Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2015 6:09:41 GMT -5
The Titans of Justice Chapter 11 - "Regroup”
Written by: Power Guy
Co-conspirator: Scotty2Hotty
Editor: Marcus Mebes
Metropolis, U.S.A.
Celsius, Green Lantern, Sargona, and Power Guy had just arrived at the Hall of Justice after bringing the defeated Extremists to the Slab. They were making their way up the walk-way into the building.
“Boy, am I glad that’s over,” commented Sargona with a sigh of relief.
“But we still don’t know who reactivated the Extremists,” injected Celsius. “The original four were robots as we suspected, but Amp was a human and was obviously taking orders from someone.”
“I sense there was another force at work with those guys,” alluded Sargona. “There was some type of mystical restraint on him which is why he passed out when we were trying to question him.”
“Did you say that one of the Extremists passed out when you were trying to question him?” asked Nightvision. He was unaware of what had transpired, and how the fight had ended.
“Oh, Nightvision! I didn’t even hear you come up from behind us,” commented a somewhat startled Sargona. “You’ve really got to stop doing that.”
“Back to the question,” Nightvision said in his usual grim tone with a slight grin on his face.
Celsius decided to speak on behalf of Sargona. “Yes, we tried to question Amp, who was the Extremists’ latest addition, and he passed out when we asked him who reactivated his robotic allies and set them up to take control of the missiles in Khandaq.”
“This is not good,” grumbled Nightvision. “The same thing happened when I questioned a guard who let Dr. Phosphorus out of his cell at Arkham.”
“Are you aware of any connection between Dr. Phosphorus and the Extremists?” asked Celsius.
“No. They’ve never even met as far as I know,” replied Nightvision.
“Well, Sargona, you did say that you sensed some other force at work here,” commented Green Lantern.
“Yes, but the force is quite powerful and hides its master quite well,” said Sargona. “I’m not able to determine who we’re dealing with just yet. I’ll keep at it though.”
The five heroes entered the Hall of Justice. They made their way to the meeting room and noticed it was filled with familiar and new faces. Thunderstorm, Nucleus, Icemanling, Dr. Sand, Junjie Quick, Lady Light, Strato Hawk, Vibe, Starman, and Superwoman were all present.
“Hey guys!” yelled Celsius. “It looks like a who’s-who gallery in here!”
“You’ve got that right,” commented Thunderstorm.
“Let me guess, you’ve been eyeing everyone down so you can give Mama Waller a full report?” Sargona said in snotty tone.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have to use the little girl’s room.” Completely ignoring Sargona’s question, Thunderstorm exited the room.
“Look at all of these new heroes. Do I see another Kryptionian over there by Vibe?” commented Celsius looking directly at Superwoman. “With two Kryptonians on our team, we’ll be nearly unstoppable…”
Just then, Wonder Man walked in with Venus at his side.
“Hey, hey folks,” he said good-naturedly. “It seems like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you guys.”
“How did things go at Minerva’s house?” asked Celsius.
“Not good. Minerva was dead when Venus and I got there,” responded Wonder Man.
“Dead?” commented Power Guy with a look of confusion. “But there aren’t many people powerful enough to take on the Cheetah. She was quite vicious from what I’ve heard.”
“She was actually killed by a new male Cheetah,” answered Wonder Man. “He and I went a few rounds before Venus here joined in the fray and scared him off. By the way everyone, this is Venus,” said Wonder Man putting his hand on the shoulder of the brunette new-comer.
“Hello everyone,” chimed Venus. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to meet all of you. I’m in desperate need of your help.”
“Umm… what’s going on?” asked Green Lantern.
“Well,” she paused, hesitant. “I, um, er…”
Wonder Man quickly interrupted with, “Guys, go easy on her. She has amnesia. She showed up at the Hall asking for our help in getting her memory back.”
“So then why the costume?” asked Sargona. “You look like you’re here to become a super-hero.”
“Well now, it’s kind of like a ‘you scratch my back, I’ll scratch your back’ situation,” commented Venus. “I know you guys just got together not too long ago and I’d like to contribute to the team but at the same time, I could really use your help in helping me find out who I am.”
“What DO you know, Miss?” inquired Power Guy.
“Sadly, not much. A few months ago, I woke up in this costume with absolutely nothing else. No family, no home, and no job. I got a job dancing in Vegas. I know what you’re all thinking, but it pays well.”
“Hahaha!” giggled Sargona. “It takes a strong woman to make men stuff dollars in your g-string. I like you already. Let me show you around the place.”
Before Sargona could begin Venus’ tour, the security alarm went off.
“Not again!” sighed Celsius. “Who could possibly be attacking us now???” The team leader rolled his eyes in defeat as yet again they were at the beck and call of what appeared to be a constant string of emergencies.
Junjie Quick raced over to the monitor screen. “The computer says it’s not an intruder… but a visitor?”
“Visitor? But we’re all here,” stated Power Guy.
“Maybe it’s Jemstone!” shouted Sargona.
Thunderstorm came out of the restroom and approached the group. “If it is Jemstone, I’m going to have to take her back to Belle Rev.”
Sargona turned and looked and Thunderstorm and grumbled, “Merry Christmas to you too, Thunderdog.”
“Look lady, I have a job to do!” retorted Thunderstorm as she walked towards Sargona.
“Such a good little soldier you are…” snickerd Sargona
The two ladies had obviously become annoyed with each other and were stepping towards each other as if they were going to fight.
Junjie Quick quickly raced in between the two ladies before they could attack each other. “Take it easy ladies,” he requested.
Just then, the entrance door opened and the visitor was revealed. It was Superman.
“Superman?” said Celsius with a look of awe.
The rest of the young heroes just stood frozen in shock that they were graced by the presence of earth’s flagship hero. All of them were overwhelmed except for Power Guy and Superwoman who tried to conceal herself behind Vibe and Starman.
Power Guy was the first to approach Superman. “It’s an honor to have you here Superman. Long time no see.”
“It’s good to see you too, Power Guy but unfortunately this isn’t a social visit,” commented Superman.
“What brings you here?” asked Power Guy.
“I think you know why I’m here,” countered Superman. “I’m here for my daughter,” he said as he stared directly at Superwoman.
“Dad! How can you embarrass me like this?” yelled Superwoman. “You of all people know how much of a difference people like us can make.”
“Yes, I do and I also know the price you come to pay when those around you aren’t prepared to deal with consequences of that lifestyle!” barked Superman.
“I am prepared,” argued Superwoman. “I even made my own costume plus I saved Chicago from being blown to bits. Where were you when the missile was launched?”
“I was in the Fortress monitoring the situation but I knew the Titans of Justice here would handle it,” Superman said in a firm tone.
“Well, they were certainly glad to get my help, weren’t you?” questioned Superwoman looking at her new friends Vibe and Starman.
“Hey, don’t look at me, I’m not even a member yet…” countered Starman.
“Super muchacho,” said Vibe, “your daughter here is the reason Chicago is still standing. That counts for something, no?”
“Yes it does,” agreed Superman “but that doesn’t mean she’s ready to be full-fledged super-hero.”
“Are you forgetting that I’m an adult?” questioned Superwoman.
“Are you forgetting what happened to your brother?” yelled Superman. The Titans could tell he was getting angry.
“No, I haven’t forgotten,” Superwoman said softly. Her adrenaline rush came to a complete halt. She walked up to her father and put her hands on his shoulders. “Dad, I just want to do you proud and make this world a better place..”
“You’ll make me a lot happier if you come home with me right now,” pleaded Superman.
“Fine,” agreed Superwoman. She turned to the Titans of Justice and said, “I guess this is over before it started. Sorry guys…”
“Excused me, I’m Celsius, leader of the Titans.” He approached Superwoman. “From what I’ve heard today, you did a remarkable job. There will always be a place here for you when you when you’re ready.”
“Thank you for understanding Celsius. Your mother would be proud,” complimented Superman. “Kristen, let’s be going.”
Dead silence filled the room until Superwoman mustered up enough of her voice to shallowly whisper, “Be seeing you around.”
Superman and Superwoman then departed the Hall of Justice headed for Superman’s Fortress of Solitude.
A few minutes later after the air had thinned, Celsius spoke up, “Well, that was unexpected. How about the rest of you newcomers? Would any of you like to join the team?”
“I’d LOVE to!” answered Starman before anyone else could say a word.
Vibe then interrupted, “This guy means well but he needs some training. I think this is the perfect place for him.”
“If Vibe thinks you’re okay, that’s good enough for us,” commented Celsius.
Nucleus was the next to speak, “I’ll stick around if you’ll have me.”
“You bet, mate!” confirmed Celsius. “Without your help, there wouldn’t be a Titans of Justice or much of an earth to stand on right about now.” He turned to the two others. “Dr. Sand? Lady Light?”
“I am sorry Celsius, but I cannot accept your offer. I must focus all of my attention on Asia for now,” stated Lady Light.
“But Lady Light, I thought our experience showed you the value of teamwork?” questioned Junjie Quick.
“That it did Junjie but as I told you earlier, Asia is ravaged by crime cartels that threaten to over-run it. I cannot abandon my post right now,” she responded curtly.
“Then why did you come back here with me?” asked Junjie Quick.
“Because I thought we could celebrate our victory together and maybe I could pursuade you to come back to Asia with me to help in the fight against evil as you may be an American but you also have an Asian heritage,” answered Lady Light.
“You’re right” confirmed Junjie Quick. “My father is Singeporean but I grew up here in America with my uncle. I will be glad to help you in Asia when I can but we in the Titans of Justice operate out of America for the most part”
“I understand and I appreciate your offer of help. I must go now. Good day Titans of Justice.” She took to the air and flew out of an open window near the roof.
“Hmm… no pressure on me, I see,” commented Dr. Sand.
The group chuckled a bit.
“Hey, don’t feel obligated to join just because Lady Light walked off,” commented Strato Hawk. “You need to feel comfortable about this.”
“Agreed,” said Celsius.
Junjie Quick then interjected, “Don’t mind Lady Light guys, she means well, She’s just really focused on her responsibilities.”
“Could I take some time to think about this?” requested Dr. Sand. “I’m usually based out of Chicago but my job currently has me over in Europe for some time to come.”
“And we’re glad to have you over there”, expressed Icemanling. “I don’t know what I would have done without you earlier.”
“Take all of the time you need, just let us know when you decide. We’ll understand either way,” assured Celsius.
“Okay, then I need to be going” stated Dr. Sand.
“Me too,” added Icemanling.
“I need to jet too, compadres,” affirmed Vibe.
“We understand,” assured Celsius. “The teleporter tubes will get you to where you need to go”
A few minutes later, Dr. Sand, Icemanling, and Vibe had all departed to their various locations.
“Well, we had a crazy day but we gained three new members. Venus, Starman, and Nucleus—welcome to the Titans of Justice!” said Celsius.
“It will be great to have another GIRL around now that Jemstone’s gone,” said Sargona looking directly at Venus. She accentuated the word “girl,” wanting to ruffle Thunderstorm’s feathers.
“What about me?” questioned Thunderstorm.
“What ABOUT you?” echoed Sargona. “I said girl, not mutt.”
“What-ever…” sighed Thunderstorm.
***
Berlin, Germany…
The Cheetah (in animal form) did not like Germany. The air was cold and heavy and he preferred more tropical places. He crept along the outskirts of the compound until he came to a 10 foot wall. He jumped over the wall with no trouble.
"Hurry, Michael! She is just ahead! You have almost found her!" advised the voice of Priscilla Rich.
"Yessss, Grandmother. But why did you make me come here? I do not like this place." The Cheetah spoke softly, though no one was around to hear.
"Listen, my dear... She can help you as she helped me so many years ago. She is merciless, savage... much like you and I," explained the guiding voice.
The Cheetah continued his conversation with his grandmother until he happened upon two guards. The men had no time to react before he sliced them to ribbons. He began to devour them until he heard his grandmother's voice in his head.
"There will be time to feast later, my love. You must hurry!"
The Cheetah scurried deeper into the complex and was surprised it was not more heavily guarded. He came upon a room with a large metal door which he ripped away with a single swipe. Inside the room were several guards and workers. The Cheetah let out a snarl and made quick work of them. Blood and gore flew everywhere.
A female guard fired off several rounds from a machine gun at the Cheetah to no avail. He picked the guard up by her throat and slashed her from the neck down, spilling her entrails.
"YES! I love it! Kill, Michael, KILL!!!!!" Michael heard the voice again in his head.
"Grandmother, I....I…" Michael paused. A small part of him recoiled in disgust as he witnessed the work of his own claws.
"There is no time to get weak now, boy! Look... you have found her... there in the chamber! You must hurry! Do you hear those alarms? They know we are here. Enter the code like I told you... release our ally!"
"Yes, grandmother." The Cheetah's voice was more human now. He sat at the control panel and typed in a long series of numbers and characters. The chamber containing the figure began to release smoke and cold frigid air. The room filled with mist and fog. Even the Cheetah with his advanced vision couldn't see. "Grandmother... what… what's happening?" he asked. There was no reply. The voice of Priscilla Rich was gone for the time being.
Just then, he felt a very strong grip on his arm. The eight-foot beast was spun around and knocked on his back with a swift punch. Before he could react, he was picked up by his tail and slammed into a wall. The Cheetah jumped to his feet with his claws out. He saw a very tall and beautiful unclothed woman standing before him. Her eyes were ice blue and her face was very stern.
"You! Animal man... what do you want of me? What do you want of FAUSTA!?" asked the woman.
***
3 Days Later... The home of Michael Rich - Gateway City, USA
The tall blonde woman had emerged from the shower at the posh villa that belonged to Michael Rich. She put on her costume and cape. She placed the swastika armbands on her upper arms. Fausta then gave herself a satisfied smile.
Times had changed since 1945. The war was over and Germany had lost. Her leader was gone, but Fausta knew she still had a mission of hate to spread across the globe. This new Cheetah that freed her… he would be instrumental in her plan. She remembered his grandmother, the original Cheetah. They all shared a hatred for the pagan Amazon. "Finally I can even the score with that Amazon trash!" Fausta said aloud.
"Hello Fausta," came a voice from the hall. It was Michael Rich in human form.
He was not German... not even blonde. Fausta could barely tolerate the sight of him, but she forced herself to be cordial.
"You look magnificent Fausta. The Wonder Woman will surely be shocked to see you," Michael said.
"Bah, she is an enemy of the Reich that must die... she and her entire race. They are not fit to live." Fausta continued, "Tell me, Michael Rich, tell me of the Wonder Woman's life since we last crossed paths.”
The two talked about Wonder Woman and about how much had changed since World War II. Michael made sure to lead Fausta to believe Hippolyta was still Wonder Woman and still a major player on the super hero scene.
"Fausta, I have some friends that will be arriving soon. We all have the same goal. I think you will be pleased with the team I have assembled.”
”I am not part of any team, auxiliary organization, or any foolishness such as that. I am loyal only to the Fuhrer and the Reich. I must see to it that Germany rises again... and the death of the Amazon… the Themiscyrans’ lying ambassador to the world... she will send the message loud and clear that the Reich will dominate as it should have all those years ago!"
"Of course Fausta," Michael said softly.
"Tread carefully my boy," came a voice in Michael’s head. It was Priscilla. "Fausta was very unstable in the War, and she is even more crazed now. Cater to her every whim and deliver Wonder Woman to her. When the time is right, I will instruct you on dealing with the Nazi. Now, be quiet. Our friends will arrive soon..."
Written by: Power Guy
Co-conspirator: Scotty2Hotty
Editor: Marcus Mebes
Metropolis, U.S.A.
Celsius, Green Lantern, Sargona, and Power Guy had just arrived at the Hall of Justice after bringing the defeated Extremists to the Slab. They were making their way up the walk-way into the building.
“Boy, am I glad that’s over,” commented Sargona with a sigh of relief.
“But we still don’t know who reactivated the Extremists,” injected Celsius. “The original four were robots as we suspected, but Amp was a human and was obviously taking orders from someone.”
“I sense there was another force at work with those guys,” alluded Sargona. “There was some type of mystical restraint on him which is why he passed out when we were trying to question him.”
“Did you say that one of the Extremists passed out when you were trying to question him?” asked Nightvision. He was unaware of what had transpired, and how the fight had ended.
“Oh, Nightvision! I didn’t even hear you come up from behind us,” commented a somewhat startled Sargona. “You’ve really got to stop doing that.”
“Back to the question,” Nightvision said in his usual grim tone with a slight grin on his face.
Celsius decided to speak on behalf of Sargona. “Yes, we tried to question Amp, who was the Extremists’ latest addition, and he passed out when we asked him who reactivated his robotic allies and set them up to take control of the missiles in Khandaq.”
“This is not good,” grumbled Nightvision. “The same thing happened when I questioned a guard who let Dr. Phosphorus out of his cell at Arkham.”
“Are you aware of any connection between Dr. Phosphorus and the Extremists?” asked Celsius.
“No. They’ve never even met as far as I know,” replied Nightvision.
“Well, Sargona, you did say that you sensed some other force at work here,” commented Green Lantern.
“Yes, but the force is quite powerful and hides its master quite well,” said Sargona. “I’m not able to determine who we’re dealing with just yet. I’ll keep at it though.”
The five heroes entered the Hall of Justice. They made their way to the meeting room and noticed it was filled with familiar and new faces. Thunderstorm, Nucleus, Icemanling, Dr. Sand, Junjie Quick, Lady Light, Strato Hawk, Vibe, Starman, and Superwoman were all present.
“Hey guys!” yelled Celsius. “It looks like a who’s-who gallery in here!”
“You’ve got that right,” commented Thunderstorm.
“Let me guess, you’ve been eyeing everyone down so you can give Mama Waller a full report?” Sargona said in snotty tone.
“If you’ll excuse me, I have to use the little girl’s room.” Completely ignoring Sargona’s question, Thunderstorm exited the room.
“Look at all of these new heroes. Do I see another Kryptionian over there by Vibe?” commented Celsius looking directly at Superwoman. “With two Kryptonians on our team, we’ll be nearly unstoppable…”
Just then, Wonder Man walked in with Venus at his side.
“Hey, hey folks,” he said good-naturedly. “It seems like it’s been forever since I’ve seen you guys.”
“How did things go at Minerva’s house?” asked Celsius.
“Not good. Minerva was dead when Venus and I got there,” responded Wonder Man.
“Dead?” commented Power Guy with a look of confusion. “But there aren’t many people powerful enough to take on the Cheetah. She was quite vicious from what I’ve heard.”
“She was actually killed by a new male Cheetah,” answered Wonder Man. “He and I went a few rounds before Venus here joined in the fray and scared him off. By the way everyone, this is Venus,” said Wonder Man putting his hand on the shoulder of the brunette new-comer.
“Hello everyone,” chimed Venus. “I can’t tell you how happy I am to meet all of you. I’m in desperate need of your help.”
“Umm… what’s going on?” asked Green Lantern.
“Well,” she paused, hesitant. “I, um, er…”
Wonder Man quickly interrupted with, “Guys, go easy on her. She has amnesia. She showed up at the Hall asking for our help in getting her memory back.”
“So then why the costume?” asked Sargona. “You look like you’re here to become a super-hero.”
“Well now, it’s kind of like a ‘you scratch my back, I’ll scratch your back’ situation,” commented Venus. “I know you guys just got together not too long ago and I’d like to contribute to the team but at the same time, I could really use your help in helping me find out who I am.”
“What DO you know, Miss?” inquired Power Guy.
“Sadly, not much. A few months ago, I woke up in this costume with absolutely nothing else. No family, no home, and no job. I got a job dancing in Vegas. I know what you’re all thinking, but it pays well.”
“Hahaha!” giggled Sargona. “It takes a strong woman to make men stuff dollars in your g-string. I like you already. Let me show you around the place.”
Before Sargona could begin Venus’ tour, the security alarm went off.
“Not again!” sighed Celsius. “Who could possibly be attacking us now???” The team leader rolled his eyes in defeat as yet again they were at the beck and call of what appeared to be a constant string of emergencies.
Junjie Quick raced over to the monitor screen. “The computer says it’s not an intruder… but a visitor?”
“Visitor? But we’re all here,” stated Power Guy.
“Maybe it’s Jemstone!” shouted Sargona.
Thunderstorm came out of the restroom and approached the group. “If it is Jemstone, I’m going to have to take her back to Belle Rev.”
Sargona turned and looked and Thunderstorm and grumbled, “Merry Christmas to you too, Thunderdog.”
“Look lady, I have a job to do!” retorted Thunderstorm as she walked towards Sargona.
“Such a good little soldier you are…” snickerd Sargona
The two ladies had obviously become annoyed with each other and were stepping towards each other as if they were going to fight.
Junjie Quick quickly raced in between the two ladies before they could attack each other. “Take it easy ladies,” he requested.
Just then, the entrance door opened and the visitor was revealed. It was Superman.
“Superman?” said Celsius with a look of awe.
The rest of the young heroes just stood frozen in shock that they were graced by the presence of earth’s flagship hero. All of them were overwhelmed except for Power Guy and Superwoman who tried to conceal herself behind Vibe and Starman.
Power Guy was the first to approach Superman. “It’s an honor to have you here Superman. Long time no see.”
“It’s good to see you too, Power Guy but unfortunately this isn’t a social visit,” commented Superman.
“What brings you here?” asked Power Guy.
“I think you know why I’m here,” countered Superman. “I’m here for my daughter,” he said as he stared directly at Superwoman.
“Dad! How can you embarrass me like this?” yelled Superwoman. “You of all people know how much of a difference people like us can make.”
“Yes, I do and I also know the price you come to pay when those around you aren’t prepared to deal with consequences of that lifestyle!” barked Superman.
“I am prepared,” argued Superwoman. “I even made my own costume plus I saved Chicago from being blown to bits. Where were you when the missile was launched?”
“I was in the Fortress monitoring the situation but I knew the Titans of Justice here would handle it,” Superman said in a firm tone.
“Well, they were certainly glad to get my help, weren’t you?” questioned Superwoman looking at her new friends Vibe and Starman.
“Hey, don’t look at me, I’m not even a member yet…” countered Starman.
“Super muchacho,” said Vibe, “your daughter here is the reason Chicago is still standing. That counts for something, no?”
“Yes it does,” agreed Superman “but that doesn’t mean she’s ready to be full-fledged super-hero.”
“Are you forgetting that I’m an adult?” questioned Superwoman.
“Are you forgetting what happened to your brother?” yelled Superman. The Titans could tell he was getting angry.
“No, I haven’t forgotten,” Superwoman said softly. Her adrenaline rush came to a complete halt. She walked up to her father and put her hands on his shoulders. “Dad, I just want to do you proud and make this world a better place..”
“You’ll make me a lot happier if you come home with me right now,” pleaded Superman.
“Fine,” agreed Superwoman. She turned to the Titans of Justice and said, “I guess this is over before it started. Sorry guys…”
“Excused me, I’m Celsius, leader of the Titans.” He approached Superwoman. “From what I’ve heard today, you did a remarkable job. There will always be a place here for you when you when you’re ready.”
“Thank you for understanding Celsius. Your mother would be proud,” complimented Superman. “Kristen, let’s be going.”
Dead silence filled the room until Superwoman mustered up enough of her voice to shallowly whisper, “Be seeing you around.”
Superman and Superwoman then departed the Hall of Justice headed for Superman’s Fortress of Solitude.
A few minutes later after the air had thinned, Celsius spoke up, “Well, that was unexpected. How about the rest of you newcomers? Would any of you like to join the team?”
“I’d LOVE to!” answered Starman before anyone else could say a word.
Vibe then interrupted, “This guy means well but he needs some training. I think this is the perfect place for him.”
“If Vibe thinks you’re okay, that’s good enough for us,” commented Celsius.
Nucleus was the next to speak, “I’ll stick around if you’ll have me.”
“You bet, mate!” confirmed Celsius. “Without your help, there wouldn’t be a Titans of Justice or much of an earth to stand on right about now.” He turned to the two others. “Dr. Sand? Lady Light?”
“I am sorry Celsius, but I cannot accept your offer. I must focus all of my attention on Asia for now,” stated Lady Light.
“But Lady Light, I thought our experience showed you the value of teamwork?” questioned Junjie Quick.
“That it did Junjie but as I told you earlier, Asia is ravaged by crime cartels that threaten to over-run it. I cannot abandon my post right now,” she responded curtly.
“Then why did you come back here with me?” asked Junjie Quick.
“Because I thought we could celebrate our victory together and maybe I could pursuade you to come back to Asia with me to help in the fight against evil as you may be an American but you also have an Asian heritage,” answered Lady Light.
“You’re right” confirmed Junjie Quick. “My father is Singeporean but I grew up here in America with my uncle. I will be glad to help you in Asia when I can but we in the Titans of Justice operate out of America for the most part”
“I understand and I appreciate your offer of help. I must go now. Good day Titans of Justice.” She took to the air and flew out of an open window near the roof.
“Hmm… no pressure on me, I see,” commented Dr. Sand.
The group chuckled a bit.
“Hey, don’t feel obligated to join just because Lady Light walked off,” commented Strato Hawk. “You need to feel comfortable about this.”
“Agreed,” said Celsius.
Junjie Quick then interjected, “Don’t mind Lady Light guys, she means well, She’s just really focused on her responsibilities.”
“Could I take some time to think about this?” requested Dr. Sand. “I’m usually based out of Chicago but my job currently has me over in Europe for some time to come.”
“And we’re glad to have you over there”, expressed Icemanling. “I don’t know what I would have done without you earlier.”
“Take all of the time you need, just let us know when you decide. We’ll understand either way,” assured Celsius.
“Okay, then I need to be going” stated Dr. Sand.
“Me too,” added Icemanling.
“I need to jet too, compadres,” affirmed Vibe.
“We understand,” assured Celsius. “The teleporter tubes will get you to where you need to go”
A few minutes later, Dr. Sand, Icemanling, and Vibe had all departed to their various locations.
“Well, we had a crazy day but we gained three new members. Venus, Starman, and Nucleus—welcome to the Titans of Justice!” said Celsius.
“It will be great to have another GIRL around now that Jemstone’s gone,” said Sargona looking directly at Venus. She accentuated the word “girl,” wanting to ruffle Thunderstorm’s feathers.
“What about me?” questioned Thunderstorm.
“What ABOUT you?” echoed Sargona. “I said girl, not mutt.”
“What-ever…” sighed Thunderstorm.
***
Berlin, Germany…
The Cheetah (in animal form) did not like Germany. The air was cold and heavy and he preferred more tropical places. He crept along the outskirts of the compound until he came to a 10 foot wall. He jumped over the wall with no trouble.
"Hurry, Michael! She is just ahead! You have almost found her!" advised the voice of Priscilla Rich.
"Yessss, Grandmother. But why did you make me come here? I do not like this place." The Cheetah spoke softly, though no one was around to hear.
"Listen, my dear... She can help you as she helped me so many years ago. She is merciless, savage... much like you and I," explained the guiding voice.
The Cheetah continued his conversation with his grandmother until he happened upon two guards. The men had no time to react before he sliced them to ribbons. He began to devour them until he heard his grandmother's voice in his head.
"There will be time to feast later, my love. You must hurry!"
The Cheetah scurried deeper into the complex and was surprised it was not more heavily guarded. He came upon a room with a large metal door which he ripped away with a single swipe. Inside the room were several guards and workers. The Cheetah let out a snarl and made quick work of them. Blood and gore flew everywhere.
A female guard fired off several rounds from a machine gun at the Cheetah to no avail. He picked the guard up by her throat and slashed her from the neck down, spilling her entrails.
"YES! I love it! Kill, Michael, KILL!!!!!" Michael heard the voice again in his head.
"Grandmother, I....I…" Michael paused. A small part of him recoiled in disgust as he witnessed the work of his own claws.
"There is no time to get weak now, boy! Look... you have found her... there in the chamber! You must hurry! Do you hear those alarms? They know we are here. Enter the code like I told you... release our ally!"
"Yes, grandmother." The Cheetah's voice was more human now. He sat at the control panel and typed in a long series of numbers and characters. The chamber containing the figure began to release smoke and cold frigid air. The room filled with mist and fog. Even the Cheetah with his advanced vision couldn't see. "Grandmother... what… what's happening?" he asked. There was no reply. The voice of Priscilla Rich was gone for the time being.
Just then, he felt a very strong grip on his arm. The eight-foot beast was spun around and knocked on his back with a swift punch. Before he could react, he was picked up by his tail and slammed into a wall. The Cheetah jumped to his feet with his claws out. He saw a very tall and beautiful unclothed woman standing before him. Her eyes were ice blue and her face was very stern.
"You! Animal man... what do you want of me? What do you want of FAUSTA!?" asked the woman.
***
3 Days Later... The home of Michael Rich - Gateway City, USA
The tall blonde woman had emerged from the shower at the posh villa that belonged to Michael Rich. She put on her costume and cape. She placed the swastika armbands on her upper arms. Fausta then gave herself a satisfied smile.
Times had changed since 1945. The war was over and Germany had lost. Her leader was gone, but Fausta knew she still had a mission of hate to spread across the globe. This new Cheetah that freed her… he would be instrumental in her plan. She remembered his grandmother, the original Cheetah. They all shared a hatred for the pagan Amazon. "Finally I can even the score with that Amazon trash!" Fausta said aloud.
"Hello Fausta," came a voice from the hall. It was Michael Rich in human form.
He was not German... not even blonde. Fausta could barely tolerate the sight of him, but she forced herself to be cordial.
"You look magnificent Fausta. The Wonder Woman will surely be shocked to see you," Michael said.
"Bah, she is an enemy of the Reich that must die... she and her entire race. They are not fit to live." Fausta continued, "Tell me, Michael Rich, tell me of the Wonder Woman's life since we last crossed paths.”
The two talked about Wonder Woman and about how much had changed since World War II. Michael made sure to lead Fausta to believe Hippolyta was still Wonder Woman and still a major player on the super hero scene.
"Fausta, I have some friends that will be arriving soon. We all have the same goal. I think you will be pleased with the team I have assembled.”
”I am not part of any team, auxiliary organization, or any foolishness such as that. I am loyal only to the Fuhrer and the Reich. I must see to it that Germany rises again... and the death of the Amazon… the Themiscyrans’ lying ambassador to the world... she will send the message loud and clear that the Reich will dominate as it should have all those years ago!"
"Of course Fausta," Michael said softly.
"Tread carefully my boy," came a voice in Michael’s head. It was Priscilla. "Fausta was very unstable in the War, and she is even more crazed now. Cater to her every whim and deliver Wonder Woman to her. When the time is right, I will instruct you on dealing with the Nazi. Now, be quiet. Our friends will arrive soon..."