Part 5
July 5, 2010
Robin and Kid Flash ducked and avoided the body of Superboy, as the clone was tossed by the chemically mutated Doctor Desmond, but he collided with Aqualad, sending both of them flying backwards. The other two young heroes rushed to help them to their feet, and as the great, hulking beast roared, the four readied themselves to battle for their lives.
As one, the youths hurled themselves at Desmond, Kid Flash sliding between his legs to distract him, while Aqualad and Superboy, still in his torn white solar suit, leapt through the air to land simultaneous super-strength punches to his face. The force of the strike forced him back ... against the propped form of Kid Flash, sending the giant toppling to land on the ground with a thud. "Heh: learned that in Kindergarten," joked Kid Flash.
"Keep him occupied," called Robin, leaping over Kid Flash and hurling birdarangs at Desmond. Rising to his knees, Desmond batted them away, but came face to face with an angry Superboy. The two grappled, the larger form slamming the clone into a support pylon.
Superboy growled, shoving Desmond back and slamming his fists into the giant's face. In return, Desmond smashed his enormous fist into Superboy, driving his head back into the concrete, leaving him dazed.
"For what purpose?" asked Aqualad, using his water bearers to snag Desmond's arm before he could hit Superboy again. Desmond yanked on the enchanted water construct, but Aqualad used the motion to leap over the former scientist, bounce off the pylon and form his weapon into a mace, striking down hard, only for Desmond to catch it in his hand and toss the Atlantean champion aside to smash painfully into the ground, splintering the concrete.
"Did you call for help?" Asked Kid Flash, avoiding a hurled Superboy (who smashed into another column, before crashing to the floor in a hail of masonry, "'Cause we sure could use some!" Gritting his teeth, he launched himself at Desmond, just as Aqualad rolled aside to avoid being stomped by the beast's enormous foot. Showing surprising speed, Desmond grabbed Kid by the ankle as he passed by, before using him as a projectile to fling at a recovered Aqualad, who was trying to brain him again, sending both across the room.
"What do you think? I called everyone!" called Robin, wincing as Desmond body-slammed Aqualad through a concrete pillar, making the building shake, before hitting another beam. "Mostly jammed, but I managed to get through to a friend! We just need to buy him some time!"
"Then we shall hold," grunted Aqualad, forming a round shield to block Desmond's punches, the giant's other hand holding him in place.
"Urgh! Just smash him until he falls down," growled Superboy, clenching his fists as he threw himself at the foe, punching Desmond in the kidney (or at least, where his kidney used to be), just as Aqualad's shield failed, distracting their enemy, allowing Superboy to leap up on Desmond's back to wrap a kryptonian-strength lock around his neck. Making animal noises, Desmond tossed Aqualad aside before grabbing Superboy's arms and swinging him through the column, only to be distracted again by Robin hurling explosive birdarangs at him, burning away some of the loose skin that was still clinging to his mutated form.
"Just who are we waiting for?" asked Kid Flash, taking a long run and speed-punched Desmond in the face, ripping off more skin in the process. "Ha! Got your - nose? Ew! Come and get me, you incredible bulk!" Laughing, more in desperation than humour, he darted away to avoid Desmond's violent response.
Before Robin could answer, the foyer was filled with light. A ring of blue flames appeared, and through it stepped a massive figure, clad in grey iron. Broken masonry crunched under the immense weight of metal-shod boots, and the air was filled by the whine of powered servos and thudding mass. One fist was almost comically enlarged, wreathed in a pulsing blue glow, and while the suit's wearer's face was bare, it was fixed in an expression of intense determination.
"Oh," said Kid Flash, skidding to a halt, a grin on his face. "Him."
***
I felt the heavy, overlapping plates of my armour creak as I marched through the portal, wincing internally as I realised just how much of my suit was held together with the equivalent of spit, bailing wire and positive thinking. Without access to the highest quality ceramite, let alone adamantium plate, I had to make do with lesser materials, and it showed in performance. At best, my plate was on-par with early Mark I armour of a sort available to many techno-barbarians in the days before the Unification of Terra, albeit with better coverage. Indeed, it casually resembled Mark II 'Crusade' pattern plate, admittedly with barely half the features even the most poorly equipped Thunder Warrior or Astartes would expect.
It's the best I can do at the moment, I thought to myself as I strode forward, my lightning fast mind taking in the situation even as my portal faded. Plan upgrades later: battle monster now! I frowned as I recognised Aqualad, Robin and Kid Flash, bloodied and bruised, but the youth in the torn white skinsuit ... ah: Superboy, presumably. Few have eyes that colour, or that jaw-line.
But most of my focus was on the enormous beast they were fighting: clearly some kind of mutate, and a recent transformation, judging by the scraps of skin and clothing hanging from it's twisted form. From the property damage and the condition of the young heroes, it seemed it's strength and combat ability matched it's size. But the creature's red eyes blazed with nothing but mindless fury as it turned it's attention to me, and I felt nothing behind it's gaze but an overwhelming urge for destruction. If this had once been a person, it was no longer so.
Between my own height and that of my armour, I was almost as tall as the enemy, although it was somewhat broader, and much heavier. While size did not always equate to power in this universe, physics still applied for most. I clenched the fingers of my power fist tight, feel the charge build. Lacking the complex internals for a fusion power pack, I was concentrating Bleed energy into my armour's systems, limiting my offensive psyker potential (it wasn't a matter of power, but of delicate focus), so I followed plan B. Which was actually Plan A: beat the living shit out of the beast.
Note to self: finish Thunder Hammer, I thought as the monster roared a challenge at me, and I raised my left hand in answer. Lunging at me, I raised my hands and caught it's fist, the impact driving me back, my armoured boots digging deep gouges into the ground. Grunting in effort, I looked deep into it's red eyes, and found my own deep well of rage. "Is this all you are, animal?" I asked, my voice booming, echoing through the structure. When it simply roared in answer, I stepped into it's personal space and hammered my left fist, wreathed in a blue disruption field, directly into it's belly. The impact was satisfying to say the least, the monster sent flying backwards from the strike, shockwaves emanating from the point of contact. The creature flew across the hall to strike the stones of the far wall, shaking the building and bringing a rain of shattered stone and masonry to clatter against the concrete floor.
Pausing, I turned to face a relieved looking Robin, who was helping Kid Flash to his feet. I knew the young speedster at least in passing, having visited Gotham City a few weeks before to hang out with Robin: the kid was far smarter than he appeared, using the aura of foolishness to make others underestimate him. He was also a talented chemist, and had asked some intelligent questions regarding ceramite production. "I came as soon as I could," I intoned, nodding to the boys. I glanced over at where a tired Aqualad and a bruised, if still furious, Superboy were readying themselves for the fight. "I presume introductions can wait?"
Before any could respond, the foe was advancing again, and with a cry I threw myself to meet it. Ceramite-gauntleted fist slammed into rock-hard flesh, and the flesh gave way, but the beast was hardy. Faster than should be possible, the monster's fist struck my face, and my head turned at the impact. I responded with a power fisted backhand, and a furious Superboy was waiting to hit the creature with an uppercut. While it was disoriented, Kid Flash blurred behind it, climbing it's spine, and in a flash of movement, attached multiple blinking, beeping disks to it's face and neck, before darting away, and the monster cried out in pain and frustration as it's head and shoulders were wreathed in explosions as the mini-grenades detonated. Aqualad stepped on, smashing a hammer of concentrated water against the back of it's leg, sending it to land on one knee. Sensing opportunity, I stepped foreward, my glowing gauntlet raised to smash down on it's head.
But it rallied, pushing off against the ground so hard it left craters in the concrete, grabbing my armour by the pauldrons and knocking me off balance to land on my back. Driven by furious desperation, it began to pile drive fists into my face and chest, and I was genuinely hurt by the impacts, my lips bloodied, my ears ringing with the sound of alarms, complaining systems and broken integrity. Yet I was not dismayed.
In fact, I was just starting to enjoy myself.
Raising one knee, I managed to get my boot seated right against it's torso, and kicked the beast from me to land a few metres away, grunting and groaning. A strong hand clasped my forearm, and I looked up into Superboy's blue eyes, and I saw determination that mirrored my own. I nodded, and allowed him to help me stand, pseudo-muscles complaining as my plate creaked. Turning to face the creature, I felt Aqualad, Kid Flash and Robin form up alongside Superboy and myself, and we paused for a moment, a silent instant of comeraderie, of the brotherhood of shared battle.
Then, as the monster spread it's arms wide and howled it's challenge, we five ran forwards to meet it.
***
With a final moan, the grey-skinned hulk was driven to the ground, and we knew it was over. The battle had raged fiercely, and the building about us was nothing but ruin, shattered stone and deep craters from inhuman impacts, but we were still on our feet, and our enemy was not. Aqualad and Superboy were leaning against one another, Kid Flash was limping, and Robin's utility belt was empty as he rested against a boulder, exhausted. All their clothing was torn, but they had managed to avoid serious injury.
For myself, my plate was almost ruined, and I yanked off the remains of my power glove, the oversized gauntlet half crushed from overuse. Yet I felt nothing but triumph, and my comrades shared that satisfaction. Letting the glove fall to the ground, I ran my uncovered fingers through my sweaty hair. Turning a smile to Aqualad and Superboy, I bowed, ignoring the groaning of my armour. Superboy nodded back, and Aqualad raised a hand to his chest, bowing in return.
"Hey, we did it!" celebrated Kid Flash, between gasps, clutching at his side, nursing a vicious stitch.
"Was there ever any doubt?" bantered back Robin, laughing through the pain. Raising their hands, the younger heroes high fived, then immediately regretted the action as it aggravated their bruised or broken ribs.
Superboy walked over to gaze down at the defeated foe, and I felt his triumph, even as Kid Flash drew his attention. "See?" He pointed up. "The moon!" I didn't get the reference, but as Superboy stared up at Luna's radiant, stark beauty (so unlike the industrialised fortress it had become in the Emperor's time), I realised that this Superboy had never seen it before. Someone grew him here, below ground ... in one of those pods I saw in Robin's memory?
But I had no time to pursue that train of thought, as I felt the approach of ... many, many powerful beings, led by Superman, in his primary colours, his cape fluttering in the breeze as he descended.
"Oh: and Superman! Do we keep our promises or what?" crowed Kid Flash, crossing his arms in self-satisfaction, his rapid metabolism already healing his injuries.
Then came Captain Marvel, the Martian Manhunter, Zatara in his tuxedo, Red Tornado supported by a miniature twister. And they kept coming: Captain Atom, the Hawks, Wonder Woman (who smiled, but cast a worried eye over my battered armour and bloodied face), two Green Lanterns, one supporting Aquaman, Green Arrow, Black Canary and the Batman himself ... We were suddenly surrounded by the entire Justice League, presumably returned from successfully cancelling the Apocalypse.
Wordlessly, Superboy stepped forward, approaching his gene-parent. I recalled similar scenes in the Emperor's memories: of Astartes encountering for the first time the Primarch from who's genes that Marine's legion had been birthed. The deep, primal connection of blood and flesh and spirit, that tied father to sons, just as it had them to Him. As Superboy silently lifted the torn fabric of his white suit to display the red 'el' glyph, I felt privileged to -
I frowned. I was not feeling pride, affection or even recognition from the elder kryptonian. Even when Perturabo first encountered the Fourth Legion, there was at least a linkage of duty and patronage. But this ...
Superboy's expression was hopeful, so eager to seek Superman's approval and acceptance, but the larger man frowned, and Superboy's expression flattened out, sensing Superman's discontent. This ... could go very bad.
"Is that what I think it is?" asked the gravely tones of Batman, and I felt anger at him for the first time since arriving on this world. This is my battle comrade, dammit! I fought beside him, bled with him! Whatever his origin, you do not call him -
"He doesn't like being called an it," stage whispered Kid Flash, even as I watched Superboy look down at his crest, as though reconsidering what it really meant.
"I'm Superman's clone," insisted Superboy, determined to make Superman acknowledge him.
The Leaguers exchanged glances, none of them knowing what to say, until Batman stated bluntly, "Start talking."Part 6
June 5, 2010
We finally got to the whole introductions thing: Aqualad was at least familiar with me, Robin having mentioned me a few times, and he took my offered hand with a confident and reassuring greeting. Superboy was a bit skittish in comparison, largely due to the heavy tension between him and Superman - not helped by the way the kryptonian adult kept glancing over at him - but sharing a battlefield goes a long way towards building trust, even the unspoken kind.
Finally, Superman broke away from his conversation with Martian Manhunter and Wonder Woman, and approached the group. Superboy watched him approach, his back ramrod straight and his arms crossed defensively over his chest. I couldn't help but watch along with the others as Superman stammered his way through the most impersonal, dismissive and overall cringe-worthy statements I had seen in a long time. "... I'd better make sure they ... get that Blockbuster creature squared away." Turning his back on us, he took off in a rush of air.
Before we could move to reassure Superboy, Batman approached. "Cadmus will be investigated: all fifty-two levels." Fifty two? Crap: we do not need that shit going on! Flash and Aquaman flanked the Dark Knight, and I felt my non-clone companions react to the presence of their mentors, their backs straightening. Wonder Woman also approached, a concerned look in her eyes. Does that make me her student, in their eyes? An image flashed in front of me, sitting in a classroom, Diana in a pencil-skirt, blouse, horn-rimmed glasses and leaning over my desk, letting me see down her top. I could do worse ... "But let's make one thing clear -"
"You should have called," complained the Flash, presumably Barry Allen.
Batman continued. "End results aside we are not happy. You hacked Justice League systems, disobeyed orders, and endangered lives."
"Hey, Adam didn't," interjected Kid Flash, raising a hand. "He just swooped in to lend a hand, while you guys were all too busy!"
While I appreciated the younger boy coming to my defense, I recognised that honestly, saving the planet was slightly more important than stopping the creature that was once one 'Doctor Desmond'. Robin elbowed him in the ribs, and Kid Flash lowered his hand, but still glowered.
"Nevertheless," continued the Batman, as though Kid Flash hadn't spoken up, "You will not be doing this again."
"I am sorry, but we will," stated Aqualad bluntly, just as I was about to open my own mouth. Damn: lad beat me to it.
"Aqualad: stand down," insisted Aquaman, the authority of a monarch in his tone, but I felt the agreement and approval of my comrades.
"Apologies my king," said Aqualad respectfully, placing a webbed hand against his chest, "But no. We did good work here tonight. The work you trained us to do. Together, on our own, we forged something powerful. Important."
"If this is about your treatment at the hall," started Flash again, "The three of you -"
"The five of us," insisted Kid Flash, all joking left aside. "And it's not."
"Batman, we're ready to use what you taught us ... or why teach us at all?" Reasoned Robin.
Wonder Woman raised an eyebrow at me, and I shrugged, my pauldrons clanking. "I hardly believe I need to ask permission to act," I stated flatly. "But Aqualad is right: apart we are five." I raised my right hand, still sheathed in ceramite. "Together, we are one." At the last word, I clenched my fist. "Which has more impact?"
"It's simple," stated Superboy, stepping forward, his arms by his side, no longer defensive, but determined. "Get on board ... or get out of the way."
Oh, it didn't end there. There was much discussion, and even shouting, but there came a time when even the Justice League recognised the first law of command: never give an order you know will not be obeyed. I knew we had won when Wonder Woman's lip quirked slightly, and her chin dipped a degree towards me. In return, I raised my gauntlet to my breastplate, touching it in salute, bowing a fraction.
I looked around at the five youths I had fought alongside. I can work with this: the Emperor began the Unification of Terra with less.
***
Back at my workshop/apartment in Gotham, I allowed the armoury's mechadendrites to peel the remains of my armour from me, slipped out of the body glove I wore beneath, and took a shower. As I soaped myself under the steaming hot water, I considered.
This ... is a good start. I have resources, and more are building. My armour and weapons are proven ... if somewhat fragile as yet. I have allies, strong ones, one that will matter. I am gaining influence, and respect among the powerful. I have the beginnings of a foundation upon which I can build.
I wasn't stupid: I recognised that the DC multiverse was where would-be world-conquerors went to fail. The deck was simply stacked too high in the heroes favour. Were I to raise my banner and try and take the planet by force, even for it's own good, I would be swarmed by the League, independent heroes, even villains would unite against me.
But I refused to allow Earth ... to allow humanity ... to remain a simple backwater, surrounded by more advanced star nations, regularly attacked by invaders and tyrants, torturers and slavers. I refused to allow demons and madmen to continue to treat humanity as their entertainment.
I will unify humanity. I will take us to the stars. I will spread Man across the cosmos, and I will raise my race to it's full potential, no longer the playthings of gods and monsters.
For a moment, I paused, my hands frozen where they were soaping my sculpted abdominal muscles, foam flowing over my fingers. I considered: what made me different from Lex Luthor, Hugo Strange, Queen Bee or any of a dozen would-be rulers? What separated me from Vandal Savage and Black Adam, Gorilla Grodd and Brainiac?
Then I nodded, and continued. The answer was simple.
The difference is, I know I am right.
***
July 8, 2010
"... since you five are determined to stay together and fight the good fight," insisted Batman, as we stood in civilian clothes in the main gallery of a massive system of caves carved into the bedrock of 'Mount Justice', on Rhode Island, members of the League bustling about or watching us, "You'll do it on League terms."
Acceptable ... for now. I recognised that we gained more by acting in concert with the League: they simply had more resources, more personnel, more influence and more intelligence than we did alone.
"Red Tornado volunteered to live here and be your supervisor. Black Canary's in charge of training." The two named heroes stood ready. "I will deploy you on missions."
"Real missions?" asked Robin, and I suppressed a sigh. Dick: the League isn't going to go to all this effort to organise a daycare for metahumans - wait: has anyone used that term since I arrived? No ... that's strange. It's a good, non-offensive and descriptive way to signify someone with superpowers. Never mind: I'll look into it later.
"Yes. But covert."
Here, I actually winced. Covert? I understand the inclination to avoid advertising that the League is essentially deploying child super-soldiers - even Astartes rarely deployed neophytes as scouts before the age of twenty, with most of their organs implanted properly - but ... I know my limitations. Without actively cloaking my presence with my powers ... Superboy is likewise ... less than subtle.
Of course, a stealth bomber is covert ... until it drops nuclear-tipped gravity bombs on the enemy ...
"The League will still handle the obvious stuff: there's a reason we have these big targets on our chests," interjected Flash, indicating the lightning bolt emblazoned on his uniform.
Hmmm. Fanon theory confirmed. Nifty.
"But Cadmus proves the bad guys are getting smarter," added Aquaman, and I felt Aqualad's heart swell at his mentor - and sovereign - acknowledging his worth. "Batman needs a team that can operate on the sly."
"The six of you will be that team," rumbled Batman.
"Cool," chuckled Robin, but the realisation hit him almost at once. "Wait: six?"
I felt the martian approach from behind us, along with another powerful mind. I couldn't help but keep track of him and the other aliens while they were close: it was simply best practice when dealing with unfamiliar xenos. But when I turned with the others to see who was approaching from behind, I blinked.
Since when do martians have hair?
"This is the Martian Manhunter's niece: Miss Martian," Batman introduced, and I took in her long legs, slender waist, pert breasts and long, silky red hair. With her full lips and pert nose, her green skin was almost ignorable. This ... I was not expecting.
The girl (is she? Martians are shapeshifters, and this one has clearly put more effort into adopting human form than the Manhunter ...) shyly raised her hand in greeting. "Hi," she said, softly.
Predictably, Kid Flash - Wally West, in civilian clothing - exchanged a smirk with a similarly enthused Robin. "Liking this gig more every minute," he stage-whispered, before stepping forward. "Welcome aboard! I'm Kid Flash, that's Robin, Aqualad: it's cool if you forget their names."
I leant down and whispered to Superboy, "We are perhaps invisible, yes? I was not aware we shared that power ..." He harrumphed, his arms crossed.
"I'm honoured to be included," insisted Miss Martian, and I couldn't help but feel the sincere eagerness and ... pep ... that radiated from the girl like heat from a bonfire, and my concerns ... diminished. Mostly.
As the others approached to make friends, I stepped forward to join then, letting the smaller boys properly introduce themselves first. I recognised that, at over six foot eight and massively built, even compared to Aqualad and Superboy (I was still growing, and would likely reach a full seven feet by the end of the month), I was ... somewhat intimidating, especially to women, no matter how powerful they were. Unless born on Themyscira, of course, I thought as I touched my hand to my heart, bowing slightly. "Miss Martian: welcome to the team. Call me Consul." I had considered other names, but it seemed the most appropriate.
"Hey, Superboy: come meet Miss M," urged Robin, even as I held the pretty girl's gaze, her brown eyes open and without malice. I couldn't help but allow a little of my aura free, and her expression lit up as she recognised another telepath.
Well, I thought as Superboy walked over, this was unexpected. Not entirely unwelcome, mind you ...
***
Diana found Adam standing atop the tallest peak of Mount Justice, overlooking the harbour, watching the setting sun. While she knew he could have teleported to the summit, she could tell from the dirt on his jeans and forearms that he had climbed up the long way, likely enjoying the exertion. "Princess," he said in greeting, glancing over his shoulder to smile at her.
"Adam ... no, Consul," she corrected herself with a smile. He shrugged.
"I considered other names: Baselius, Caeser, Imperator ... Consul seemed less ... threatening, and rolled off the tongue better than most."
"I have certainly heard worse," she admitted, standing next to him, as the sun began to disappear over the hills. "You left quickly after the others departed."
"They needed to spend time with their mentors, and Superboy expressed a desire to be alone," he said, clasping his hands behind his back. "Highness, I must broach the subject of Superboy's ... heritage."
Diana sighed. "I realise the situation is less than ideal. But see it from Superman's perspective: someone took his genetic material without his knowledge, and produced a fully formed clone, who then confronts him without warning."
Adam nodded. "That I can understand. And I am not suggesting that simply because they share genetic markers that somehow Superman is Superboy's father: family is far more than simply blood." He smiled. "Given your own origin, I believe you have faced this truth yourself?"
Diana couldn't hold back the smile at the thought of her mother, and had no wish to try. "Though my mother sculpted my form from clay instead of birthing me, I consider myself no less her child."
"Yet if someone else, an enemy perhaps, made another such form, and breathed life into it, would you consider her to be your daughter? No, of course not. But Superman is ... lashing out at a fellow victim: Superboy had no more choice in his creation than did Superman. The rejection, to refuse even speak to him ... Superboy is young, younger even than Robin. Despite his telepathic education, his experiences are limited. Whatever discomfort Superman is feeling, he has had decades to adjust to his existence. Superboy has had days. This harms him, Diana," Adam used her name directly, something he rarely did out of courtesy and deference to her rank and experience as a hero. "And by the hand of one who is considered among this world's finest men."
"Ka - Superman is," She insisted, shaking her head. "But you're right: his actions are ... uncharacteristic. And he has shown little interest in discussing the matter."
"American male machismo," concluded Adam, sighing. "Refusing to discuss what makes him uncomfortable. Then again," he smiled, "Australian males aren't all that different, comes down to it. I simply have a ... longer view."
***
As Diana flew away, presumably heading for the Mountain's zeta tubes, I smiled. One day, not too long from now, I will bed that woman. I knew that eventually, I would need to take steps to bring the Amazons into the fold: like Atlantis, humanity could not afford to allow Themyscira to recede into isolation again. I will bring humanity's many clans together, whether they hide beneath the waves or behind wards spun by gods. When I finally bring Themyscira under my authority, having the Amazon's heir at my side will make it much easier.
As for their so-called gods ... well, that remains to be seen. If they are truly allies to mankind, then all the good. If they stand in our way ... well, killing gods isn't all that hard. It just takes persistence and patience.
Still, that was years, decades or even centuries in the future. The advantage of immortality is that you can take the long path.
Dusting off my jeans, I teleported down to the cave, and appeared in the kitchen, surprising a brooding Superboy. "Ah: sorry about that," I apologised, and the half-kryptonian grunted, but shook his head, reaching into the fridge to get a bottle of water. "So ... are you hungry? I make a surprisingly edible mango chicken, and this kitchen is quite well equipped."
Superboy's stomach rumbled in answer.