Wayne Tech
In his Wayne Tech office, Orach meticulously examined their latest prototype while Mother Empress provided a comprehensive review of data from months of trials. Her subsequent report detailed both Wayne Tech's various project developments and a concerning surge in Gotham's criminal activities during his absence.
"The crime rate has risen significantly over the past year," Mother Empress reported, "though it remains below pre-intervention levels."
"Send a message," Orach commanded, his voice carrying quiet authority. "Broadcast it across every device in Gotham."
Within moments, three simple words appeared on screens throughout the city: 'I'm back ~ Orach'
The effect was immediate and profound. From the poorest streets to the wealthiest penthouses, the message sent ripples of anticipation - and fear - through Gotham's populace. While newer criminal elements, those who had flourished in his absence, initially scoffed at the warning, veteran criminals knew better. They quickly retreated into the shadows, memories of Orach's previous interventions still fresh in their minds.
"Mother Empress," Orach said, his mind already moving to the next phase of his plans, "arrange a withdrawal from the 'Bank of Naked Luthor.' We'll need resources for what's coming."
"At once," Mother Empress responded, and in the next second, she announced, "Transfer complete. $50 million has been successfully redirected from Luthor's secure accounts and discreetly routed to Wayne Tech's R&D division under an anonymous donation classification. All traces have been eliminated, and the funds are now available for immediate deployment."
"Excellent," Orach nodded, a subtle smile playing at his lips. "Continue to bleed him. $50 million is merely a drop in the bucket compared to what we'll need. Luthor's... involuntary contribution will fund humanity's advancement. At least something worthwhile will come from his exploits."
"Understood, young master," Mother Empress replied with a nod.
His former team members, despite their reassignments to other Wayne Tech projects, didn't hesitate to answer his call. They knew that working with Orach meant not just financial rewards, but unprecedented opportunities for innovation and growth. When the team gathered in his office and welcomed him back, they discovered Orach had already thoroughly reviewed their current assignments and project files.
"Before we begin our new ventures," Orach addressed them, "we need to ensure clean handoffs of your existing responsibilities. At the end of the day, Wayne Tech is one company, and we'll maintain that unity and respect all branches." After congratulating them on the successful Medpod launch, he worked through their current projects one by one, providing guidance without simply handing over solutions and assigning deadlines for them to complete their current projects.
"Once those are complete," he continued, his eyes gleaming with purpose, "we have further improvements to brainstorm for the Medpods and three new initiatives to tackle. For the new initiatives that I have in mind, first, we'll develop advanced filtration technology to cleanse this planet's air and water systems. Earth's pollution crisis has gone unchecked for too long, threatening all forms of life. Granted my influence and presence has improved this planets condition, that isn't the solution but, just a fix. Second, we'll pioneer terraforming technology - but not immediately for space colonization. We'll start by revitalizing Earth's barren regions, perfecting the process here before looking to other worlds. Finally, we'll design and construct spacecraft capable of interstellar travel, combining our terraforming advances to make humanity truly space-faring. The potential here is limitless."
The team stood in awe at the ambitious scope of these projects. They understood that while Orach possessed the power and technology to implement these changes instantly, his approach was deliberate - teaching them to solve their world's problems independently. Though they recognized he viewed Earth as a temporary home, they were deeply grateful for his commitment to helping humanity progress. After all, Earth's future ultimately lay in humanity's hands.
After dismissing the team, he traveled to Azarath to work in his partially completed lab, where he began mapping out milestones and deadlines for each project. He also tasked Crescent and Mother Empress with coordinating the construction of a proper facility and home in Azarath for his family to act as their base on Earth, expanding upon his existing lab. While he focused on his work, Crescent deployed droids to Azarath, and together with Mother Empress, they began construction using technology from the ship and materials sourced from both the ship and Earth.
That Evening - Gotham General Hospital
Gotham General stood among the prestigious few selected to receive Wayne Tech's revolutionary Medpod technology. The partnership had proven extraordinarily successful, with three units dedicated to critical and life-threatening cases having saved countless lives. The hospital administration, impressed by these remarkable outcomes, had already begun allocating funds to acquire additional units.
The night shift had settled into their usual routine, the staff feeling an unusual sense of security following Orach's citywide warning. "No one would dare cause trouble now," a nurse had commented earlier. "Not with him back."
But this night, a deafening crack split the air. The temperature in the east wing plummeted as sheets of ice began creeping across the walls and floors. Security alarms blared to life as a section of the building's structure groaned under the sudden cold assault.
"Emergency protocols initiated!" the PA system announced. "All personnel begin immediate evacuation procedures!"
Through the chaos of fleeing shocked staff, patients and loved ones helping the patients evacuate, a towering figure in an advanced cryo-suit strode purposefully down the frozen corridors, flanked by heavily armed henchmen. Their destination, the secure chamber housing the Medpods.
"The security cameras first," commanded Mr. Freeze, his filtered voice devoid of emotion. His men kicked open the chamber doors as he methodically blasted each security camera with his freeze gun, then moved towards one of the precious healing units.
"Careful with that unit," Freeze warned, his tone carrying a hint of desperation. "It may be Nora's only hope." With practiced efficiency, the team planted shaped charges on the floor. The resulting controlled explosion revealed access to Gotham's sprawling network of underground tunnels. Within minutes, they had vanished into the city's depths, taking with them one of Wayne Tech's most advanced healing devices.
Minutes after the incident, GCPD response teams arrived to secure the scene. Officers efficiently coordinated the evacuation efforts, ensuring all patients, staff, and visitors were safely accounted for before forensics could begin their investigation of the frozen wing.
Commissioner Jim Gordon surveyed the crystalline devastation with a grim expression. The precision of the attack and the distinctive ice formation patterns told him exactly who they were dealing with.
"Commissioner," a forensic technician approached, tablet in hand. "Thermal residue analysis confirms it - this was Mr. Freeze's handiwork."
"I was afraid of that," Gordon sighed heavily. "After his presidential pardon for helping defend Earth during the Thanagarian invasion, I'd hoped Victor would stay on the right path. But his obsession with saving Nora..." He shook his head, studying the destruction outside Medpod chamber. "He'll do anything to bring her back, no matter the cost."
"Commissioner," an officer called out urgently, "We've accessed the chamber. Looks like they took one of the three pods. They used the old tunnel network beneath the building. Teams are deploying to secure potential exit points."
"Save your resources. Those extend for miles and go everywhere," Gordon shook his head and ordered, already pulling out his communicator and pressing the bat sign. "We need Batman on this. And get Wayne Tech on the line immediately. Even if I understand Freeze's desperation, we need to know exactly what that Medpod is capable of in his hands."
"Sir," the young detective beside him whispered nervously, "Batman's one thing, but contacting Wayne Tech means involving... him. The one behind the Medpod project."
Gordon turned to face the detective directly. "His name is Orach," he stated firmly but kindly. "Yes, he commands tremendous power, and that can be intimidating. But he's chosen to be a force for good in Gotham. He's made our city his home, and we need to respect that. Now make the call."
"Yes, Commissioner," the detective replied, straightening his shoulders as he moved to carry out his orders.
As his team worked around him, Gordon couldn't help but wonder what would happen when these two forces - Batman's justice and Orach's power - converged on Victor Freeze's desperate gambit. One thing was certain, Gotham was in for an interesting night.
Gotham City — Batman's Patrol
"Gotham General has been hit," Batman growled, his fingers tightening on the Batmobile's steering wheel as Gordon's alert came through. Just when he was expecting a quiet patrol before his vacation with Barbara tomorrow, this happened. "Alfred, patch me into GCPD communications."
"Patching through now, sir," Alfred's crisp voice responded. "Initial reports confirm it was Victor Fries. He's taken one of the Wayne Tech Medpods."
"Nora," Batman said grimly, the Batmobile's engine roaring as he accelerated through Gotham's streets. "He's still trying to save her."
"Indeed, sir. The Medpod represents cutting-edge medical technology. For someone of Victor's expertise, it must have seemed an irresistible opportunity. Despite his pardon, his devotion to Nora remains... absolute."
"What about the office, Alfred? Any movement?"
"Master Orach appears to be working in his office at Wayne Tech," Alfred reported carefully. "However, sir, I must advise against continuing our surveillance. Mother Empress has likely already detected our systems. While Master Orach seems content to ignore this for now, actively monitoring him could prove... unwise."
"We don't have a choice, Alfred," Batman replied. "If Orach decides to intervene, we can't stop him. Our only option is to find Victor first."
"Very well, sir. I'll maintain observation and alert you to any changes."
Cutting the communication, Batman began his methodical search through Gotham's underworld. One by one, he extracted information from his network of reluctant informants, each piece bringing him closer to Victor's location. After interrogating his fifth source, he finally had what he needed - a solid lead on Freeze's whereabouts. Without hesitation, Batman directed the Batmobile toward the industrial district, knowing time was of the essence.
Abandoned Factory - Outskirts of Gotham
Victor Fries covered his tracks through Gotham's underground tunnels, strategically freezing intersections to prevent any pursuit. His crew efficiently transported their precious cargo, the stolen Medpod and its healing compounds, through the maze-like passages until they reached a concealed truck. The vehicle brought them to their prepared hideout, an abandoned factory where they had already established an illegal power tap into Gotham's grid.
While his men worked with practiced precision to install the Medpod according to his specifications, Victor approached the cryogenic chamber that held his beloved wife. The soft blue glow of the preservation unit illuminated her peaceful features.
"Soon, my darling Nora," he whispered, pressing his gloved hand against the frosted glass. His filtered voice carried a rare warmth despite its metallic tone. "After all these years, I'm finally close to bringing you back. To feeling your touch again... seeing your smile..." His fingers curled into a determined fist against the chamber's surface. "Whatever punishment awaits me for taking this technology, I'll gladly bear it. This Medpod was created by that higher realm being, Orach himself - if anything can save you, this has to be it."
A sudden crash from across the factory floor drew his attention. One of his men called out urgently, "Boss! The power grid's fluctuating. We need more juice to keep the Medpod stable!"
"Divert all auxiliary power to the main unit," Victor commanded, moving swiftly to the control panel. "We can't risk any disruptions during the transfer process."
As his team scrambled to stabilize the power supply, Victor brought Nora's pod parallel to the Medpod began the delicate process of preparing both pods for the upcoming procedure. Every calculation had to be perfect - he wouldn't get a second chance at this. He knew once he initiated the shut down sequence of the cryogenic pod he would be against the clock with Nora's life on the line.
"Sir, it's working. All system green. We are good to go,"nervously reported another of his men.
"Good, let's begin,"Victor then input the shut down sequence and the cooling systems of the cryogenic pod started to shut down.
Puff
With a soft hiss, the cryogenic pod's locks disengaged. As the glass cover lifted, wisps of super-cooled air escaped, revealing Nora's serene face - as beautiful as the day Victor had first met her. Despite his trembling hands, his movements were precise and gentle as he lifted her from the preservation chamber.
The Medpod waited, its canopy open ready for the patient. Victor carefully transferred Nora inside, taking a moment to brush a few errant strands of hair from her face before connecting the breathing apparatus. He stepped back, allowing his technician to begin the procedure. The glass sealed with a pneumatic hiss, and healing compounds began flowing into the chamber.
As Victor watched the pod fill, his gloved fingers curled into tight fists. 'Soon, my love... soon we'll be together again.'
The Medpod's systems hummed to life, scanning Nora's condition and cross-referencing its vast medical database. After what felt like an eternity, text appeared on the display: "Diagnosis complete. Recovery possible. Shall I begin? [Yes/No]"
Without hesitation, Victor pressed [Yes]. The pod's systems surged with renewed activity.
[Systems initiated] [Recovery time: one hour]
Victor staggered back, overwhelmed by emotion. Years of pain, loneliness, and desperate measures had led to this moment. For the first time in what felt like forever, he could see light at the end of his dark tunnel.
"Sir," Nicholas, one of his men, spoke softly, clearly moved by his boss's uncharacteristic display of emotion. "The technology... it's incredible. Mrs. Fries will pull through."
Ha...haha...hahaha
A sound escaped Victor that started as a chuckle and grew into genuine laughter - something he hadn't experienced in years.
"Thank you, Nicholas," he said, composing himself. "Now all of you - leave. Go to Location D for your payment. Get out before the Bat arrives... or worse, he arrives. Tonight's consequences are mine alone to bear."
His men exchanged glances, showing surprising loyalty. "Good luck, boss." "We'll keep watch over Mrs. Fries from afar, make sure she stays safe." "Try to make it through this, sir. For her sake."
As they gathered their gear, the security system pinged a warning. "Movement on the perimeter, sir," one man reported nervously. "Could be the Bat."
"He's here," Victor muttered. Turning to his men, he fired a warning shot of ice at their feet. "GO! Live your lives!"
They needed no further encouragement, quickly disappearing into the shadows. Victor watched them go with quiet approval. 'Good men, just dealt a bad hand.' His attention turned to a fleeting shadow on his security feed. 'And now... Sorry Batman but, I can't allow you to stop me.'
The temperature dropped as Victor sensed a presence in the shadows. His freeze gun raised instinctively. "I was expecting you, Batman."
A dark silhouette emerged, cape billowing in the frigid factory air. Batman's gaze swept from the active Medpod to Victor, his expression grim. "You had a second chance, Victor. A full pardon. The city welcomed you back as a hero. Why throw it all away?"
"You don't understand, Batman," Victor replied, protectively positioning himself between the Dark Knight and the Medpod. "When someone you love is dying, all else, becomes meaningless. This technology is her only hope. I won't let you stop the procedure now."
"I understand more than you think,"Batman took a measured step forward, "but you endangered lives at Gotham General tonight, and now the power drain from this operation could kill patients on life support across the city. What about those innocent lives?"
Victor's finger ready at the trigger as his anger built. "I tried it your way, Batman. For months, I petitioned through legal channels. But the bureaucrats and wealthy elite – they put my Nora on endless waitlists while they reserved the Medpods for themselves. They left me no choice!"
Batman's eyes narrowed behind his cowl. "And what about your men? They trusted you, followed you. Now they'll be hunted by the GCPD, their lives ruined. Was that worth it?"
"They knew the risks," Victor gestured to where his crew had vanished into the shadows. "I gave them their payment and a chance to escape. Now I'm asking you – just let the procedure finish. After that..." His voice softened. "After that, I'll surrender willingly."
"You know I can't do that, Victor," Batman replied after a tense moment of silence. "Too many lives are at stake."
The air temperature plummeted as Victor raised his freeze gun, ice crystals forming in swirling patterns around him. "Then you leave me no choice."
A barrage of ice beams erupted from Victor's weapon. Batman dove behind a nearby pillar as the frozen rays struck concrete, instantly coating it in a thick layer of crystalline ice. His cape whipped behind him, its edges crackling as frost formed along the material.
"Victor, stop!" Batman called from the shadows. "I give you my word, we can safely pause the procedure and transfer her safely to a proper facility. Let's end this peacefully."
"Your promises mean nothing against my fear," Victor replied, his voice raw with emotion as ice continued forming around his hands. He positioned himself protectively near the pod. "One disruption during transfer, one power fluctuation, and I lose her forever. I won't risk that. Not again."
"Then let's keep this fight away from her," Batman suggested, his voice carrying both authority and understanding. "Nora is innocent in all this. Neither of us wants her harmed."
A batarang whistled through the air, forcing Victor to adjust his aim. The projectile struck a steam pipe overhead, releasing a dense cloud that filled the space between them. Through the billowing vapor, two silhouettes faced each other - one desperate to protect what he loved, the other determined to prevent catastrophe without causing further harm.
Batman's upgraded suit's cowl visor adapted instantly to the foggy conditions. He fired a targeted electrical charge at a metal pillar near Victor. The magnetic pulse pulled Victor's suit towards the structure with tremendous force. As Victor struggled against the magnetic field, Batman launched another batarang, aiming to disarm his freeze gun.
But Victor had anticipated this move. With a grunt of effort, he ejected his other free arm from the suit's sleeve and formed a deadly ice spear, hurling it at Batman with deadly accuracy.
"I've evolved my tactics, Batman," Victor called out as the magnetic charge dissipated. He smoothly reinserted his arm into the suit and retrieved his weapon. "Our past encounters - and that war - taught me well."
Batman barely evaded the ice spear, using the steam as cover. Analyzing the frozen floor around Victor, he executed a sliding tackle, attempting to sweep Victor's legs. As his opponent stumbled, Batman fired his grapple gun upward and launched himself high into the rafters and then descended with devastating force, his boots aimed at Victor's chest.
The impact sent Victor sprawling. Batman seized the opportunity and sprinted toward the Medpod's control panel, intent on engaging the emergency preservation protocols. But Victor had prepared for this. A cryo-canister dropped appeared from the fog from above, detonating in a blast of super-cooled gas that instantly froze both the floor and Batman's legs.
Before Batman could break free, Victor's arms locked around him in a crushing bear hug. "Nothing will stop this procedure!" Victor roared. "Nothing!"
But Batman's upgrade suit had been engineered to withstand even Kryptonian-level force for short periods. Activating his thermal gauntlets, he pushed against Victor's grip while simultaneously tucking his legs and delivering a powerful kick. The combination of heat and force broke Victor's hold, allowing Batman to roll free.
The two men faced each other again, neither willing to back down. The Medpod continued its work behind them.
"Victor, listen to me," Batman's voice carried a tinge of compassion. "Even if you stall until the procedure completes, what then? The GCPD are minutes away. Think about Nora - when she wakes up, her first sight will be you in handcuffs, being dragged away. The person she loves most, locked away where she can't reach you."
Batman took a step forward, his cape settling around him. "And in this new world she'll wake up to - who will help her adjust? The same people whose loved ones are at risk right now because of the power drain? This isn't the same Gotham she knew, Victor. She'll need you there, not behind bars."
Victor's stance faltered, his grip on the freeze gun loosening as uncertainty flickered across his features. "This city failed us, Batman. Every legal channel, everyone who called me a hero, every procedure... they all led nowhere," he said, his voice raw with bitterness and anger.
"There's always another way," Batman pressed on, seeing the crack in Victor's resolve. "I have direct connections to Wayne Tech. We can safely pause the process, keep her stable in the pod. I give you my word - Bruce Wayne himself will oversee her case. Let me help you both, the right way. For Nora's sake."
Victor's eyes lingered on the pod where Nora lay. For a moment, hope and desperation warred across his features. "The great Bruce Wayne, the white knight... perhaps he could help. But Batman..." His voice hardened with renewed determination. "After all these years of pain, of watching her suffer... I'm finally so close. I can't risk losing her again."
In one fluid quick motion, Victor ejected himself from his suit's constraints. Before Batman could react, Victor unleashed a massive wave of cryogenic energy, the temperature plummeting to absolute zero. Ice crystals formed instantly in the air as the blast engulfed them both.
Sigh
A soft sigh echoed through the site. Both men, trapped in ice with only their faces free, turned their attention to the control panel of the Medpod. Batman's eyes narrowed as space itself seemed to ripple, revealing Orach as he walked out in his Super Saiyan God form.
Rewinding Time - Wayne Tech
Back at Wayne Tech, Orach was updating his work systems and assigning tasks to his team members when Mother Empress alerted him about a situation at Gotham General. A criminal known as Victor Fries, also called Mr. Freeze, had stolen one of the deployed Medpods from the hospital. Although Mother Empress immediately provided a detailed profile analysis and possible location, Orach chose to review only the profile, declining to act on the location and continued to work.
"Young Master, Batman has found his location and is en route," Mother Empress soon reported. "Shall we intervene?"
"What are your thoughts on him joining our team?" Orach asked, continuing his work.
Mother Empress paused, analyzing the suggestion. "His expertise would be invaluable across multiple fields - cryogenic preservation, temperature-resistant suits for space exploration, deep-sea research, medical innovations, suspended animation technology, and advanced cooling systems. However, he did defy your authority by acting after your warning of return to Gotham was sent out. Though the city is under your silent protection, this cannot go unchallenged."
Orach stood from his desk and walked to the window, gazing out at the city skyline. "I must consider two factors, his contribution during the Thanagarian invasion, and his motivation. It's not greed that moves him, but desperate love. His punishment will be to serve in this lab, working under my supervision for the rest of his days." He let out a quiet sigh. "Perhaps I'm becoming too lenient with these humans."
"Not at all, Young Master," Mother Empress replied with a gentle smile. "This compassionate strength is precisely what defines a God branch Saiyan."
A slight smirk crossed Orach's face as he returned to his work, waiting for the right moment to intervene in Batman's confrontation with Mr. Freeze. When Mother Empress tracked Bruce's signature engaged in combat, Orach opened a ripple in space and stepped through, choosing to observe from folded space, invisible to the two.
Back to the present-Abandoned Factory - Outskirts of Gotham
"Stand down, Orach. I have this under control," Batman said firmly, despite his compromised position.
"Really?" Orach's eyebrow arched with amusement. "Says the man frozen solid from the neck down."
"Please, Lord Orach," Victor's voice cracked with desperation. Having witnessed this being's devastating power during the Thanagarian invasion, he knew resistance was futile. No technology, no weapon in his arsenal could even scratch Orach's divine aura. "I beg you... don't stop this. Please."
But Orach had already made his decision. After consulting with Mother Empress about the dangerous power grid strain threatening lives across Gotham, he moved swiftly to the Medpod's controls and initiated the shutdown sequence.
"NO!" Victor's anguished scream echoed through the chamber. Hatred blazed in his eyes as he struggled against his icy prison. With Nora's life on the line, he had nothing left to lose. "I'll kill you! I'LL KILL YOU ALL!"
An invisible force slammed into Victor, crushing him down with divine pressure that left him gasping and immobile.
"ORACH, STOP!" Batman's voice thundered with alarm. "She's an innocent!"
Ignoring their protests, Orach raised his hand. His God Ki pulsed as he lifted Nora's unconscious form from the pod. Victor's desperate pleas turned to horrified whimpers as he begged Orach.
"Please," Victor whispered. "She's innocent. Punish me, but spare her..."
But something unexpected began to happen – streams of crimson and emerald energy flowed from Orach's hands, enveloping Nora in a healing embrace.
Batman's visor display flashed with vital readings – rising body temperature, stabilizing heart rate, all indicators climbing steadily toward normal ranges. His eyes widened in realization. "He's... healing her."
Victor watched in stunned silence as color returned to Nora's cheeks, her breathing becoming stronger and more regular. His hatred melted away, replaced by something he hadn't felt in years – pure, unrestrained hope.
Orach approached them, Nora's floating form still bathed in his healing energy. His voice carried both authority and a hint of amusement as he addressed Victor: "Good evening, Mr. Fries. You've caused quite a stir in this city, especially after I explicitly warned everyone about my return. Tell me – what punishment do you think befits someone who not only ignored my warning but dared to steal my own technology? I'm genuinely curious to hear your thoughts."
Victor stared at Orach, his voice trembling with a mix of gratitude and fear. "I... I deserve whatever punishment you see fit, Lord Orach. But please, I beg you, let Nora recover fully first."
"Your concern for your wife is admirable," Orach replied, his voice carrying both authority and understanding as he maintained the healing energy around Nora. "I understand your motivations better than you might think. I too have someone who lives in my heart. However, your actions directly challenged my warning to this city. As such, there must be consequences."
A subtle smile crossed Orach's face—an expression that Victor's fearful mind saw as almost demonic. "Tell me, Victor. How far would you go for her? What price would you pay for Nora's complete recovery?"
Batman watched in silence, analyzing this unexpected turn of events and what seemed to be uncharacteristic behavior from Orach.
"Anything," Victor's voice cracked with raw emotion. "My life, my freedom, my very soul - take whatever you want. Just let me see her smile again. Please."
Orach's expression showed satisfaction. "I like that answer. Very well, your freedom in exchange for her life. As for your punishment, you will serve the House of Gula as its second servant, working as a scientist in my lab at Wayne Tech. Your expertise will advance medical technology, space research, and other projects that will improve this primitive world. Is that clear?"
Victor's eyes widened, hardly daring to believe what he was hearing. "You mean..."
"Yes," Orach confirmed, his expression softening slightly. "You'll work under my supervision, using your brilliant mind for the greater good. Nora will receive the finest care Wayne Tech can provide during her recovery and rehabilitation. Once she's stable, you'll both have the chance to build a new life. However," His expression turned cold and blank. "should you ever betray the House of Gula, know that what awaits you and your wife will be a fate worse than death."
Victor, overwhelmed by the prospect of having Nora back and a future together, didn't flinch as he nodded in agreement. "You're not only healing my wife but giving us a chance at a life together. I swear eternal loyalty to you and your house."
Having secured Victor's agreement, Orach turned to Batman with a knowing smirk."Batman, would you be kind enough to relay a message to the President? We'll need another pardon for Victor—since his heist only resulted in property damage, it shouldn't be difficult to obtain. And given your connection to Bruce Wayne, perhaps you could help arrange suitable accommodations and office space for our newest colleague?"
Before Batman could protest, Orach created a spatial ripple and stepped through it, taking both Victor and Nora with him.
"Always doing whatever he wants," Batman muttered, activating his suit's thermal systems to melt the ice. "He could've at least freed me before leaving."
"Sir," Alfred's voice came through the comm, "I'm afraid my suspicions were correct. Mother Empress knew about our surveillance of the laboratory. According to my monitors, Master Orach is still seated at his desk."
"It's fine, Alfred," Batman replied with a weary sigh. "Just have a hot bath ready when I return. I'm really looking forward to that vacation with Barbara." Under his breath, he muttered, "I'll get you back for this one, Orach."
Void Sentinel
Using LexCorp's funds or as he like to call them, donations from the 'Bank of Naked Luthor', Orach now back in his base form, arranged a year-long stay at a luxury hotel suite for Victor and the newly healed Nora. While Wayne Tech prepared permanent accommodations, he ensured his new subordinate would have a comfortable transition. Before departing, Orach took a moment to examine Victor's physical condition and potential.
Drawing upon his Life Ki, Orach enhanced Victor's body, awakening an inner realm within him. At its center, he condensed the essence of Victor's cryogenic powers into a core - a frozen world that would serve as his inner sanctum. Though this forceful awakening meant Victor could never transcend the realm's limitations due to his innate potential, it granted him considerable power within those bounds. Most importantly, it gave him complete control over his condition, allowing him to experience the full spectrum of human sensation and emotion. For the first time in years, Victor felt warmth course through his body, bringing tears of joy to his eyes as he thanked his new master profusely. At last, he could give Nora the life she deserved - one filled with warmth, love, and the possibility of a family.
Later that evening, as Orach prepared to join Diana at her apartment, Crescent, the AI of the Void Sentinel orbiting Earth, requested his immediate presence. Though he required no sleep, Orach had been looking forward to spending the night with Diana after his return from the Void Realm and timeline corrections. All three House AIs knew this, making the late-hour summons particularly concerning. With a resigned sigh, he opened a spatial ripple and stepped through to the ship's main deck.
"Welcome, Young Master," Crescent greeted formally.
"Report, Crescent," Orach commanded, settling into the captain's chair.
"We've received a distress signal from Adellca," Crescent reported gravely.
Orach's eyes narrowed dangerously, his expression turning cold as killing intent flashed in his gaze. "Last known location? Was there a message? Wasn't she accompanying those Green Lanterns to meet their so-called Guardians?"
Crescent gestured, manifesting a holographic display that showed Adellca's last known coordinates. Based on data intercepted from Green Lantern rings, she had been tracked to Planet Oa, the Green Lantern headquarters. The AI began playing a partial recording, identifying speakers in real-time using Earth's database.
"You're making a grave mistake, Ganthet," Adellca's voice rang with authority. "I serve the House of Gula now. My capture will bring about the end of the Green Lantern Corps!"
"Please, Guardians, reconsider," pleaded Green Lantern Laira Omoto. "We've witnessed their power firsthand. We've already offended them once - if we proceed with this action, we'll face a wrath beyond our ability to withstand."
"Silence, traitor!" thundered an unfamiliar, enraged voice. "How can you not see this power for the threat it is? We witnessed that red monstrosity obliterate the Thanagarian Armada without mercy or warning. They're no better than the Mad God himself!"
"ENOUGH!" Hal Jordan's voice cut through the chaos. "Fine - if you want Adellca, you'll have to take us too. She came here in good faith, trying to help us understand the very force that YOU, in your infinite wisdom, chose to probe. But you seem determined to court death. I plan on living a long life with Laira and my friends. Listen to me - the Guardians are WRONG this time. If we follow through with this, that ship and that red robot will annihilate us all!"
"HOW DARE YOU, Jordan!" the same unknown voice roared. "We possess power beyond your comprehension. We don't merely stand equal to the New and Old Gods - we are the pillars of universal order! Let them come with their might. Even if that higher realm being returns, we will destroy him too!"
"Power like the power of fear?" John Stewart's voice dripped with sarcasm. "How did that yellow ring you all fashioned for Sinestro work out? All it did was corrupt him and turn him against us!"
"Enough!" A new voice, more controlled and dignified, spoke with finality: "Green Lanterns Jordan, Omoto, and Stewart - you are hereby stripped of your ranks and rings. You will join the traitor Adellca in the Sciencells. Furthermore, Earth, in sector 2814.1, is now designated as hostile territory. The Green Lantern Corps shall mobilize to liberate it from these oppressors..."
"The recording ends there, Young Master," Crescent reported solemnly. "What are your orders?"
Orach remained motionless in his captain's chair, eyes closed and hands gripping the armrests as he processed the recording. When his eyes finally opened, his right eye blazed a cold crimson while his left swirled with an otherworldly mixture of pure white and darkness.
"They dare to imprison my servant, mock our power, and declare war against us under the pretense of justice?" His voice carried a dangerous edge. "Very well. Since they are so eager for conflict, we shall oblige them. Let this lower realm learn through blood and fire that while we protect life, we do not tolerate our authority being questioned by lesser beings. The time has come for this realm to witness the true wrath of the Saiyan Empire."
His declaration resonated throughout the ship, and in response, Mother Empress, Crescent, and Z9 materialized on the deck, each bowing with fierce determination burning in their eyes.
"Your will shall be done, Young Master!" the three AIs declared in perfect unison.
"These arrogant fools shall be purged from existence," Mother Empress stated, her eyes radiating cold fury.
"The Void Sentinel will prove its worth as a Dauntless class warship," Crescent affirmed, his expression hardening to match the gravity of the situation. "All systems are primed and ready for your command."
"Scarlet Zeta awaits your presence, partner," Z9 added, his expression turning blank. "Together, let's show these ants the face of true despair."
Earth
Diana was lounging on her bed, sharing a laugh with Barbara about how Barbara had managed to convince Bruce Wayne - the ever-serious Batman whose mantra was "mission comes first" - to finally take a vacation and how Barbara was going to spoil Bruce. Diana was even thinking of going on a vacation her self with Orach and Rachel, a family vacation, away from any responsibilities which after the recent ordeals seemed warranted. However, mid-conversation, she felt an ominous chill race down her spine, resonating through her connection with Orach. In the next instant, a thunderous roar echoed through her inner world of Sadala.
Her body tensed as she recognized the unmistakable signature of Orach's unleashed fury and killing intent. Before she could even reach out to Mother Empress, every screen across the planet lit up with an emergency broadcast.
In Jump City, the Teen Titans were jolted from the game they were following, as their TV was suddenly was taken over. Rachel had been preparing to leave for Diana's apartment, running late after an extended training session and gossip circle with Barbara and the other girls. Her eyes widened as her father's face materialized on the screens of the base, and one look at his expression told her everything she needed to know - her father was beyond furious.
The broadcast showed Orach standing with the three AIs of House Gula at his side, their presence exuding raw authority and power. In a moment that struck terror into hearts worldwide, the colossal Void Sentinel materialized in Earth's orbit. As billions watched, one truth became crystal clear: the Saiyan Empire was about to unleash its devastating might.
"People of Earth." Orach's voice resonated with cold authority. "The Guardians of Oa have committed an unforgivable transgression against the Saiyan Empire. Not only have they imprisoned a servant of House Gula, but they have declared Earth to be under our 'oppressive rule.' Now they prepare for war, blind to the consequences of their actions."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "I have shown mercy and kindness to your world and this universe, shielding it from threats beyond mortal comprehension. Yet the Guardians mistake this benevolence for weakness." His voice carried a lethal edge. "They must be reminded that while we Saiyans are sworn to protect life, we are beings of a higher realm. Such blatant disrespect to our prestige will not be tolerated."
"The Green Lantern Corps believes they can challenge the might of the Saiyan Empire?" His expression became eerily blank. "So be it. Let them witness firsthand the power they have foolishly provoked. Today, with the full authority of House Gula, I declare not a mere war..." His eyes narrowed with deadly intent. "But a complete and systematic extermination."