid water to evaporate back into the ocean.
Tula was by his side in seconds, having witnessed the one-sided fracas from afar as she rushed from the bar, and she checked over her lover with delicate hands. “What was that?”
“I... I have no idea…” mumbled Tempest.
LAPUTA:
In the sky, using his optical array and linking to the net of satellites the Justice League had access to in orbit around Earth, Victor Stone could see the vague shape floating at the edge of the solar system. 278 thousand kilometres in length… but when he focused on it, his eyes seemed to be subjected to a static that obscured the thing’s features. They could be about to step into the path of an alien armada, for all he knew. This could be the first strike that might spell doom for the human race!
But before he could waste his time worrying, Vic watched as, shrouded in emerald light, Hank Henshaw touched down on the landing pad. as Cyborg watched.
The former Titan raised his hand in acknowledgement, and the Green Lantern returned the gesture with a nod. “Hey, man. Welcome aboard!”
“Yeah, hello,” replied Hank, not paying the young man much attention.
Cyborg was taken aback somewhat by the curt response, but didn’t show it. For whatever reason, the grey-haired Green Lantern looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here. Which was odd, of course, because the Justice League was the big… leagues… and most anybody Vic had met wanted to be here, with a seat at the big table.
Deciding to press on, Cyborg said, “The Frees are on their way up, and--”
“Good day, Green Lantern. Your colleague has spoken highly of you,” said Majestic, floating up from the base of Laputa.
“And this is Majestic,” finished Cyborg.
Henshaw nodded again. “Right. How long before we--?”
“Are you ready to depart?” asked Mister Miracle as the Frees appeared, floating up thanks to their Aero-Discs.
Henshaw held up his power ring. “Sure. My ring can--”
“No need. Our Boom Tube will take us directly to our destination. You may want to cover your ears,” said Big Barda.
“It’s going to get loud,” agreed Mister Miracle.
The Boom Tube formed and an immense tunnel manifested in mid-air. Majestic zipped through after taking a deep breath, and then Big Barda followed. Cyborg watched as Mister Miracle beckoned them forward, and then saw Green Lantern contemplate the hole in space. Almost regretfully he flew through, and Cyborg did the same, his upgrades activating as he took his first step--
POSEIDONIS:
Poseidonis, capital of the Seven Seas, the vast kingdom ruled by King Orin-- the man known to the surface world and across the oceans as Aquaman-- was buzzing with activity. Transmissions from Dubava Saher confirmed their liege’s fears-- his brother Orm had resurfaced-- and he had managed to slip out of the net they’d cast.
In the war room, where undersea operations were coordinated, Orin sat at the head of a table that also seated numerous advisors, including his old friend and mentor Vulko. Above the table floated the hard-water facsimile of his old friend Tempest’s head, as he continued his report from Dubava.
“--It was my fault he escaped, my lord. I’m not sure how he managed it--”
Orin raised his hand to silence his old friend’s doubt. “No, Garth. From your reports, it sounds like you were the ones walking into a trap. It amazes me that Orm managed to foster such loyalty…”
Vulko shook his head sadly. “Unfortunately, some of the outlier colonies still find your surface-upbringing distasteful. Our people can be xenophobic at times.”
Aquaman smiled and almost laughed. “Don’t I know it? Garth, did you sense any mystical energies during your interactions with my brother?”
“None. He exhibited abilities I didn’t know he had in him. Water manipulation, the ability to create portals… at least, that’s what I think that was…”
Orin leaned forward, his hands nestled under his chin. Something itched at the back of his head. “…Water manipulation is an ability that the Xebel colonists developed. And the portals… they have technology capable of creating such things*…”
*As seen in Justice League #40
Vulko nodded, remembering an event from a year or so back. “Orm provided details of a Xebel weapons cache to the surface terrorist Lord Naga, did he not?* That madman used it to further his wretched agenda…”
*Detailed across Justice League #41-43
“And now he’s utilising Xebel technology for his own ends, but what are they?” asked Aquaman.
“What do you want us to do here, my lord?” asked Tempest.
“Round up his loyalists and have them taken into custody. Close down the volcanic mines. I’m dispatching a contingent of marshals to be stationed in the town until Orm surfaces again. He’ll find no safe harbour there anymore. Then make sure you get back here for tonight’s event.”
“I’d be more comfortable coming back if I knew what the heck it was for, my lord,” said Garth.
“Ah, you’ll find out soon enough. Thank you for your work today, Garth.”
“Yes, my lord.”
The transmission cut off and Orin continued to be pensive about the whole affair. Everyone in the war room was looking to him for answers, for leadership, but he was a quiet man at times, and Vulko knew he sometimes needed to be prompted to share his thoughts.
“Is there anything else you would like us to do today, my lord?” he asked.
Aquaman stood and leaned over the table, placing his palms down on its surface. “Yes. Have the city’s protective seals checked again. And have them regularly checked until this affair ends. I don’t want my brother simply teleporting inside the city’s limits. Increase guards and issue a statement to the citizens. We will find him. When we do, he’ll pay for what he did to this kingdom.”
“And what of tonight’s festivities?”
“We’ve been planning this for some time now, you know that. I don’t want to abandon them. In fact, I think it would do the capital good to know it’s life as usual. Have the royal guard double their patrols and make sure we don’t let security slip. I’m going to go to the edge of the protective shield. I want to take a look at our defences up close. Keep me posted of any changes to our standing position, Vulko.”
Vulko bowed as Orin exited, and the war room resumed their intelligence analysis. Ocean Master was a threat to the safety and sanctity of this newly rebuilt Poseidonis. He had once held the position of Chief Guard of Atlantis, and that meant he knew every secret passage, every nook and cranny, one might use to enter the kingdom on a whim.
After the capital’s destruction a few years ago*, they had to rebuild everything, and while Vulko hoped the city’s planners had located every trapdoor, every bolthole, it was his job to fear the worse…
*Back in Aquaman #21-25, the epic known as “King’s Reign”
Orm was once the greatest protector this kingdom had, outside of King Orin himself… and when he fell from grace, he still held all that knowledge…
AT THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM:
Cyborg wasn’t surprised that his enhancements allowed him to survive in space, but he was relieved to find they worked. His body was infused by once-cutting-edge nanomachines, but they were generations old by this point, even though they’d only been part of him for a couple of years. The nature of the science meant it moved fast, but once-cutting-edge was still impressive. Impressive enough for him to be a superhero with powers beyond so many others.
An aside; he still remembered what it was like to feel the blood pumping at your temples. Phantom pains. A phantom life.
{Anyone else weirded out by this?}
In the silence of space, they communicated via the nanotelepathic link, but out here the sound quality was tinny. A slight echo on the fringe of their hearing.
The ‘this’, in this context, was the immense shape that drew them to the edge of the solar system. A shape that seemed to have mass, but hadn’t disrupted any of the planetary bodies it passed through on its way deeper into the Milky Way. When you looked through any of the deep space telescopes at it, you couldn’t see detail. It was an optical illusion, a blur, and even Green Lantern’s ring had problems discerning its features.
As ever, when it came to the Justice League’s attention, it was an impossible thing that caught it.
{Weird doesn’t even begin to describe it,} said Green Lantern.
Earth’s second, currently active Green Lantern, Hank Henshaw, had once been a member of the Justice League for what could have been described as two minutes. Long story short, his Sector Lantern partner, John Stewart, now held active membership, but when it came to a problem like this, a second set of eyes was preferred.
{My Zoom Vision cannot penetrate its hide,} explained Majestic, rubbing the bridge of his nose. {Even focusing… hurts…}
{Weird is the wrong word, I think Barda would agree,} said Mister Miracle.
{Then what’s the right one?} asked Cyborg.
Big Barda floated forward, guided by the Aero-Discs she wore on her soles. {The right word to describe it? Unfortunately, it’s simple… we are in the presence of a dead god, Victor.}
{We have different definitions of the word ‘simple’, Bard,} replied Cyborg.
The quintet of Justice Leaguers floated in front of the immense celestial body that floated freely in the void of space. They were in the presence of something impossibly large, but when it came to alien life and scale, who knew what normal was?
On this scale, they were insects. Microbes.
{How could it get here without our early warning systems alerting us…?} pondered Hank.
Majestic was focusing on the details as best he could. {It’s clothing almost appears second century Earth in nature; Roman, almost. The cloak has texture, you can see between the folds, even at this scale. But the pigmentation of its skin … gold.}
{Look at its mouth,} said Mister Miracle.
Huge, jutting ice crystals, like a glacier, filled the god’s mouth. The corners of its mouth, where top and bottom lips met, were split viciously, and its face was a mountainous range of bruises and contusions.
{He was in a fight. At least, I guess it’s a he?} offered Cyborg.
{I’m going to perform a deep tissue scan with the ring. See if we can get any answers,} said Hank.
He held up his ring and sheets of emerald light began to flow outward, penetrating the corpse of the celestial being. There was a movement inside the folds of the god’s clothing, on the other side of its body where none of the Justice League could see.
But, as if attracted to the light projected by the power ring, they began to scuttle across the landscape of the god’s body, until they were a swarming army headed straight for them--!
{Whoa, whoa, whoa! What the hell are they?} yelled Cyborg.
His scanning systems couldn’t detect anything but shape and movement. Anything deeper and all he received back was a reading of solid nothingness. A paradoxical thing that, while apparently unreal, was coming at them with black claws ready and evil intentions!
Henshaw had ceased scanning the corpse and had also turned his attention to the horde, and his ring had found the same-- whatever this was-- it was both there and not there simultaneously!
{This is impossible, they shouldn’t be here!} said Barda.
Her Mega-Rod crackled intensely, ready to go to war.
{Anything’s possible, Barda. What are we dealing with?} asked Majestic, barring his teeth.
{They’re the Throshti! By the Source, I didn’t think we’d ever see them this far out from their believers’ world…} said Big Barda.
{English, please! Not New God!} said Cyborg.
Weapons systems were primed, but Majestic held his hand up-- not yet-- not yet--
{Odin had the Wild Hunt, or, uh, the Odensjakt. A force that followed him from battle to battle. Well, these guys? They follow a God of Carrion called the Klathyr… a being from the farthest reaches of old space.}
{Sounds bad,} admitted Cyborg.
{We’ve faced worse,} said Majestic.
{And recently too,} offered Mister Miracle.
{Gods recognise gods, my friends. Scott and I know the celestial when we see it. These beasts devour the enemies of their god, or those who die in its presence. I didn’t know they manifested anymore! And if they reach Earth they’ll seek out any meat they can find that worships-- they’ll devour humanity!}
{Except the atheists?} suggested Cyborg.
{Quiet. Not only have they manifested, they’re headed right for us. We need to hold them here,} said Henshaw.
{Then here is where we’ll hold them,} said Barda.
Cyborg swallowed hard and heavy. An old habit. It did nothing to settle a stomach that no longer existed. {Weapons hot,} he said quietly, and then this quartet went to work.
POSEIDONIS:
Orin drifted above the city, performing his own checks on the seals that kept the capital safe from incursion. When the Justice League helped him learn that Orm had sold military secrets to the Kobra cult, he’d immediately put a plan in action to prevent their use within the city’s borders. They were extending the seals out across the ocean floor, so that an invading force couldn’t land just outside the city-- which would also be a devastating act-- but it was slow going.
“Portal weavers… but Tempest saw no evidence of technology on Orin’s person…” murmured Aquaman.
He reached the edge of the sealed border, and checked the work done by the city’s technicians. Mera had been the one instructing them on how to perform the rites that would keep Poseidonis safe, and he wished she was here now.
Orin ran his hand over the seal. There was an odd vibration to it usually, but as his fingers touched it now, the feeling that ran up the length of his arm was different. Almost painful. “What…?”
Bubbles formed behind him at the same moment he noticed that the seal had been tampered with! He turned immediately after that realisation struck him and saw his brother Orm floating there, looking dishevelled.
The man known as Ocean Master reached out and gripped Orin’s face, and then the two brothers vanished as more bubbles floated upwards. The cacophony of motion had caused the sands underfoot to shift, revealing the bodies of the three technicians sent to inspect the seals. As Arthur’s royal trident hit the sea floor, it was obvious-- this moment had been prepared for!
Meanwhile, back in the royal chambers, Mera cried out, clutching her chest with one hand while holding her child, Arthur Jr, in the other. She didn’t know what, but something had happened to her husband--!
ELSEWHERE:
“Hello, dear brother,” said Orm, leaning forward to inspect the damage his sneak attack had done to Orin.
Roused from the suffocating comfort of unconsciousness, Aquaman strained his muscles to surge forward and attack, but immediately found he was bound by thick, seemingly cast-iron chains. Every single heavy metal link was emblazoned with a sigil, carved into the metal and shining with every exertion he made. As he once again tried to power out of them, he found that his strength was sapped.
Magic, then.
Orin barely recognised the shell that was his half-brother. What had happened since they last met face-to-face? His treasonous sibling had made a deal with Lord Naga, with the cult of Kobra, to provide forbidden weaponry to the surface world, and then he’d vanished. He was an enemy of the state two-times-over. Had the shame driven him to these new depths?
“O-Orm, what have you done?”
“Nothing yet; but I have… I’ve found allies. They want to provide me with an army. An army capable of leading Atlantis into a new age of global dominance, one unlike anything our-- my people-- have experienced before. Especially under your stewardship.”
“Like you did when you drew our enemies down on Poseidonis? When your actions led to the deaths of thousands? Tens of thousands?”
“No! No, no, no! You never understood! You never knew!” cried Orm, following his outburst up with a sharp slap across his brother’s face.
There was a silence then, the sting of impact hanging in the water, and he began to pace in small circles in front of his half-brother, back and forth.
“If you’d… listened to the will of the people… I wouldn’t have had… to do… what I did…”
“Will of the people? You declared yourself the master of all oceans and then revealed our capital’s location to every enemy who ever hated us, or me. You could have been responsible for the final destruction of our people, Orm. You’re deluded. I didn’t know it before, but I had my suspicions. You’re mad.”
“I’m not mad. I’m not insane. But… I’ve had enough. Do you remember your briefings, brother? The tales Vulko used to spin to amuse you, to keep you focused on the history of our people?”
“You make me sound like some ADHD-addled child, Orm. Say your piece and kill me. Say your piece and let me go. Do whatever it is you’re building yourself up to, but don’t delude yourself into thinking your words sting.”
“Heh. I never took you for a thin-skinned carp. Do you remember what Vulko told you of Kamchatka’s Drowning, brother?”
Aquaman’s eyes turned to slits. “I know the legend.”
Orm smiled. And behind that smile, Orin recognised madness. What had happened to the great man his brother had once been? Why was he now this broken thing?
“Yesss. A weapon of ultimate destructive power. Capable of taking the seas back from our surface enemies. Built at the order of King Kamchatka himself; used once, and then banished into the void between tides. The kingdom of Atlantis deposed the king after he wrought destruction upon the world, and his brother assumed the throne. But the weapon was still out there. What is the Earth myth? Pandora’s Box was opened, brother… no putting that… genie?… back inside the bottle…”
Aquaman shook his head. “Orm, you committed treason, but you’re still my damn brother; stop this now. Stop this and come home. There’s still time to come back from this.”
“It’s not my home anymore. You took that from me. They told me. They told me what I needed to hear. And they bought this to me.”
Momentarily, Orm vanished behind a pillar; Orin’s vision was clearing and he could see they were inside some kind of temple. He didn’t recognise the language emblazoned across the walls, but he didn’t get long to consider their origin. Instead, Orm returned, dragging a large stone box along with him. The runes carved across the box’s surface were unlike those on the walls of the temple; it was old Atlantean. Warnings about death, about destruction.
“Oh, no,” whispered Orin.
He recognised the carvings on the container. A king’s name. A warning.
“You know then. You know the legends are true. Isn’t that always the way with our people? We make up stories in the hope that our tragedies, our shames, are forgotten. I wonder what story they’ll make up for you.”
Once again, Aquaman tried to lunge forward, but the chains were too heavy, their strength-sapping properties too much. “Don’t! Don’t do this, whatever this is, just don’t. Please, Orm, please!”
Orm laughed. “Oh, that is not the behaviour of royalty. You were always so human.”
He smashed his fist on the side of the stone container and it shattered, revealing an arcane-looking device made of glass tubes and purple crystal. As the debris floated to the ground of the chamber, the device showed itself to be mute in colour, dull, and very, very old.
“It sings a song, really. It sends out a call. Like a whale song. It will bring the surface world to heel. Without their precious water-- our precious water-- they’ll dry up and die.”
“You… forget the legend… don’t you? The machine… it caused the deaths of so many, not just surface worlders, but Atlanteans too. You need to stop, you need to think-- you’ll kill millions--”
Orm shook his head. “No, I won’t. It takes a king to activate Kamchatka’s Drowning, brother. You’ll be the devastator. I’m just a humble witness.”
He surged over to Aquaman, dragged his hand loose from the chains and yanked it toward the surface of the machine. Orin wrestled his hand back, but even with adrenaline and terror rushing through him, he was no match for the magic in the chains. Orm smashed his elbow into his brother’s face repeatedly, then, with him weakened to such a degree, the former Chief Guard of Atlantis placed his brother’s palm on the surface of the ancient device, and watched as the dull colours faded, replaced by the bright lights that came with activation.
A vibration began to ring through the temple, the walls shook, and the arcane device sang its song of devastation. Ships began to sink, swimmers began to drown, and across the world, Atlantean devastation reigned down upon the globe.
Orm laughed as the device went to work, and leaned in close to his brother’s ear. “This is just the start. I found them all, brother. I found the devastation Atlantis always held the promise to deliver. I’ll drown the world and become the true king of the seven seas. And you… will… be…”
Aquaman head-butted Ocean Master so hard it broke his nose. He was still chained, still weaker than a minnow, but he wouldn’t sit here and listen to the rantings of a mad man. Orm floated awkwardly toward the machine, but found his balance as he clutched his bleeding nose.
“I will be the man who stops you, Orm. I promise you that,” growled Aquaman.
“Too late, little brother. The surface world drowns!”
LAPUTA:
The Guardian continued his briefing, while the rest of the team considered the facts outlined. “…It’s been a while since our roster has been so compact, but I’m confident we’re more than able to take on whatever threats come our way from this point on. As most you know, but for the benefit of our newest member, we are not always operationally active. There can be large gaps of time between Justice League emergencies. We’re here to--”
Interrupting the Guardian mid-sentence, Laputa suddenly sank.
There was no warning-- no alarms or klaxons-- one moment the high-tech compound that had stayed afloat these last few years no longer had any buoyancy, and the entire island slipped beneath the waves, plunging into the depths of the ocean before anyone could react!
Everyone was sent scrambling, but a second after the initial shock struck, John had already surrounded the base in a protective sphere with his power ring, just in case the emergency forcefields didn’t activate and the pressures of the ocean crushed them. The windows were all reinforced, the doors leading to the outside all automatically sealed, and they were safe, but the fact of the matter was, they had sunk, and they had no clue as to why!
“What-- was-- that--?” asked Hawkman, clutching his mace.
The entire structure was sinking, but at least they weren’t drowning. Lantern was bringing the descending island to a slow stop, so as to not shake the structural integrity down to its nuts and bolts.
Firestorm held out a hand and closed her eyes. Light danced around her fingertips as she read the signals being sent by the molecules in the air, and when she opened them, she looked scared.
“Something’s wrong with the water outside-- all the water, I mean. The ocean. The buoyancy is gone, like, uh, the entire cohesion, the molecular cohesion of the ocean has shifted.”
“What does that mean?” asked the Guardian.
Firestorm opened her mouth but a man’s voice emerged from it-- Martin Stein’s. “When an object enters water, two forces act upon it. There’s the downward force that’s determined by the object’s weight and an upward force that’s determined by the weight of the water displaced by the object. Gravity and buoyancy, working in tandem--”
She cleared her throat, and her own voice resumed primacy.
“Sorry, we’re still getting used to this. Basically, if the downward force is less than the upward an object will float. Something just flipped a switch and that’s changed. Laputa should displace more water than, say, a huge rock, and therefore should float, but that’s all changed.”
The Guardian grimaced. “I’m going to assume we’re not the only ones affected. Wonder Woman, go with Green Lantern and get above water-- begin searching for survivors. There are hundreds of thousands of boats out on water at any moment in time, the death toll… we need to send out a call to the entire community-- GL, can you coordinate? Your ring can detect life signs, we need to know where we’re needed. And damn, see if the deep-space team can receive transmissions-- Cyborg said they’d be out of range, but we have to call everyone in!”
“On it,” said John.
Without needing to hear another word, Diana and he left as quickly as they could, but heavy with the knowledge that potentially they’d be too late.
On the other side of the meeting room, Angela Spica, the Justice League’s technical advisor, popped her head in. “I’m on my way down to the engine room, I’ll grab some techs and we’ll get the engines back online. The systems have been shocked by our descent, maybe that’s why we’ve not automatically shot back up!”
“Good, go! Firestorm, any idea what could have caused this?” asked the Guardian.
Laputa shook as it landed at the bottom of the sea, Green Lantern’s constructs dissolving as they kept her intact on impact. There was a creaking sound, but the structural integrity of the Justice League’s base held.
“It shouldn’t be possible, but uh, no, I know, I know-- sorry-- these are the fundamentals of nature, sir. I know we deal with the impossible on the Justice League, I know that was part of the sales pitch, but this really is impossible.”
{We’ve got another problem,} came the voice of Green Lantern.
“Go ahead,” said the Guardian.
{We can’t break through the surface of the sea. Diana is trying to punch her way through now and I’m using my ring to drill, but the density is immense, I don’t know how this is--} There was a white noise shriek and the line went quiet for a moment, before Green Lantern’s voice broke back through. {Judas Priest! What was that--?}
“What’s going on up there?” pressed the Guardian.
{We managed to push our way to the surface but it took everything we had-- but-- but we need to call in everybody!}
“This isn’t just an attack on us--?” started Hawkman.
Wonder Woman’s voice piped into the conversation, fear and urgency filling their heads as her words cut through them: {Listen to me! Every ocean, every body of water-- they’ve all lost their surface tension-- thousands are drowning, maybe more-- we need to move! Call everybody, Guardian! We need everyone we can get, before everyone drowns!}
TO BE CONTINUED!
NEXT ISSUE: As the surface world drowns, Aquaman discovers that not everything is as it seems under the mask of the Ocean Master! Mera rallies Atlantis’ forces to come to her husband’s aid, which brings her into the path of the Justice League! And in space, a swarm of god-devouring entities attack five space-bound heroes, who will need to dig deep if they’re to survive the onslaught and discover the cause of the celestial corpse’s death!