Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2015 23:19:28 GMT -5
Titans West Chapter 3 — “Brain Trust”
Written by: Archkid
Co-conspirator/Editor: Power Guy
Red eyes pierced a dark underground bunker. A large metallic body was barely visible. The giant metal monster stepped forward, shaking the very bunker itself as each of it’s feet his the ground. From a control room, the bald man watched a grin on his face. Next to him stood Brainiac, with wires stuck in his electrical mainframe.
“It works. You control that body, just as easily as your own.” The old man laughed.
“Of course I can. It’s only taking exactly one twelfth of my intellect. It’s as easy as breathing for you humans,” Brainac gloated.
“Then, tell me, Brainiac, are you ready to test the Titans West?” asked the bald man.
***
The Metrotower, Los Angeles...
Kid Comet once again landed outside of the Metrotower. He’d spent his time away from the Titans. His communicator was turned off, and spending no time on ground. He’d actually been staying in a motel, so he’d at least showered in the past three days. He told himself he was right to leave the Titans, acting like a big publicity stunt, and he wasn’t just for show. He was a hero, right?
“Hey, Mister Comet. Told ya I’d be here. I take it you want the grand tour, right?” The mover asked, smiling widely.
“Of course. Your men are done?” Kid Comet asked, roughly, trying to keep intimidation on his side, just in case.
“Just finished. Lots to unpack, lots to go here and there. The rooms are all set up with beds, and a few wardrobes. You lot get to personalize them.” The mover explained, walking up the steps to the entrance of the Metrotower. “And, the computers in your rooms, they take up a bit of room.”
“Understood. From what I understand, the Titans West won’t be living in the Metrotower. Well, most of the team won’t. I won’t.” Kid Comet explained, as he entered
“Uh, right. Well, you going to call your buddies and bring them over here now?” asked the mover.
“No. Not yet. I want to make sure everything’s right,” replied Kid Comet.
***
The Grand Hotel Lobby, L.A....
The Titans West, in full costume sat around the lobby, unfortunately, they were sitting around, getting ready to have a few posters made for the Hotel, something bad that came from them making a deal with the Grand Hotel. Wonder Warrior grumbled a bit, muttering several things under his breath.
“Problem, boss-man?” Asked Icemanling, walking up to Wonder Warrior from behind.
“Yes. This wasn’t part of the deal. Do me a favor, will you?” Wonder Warrior responded.
“What?” Icemanling asked bluntly.
“Go to the Metrotower and see if it’s ready...” Wonder Warrior softly ordered.
“Sure...why not?” agreed Icemanling.
“Excuse me, Titans...West? What kind of name is--are you lot ready for your photos?” Said a short, pudgy man in a green jump-suit and a orange cap on his head.
“Is that now?” Wonder Warrior grunted.
“Uh...yeah. Y’know, unless you’ve got something better to do?” retorted the pudgy man.
“Walk old ladies across the street?” Wonder Warrior said, rubbing the furrow in his brow.
“What are you? A boy scout?” The pudgy man asked, in a sarcasm riddled voice.
“I wish. There wouldn’t be so much trouble being a boy scout.” Wonder Warrior growled.
“Yeah, the photographer’s ready, I worked all day making a logo for you lot, and the background took me a day and a half...with three other guys helping me on it.”
“Fine. Titans West, let’s...get our pictures taken... sighed Wonder Warrior.
***
Downtown Los Angeles...
The giant, metallic body of the Construct walked down the streets of L.A., its eyes watching the people run from it. The giant let out a toneless laugh. The cries of the people below it, didn’t affect it even slightly. “Bring me the Titans West!!!” the metallic giant cried. Every technological device in the area cried out his message. Every phone, computer, TV, everything with even a hint of technological advancement spoke his message, and the Titans West heard it from a camera...I’m not the least bit kidding, the camera gave them the message.
“I am B--The Construct, and I want vengeance for my previous defeats, by slaying the sons and daughters of those who opposed me!”
***
The Grand Hotel Lobby, L.A....
“Okay Titans, this Construct is a major menace. Icemanling, you’ll be transporting the Arachnid and yourself on one of your ice-slides. Bee-Sting, find Kid Comet, we need raw power. I won’t make the same mistake I made with Gigantus...so Titans, let’s go!” Wonder Warrior ordered. He gave his orders quickly, but slowly enough so everyone knew what they needed to do.
“Boss-man, what about the plan we used on Gigantus? Couldn’t I just send this Construct to the moon of something? I can manipulate gravity.” Starman said confidently, most likely masking his uncertainty in the matter.
“Wouldn’t work. Gigantus was lighter, and he was all muscle, this is a weapons machine with a bad attitude. I’m doubting you’d even get near it without a lot more than just my little tricks. Plus, who knows what he runs on? If he exploded in the upper atmosphere, he could rain down mass amounts of radioactive debris on the city,” Wonder Warrior said, “Now, let’s get outta here and let’s stop that bucket of bolts!”
With that, the Titans West took off, Starman was first out of the Hotel, followed by Supergirl, then Jemstone, who instantly turned into light, and blasted ahead to the Construct, Bee-Sting flew flew towards the Metrotower, and Icemanling and the Arachnid stood on Icemanling’s new ice-slide, moving along to downtown L.A.
***
The Dome, In-Between the two hemispheres...
“Shouldn’t we help? Shouldn’t we do something?” Came the voice of Commander Steel, as he watched on a screen the Construct’s rampage.
“What? No. L.A.’s the Titans’ territory, besides, it’s only you and Rocket Red #9 at the moment.” Maxwell Lord the fifth asked, acting surprised.
“He is having a point, Kommander Steel.” Rocket Red #9 said, he looked at Commander Steel, and smiled behind his helmet.
“I thought the idea was we protect the world.” Commander Steel said coldly. “We’re heroes!”
“Commander, please. You’re still heroes, but you’re just two men, and you haven’t even trained together yet. I don’t think you’d be much help.” Lord responded, looking at the screen, his eyes unfaltering.
“Mister Lord, you just made a team of heroes, so why aren’t we acting like a team of heroes?” demanded Commander Steel.
***
Downtown Los Angeles...
The metallic body of the “Construct” ran through buildings, responding with complete indifference, it didn’t even notice the people screaming, parts of buildings fell to the ground below, and “the Construct” didn’t notice.
“Construct!” Came the yell of Wonder Warrior, behind him was the rest of the Titans West, minus only Kid Comet and Bee-Sting. Wonder Warrior looked directly at the giant android, and smiled, “You’re finished. Starman! Supergirl! You’re my heavy-hitters, hold back, until I give the word. Jemstone, I want you to figure out his power-source, and try and short it out, Arachnid, get on the ground and keep on crowd-control, Icemanling, can you slow down the Construct?”
“Um, I suppose.” Icemanling smiled, he made a slide down to the ground for the Arachnid while he moved his sled forward by making more of the ice. He stopped when he was at least a yard closer, and blue energy flashed from his hands.
The Arachnid dived onto the slide, slipping down the ground, and rolling into a car. He picked himself up, and saw most people running away. Running up to a Porsche, he bent down, and placed his hand under the expensive car…
“What are you doing!??!” Came a cry, the Arachnid turned, and saw a short, balding man, with thick glasses and wearing an expensive suit.
“I’m going to throw this car at the giant killer robot.” The Arachnid responded simply.
“No, you’re not. I paid a lot of money for that car! I won’t let you destroy it!” The balding man cried out more.
“But, y’see, the robot will kill people. I’m trying to help slow it down. Leave the heavy-hitters to destroying the giant-killer-robot.” The Arachnid responded.
***
Jemstone stood on top of a building, she didn’t know which one but it didn’t matter, she was using all of her power to discover the power source of the “Construct”, her eyes turned bright pink, and she looked at the “Construct” in a new way. “Wait--shouldn’t androids have built-in power sources?”
“Yeah, I think so...” Came Icemanling’s reply. “Why?”
“Because, the power source it’s coming from the ground.” Jemstone said, “But, I think I can short-circuit it.”
“Then do it!” Came the yell of Wonder Warrior, “This is a major Justice League enemy, and we need to take him down before he does more damage!”
Jemstone murmured, and raised her hands, pointing them at the “Construct” she started to glow purplish-pink all over, a large blast of energy shot from her hands, hitting the “Construct”, only slowing him down momentarily.
Icemanling’s blue blasts of energy covered the metallic body of the “Construct” coating it in ice but then, the “Construct” moved forward and shattered the ice-coat. “Okay, new strategy.” Icemanling muttered, he put his hands together a blue burst of energy came out, and a large iceberg shot towards the “Construct”, hitting it, and tearing into its shell.
“Good work Icemanling! Supergirl, tear into it now!” Wonder Warrior said in his commanding voice. A blur and red blur tore into the “Construct” hitting it with all her might, the blur eventually knocked the “Construct” to the ground.
“Ha! You’re as sad as your brother. An over-confident half-Kryptonian, who still under-estimates my twelfth-level intellect. Don’t you all?” The “Construct” tonelessly laughed.
“Oh no...you can’t be...” Supergirl screamed. She then started to cry, and looked to the sky. “I...I can’t...you’ll kill me too...” Supergirl yelled as she remembered her brother’s horrific death at the hands of Brainiac, tears rolling down her face, she streaked to the sky, and didn’t stop.
“Supergirl!!” Wonder Warrior yelled, looking up to the sky, where Supergirl had disappeared to. “Starman, move in, keep your distance, and try and melt that sucker down!”
“You got it Pinky!” Starman smiled, swooping down.
“Yeah...it’s red.” Wonder Warrior softly said. His doubts started to pile up. He didn’t even try to fight, he gave orders, what kind of hero was he?
***
Down on the ground…
“Look, I just want to throw your car up at the giant-killer robot, I just want to help my friends!” The Arachnid softly said, trying to hide his anger.
“Throw your own car!” The balding owner of the Porsche yelled.
“I don’t own one!” The Arachnid screamed back.
“Then, when you get one, you can throw it.” The balding man laughed.
“Look, I either throw the car at the giant-killer-robot, or I throw you at the robot,” the Arachnid joked in anger.
“Take the car...but, expect to see me in court,” the balding man replied storming away.
The Arachnid laughed, and picked up the Porsche, he pulled his arms back, and threw the car, it flung forward towards the “Construct” and hit its head. The car exploded, and fire covered the head of the “Construct”.
***
In the sky above…
Starman aimed his cosmic rod at the “Construct”, looking at the fire on its head, and the damage done by Supergirl and Icemanling. He was confused, Supergirl was near-invulnerable, and Icemanling’s iceberg couldn’t have done too much damage, after all, it was ice against pure metal, several layers of pure metal. Starman’s cosmic rod shot out a yellow beam of star-hot energy. The energy hit the “Construct” hard. Tearing it apart.
“Wow. That was...that was easy...” Starman laughed.
“I have problems with this, this whole fight.” came the voice of Wonder Warrior. “Starman, Jemstone, can you two clean this mess up?”
***
Later, at the newly finished The Metrotower, L.A....
Wonder Warrior and the Arachnid landed in front of the Metrotower. Wonder Warrior, was a little mad about being radioed by Bee-Sting, and being asked to show up at the Metrotower after having just finished their battle with the “Construct”. “Alright Bee, where are you?” Wonder Warrior asked to no-one, the air around him made a whispering noise, and Bee-Sting appeared in the sky.
“I’m glad you came, Wondy, but you’re not going to like why...” Bee-Sting said, looking at the other two team-members left of the Titans West of her time.
“Where’s Kid Comet? You told me you found him.” Wonder Warrior asked, hoping to put off talking about what he thought they were going to talk about.
“Up here, Wondy.” Kid Comet laughed, floating down to Wonder Warrior’s side.
“We should be talking about what happened with the Construct.” Wonder Warrior said, “It scared Supergirl away. Bee-Sting, can you take a look af the remains of it?”
“I can. Just bring me a piece of it. I can work on it from there.” Bee-Sting smirked.
“What was weird about the Construct?” the Arachnid asked, rubbing the back of his head.
“Someone wound him up, and sent him against us. That wasn’t the real Construct...it couldn’t have been. He was defeated way too easily. Just like Gigantus, the Construct was sent against us.” Wonder Warrior said, looking away from the rest of the team.
“Little paranoid of you, isn’t it?” Kid Comet said, looking quizzically at Wonder Warrior.
“Maybe...but you can’t believe that both attacks were coincidence. Someone freed Gigantus, someone sent that wannabe Construct after us. So...who sent them after us?” Wonder Warrior asked.
***
Downtown L.A....
“Clean-up? Wow, and I thought we were super-heroes.” Starman said, manipulating the gravity of most of the remains of the “Construct”, hovering its pieces into the air. His cosmic rod covering up several pieces of metal, coming around in a yellow bubble.
“We are, but part of being a hero is helping people.” Jemstone said, using her own energy manipulation to pick up pieces of the Construct.
On the ground, Icemanling talked to the press. “We all did what we could.” Icemanling said, responding to a question from a newsman.
“Eye-witnesses say that you were the first to dent the Construct.” The newsman said, “Can you tell us how?”
“No, I can’t, but y’know, I couldn’t have done it without the rest of the team. Honestly, without the team, the Construct would have done much, much worse.” Icemanling responded with a small, weak, smile.
***
The Secret Underground Bunker...
“They beat you quickly, Brainiac.” The old, bald man said, disgust riddling his voice.
“Please, it was a test. I didn’t even activate the weapons systems. But, I did drive away Supergirl. She’s a just a sad little girl, trying to live up to her father’s and her brother’s legacy.” Brainiac tonelessly laughed.
“Heartless. I like it, it’s far better than that pseudo personality you used to pull in front of everyone.” The old man laughed.
“Pseudo personality? You wound me...Luthor...” responded Brainaic. “The Legion of Doom was so twenty-five years ago.”
***
The Metrotower, L.A....
“I’m telling you...that thing we fought, it wasn’t the Construct! It couldn’t have been.” Wonder Warrior yelled, trying to get his teammates to listen to him.
“Uh, okay, but why do you think that the Construct and Gigantus were sent after us?” Kid Comet asked, shrugging as he questioned the man whose orders he’d followed only five years from now.
“They both wanted to fight the Titans West. Both were huge threats. It can’t be coincidence!” Wonder Warrior practically screamed.
“So, what about that dinner with the mayor. Did you learn anything from it?” Bee-Sting asked, changing the subject, leaving the conspiracy alone until she could gather evidence.
“Maxwell Lord the fifth is setting up a new Global Guardians team...five nations have got their champions ready.” Wonder Warrior stated, in a strong professional voice.
“Maxwell Lord? As in--the guy Wonder Woman killed?” Kid Comet questioned.
“Yeah, he’s the son of that Maxwell Lord,” Wonder Warrior softly stated.
“Okay...Maxwell Lord Junior...Global Guardians...That doesn’t make much sense.”
Bee-Sting said, trying to make sure she got the jist of what they were saying.
“Right, and time-traveling to save the Titans of Justice from a power-mad sorcerer makes perfect sense...” The Arachnid said sarcastically.
“Touché, bug-man, but it wasn’t me, you, Wondy or Comet who got us stuck here.” Bee-Sting retorted, smugly.
“Right, it must’ve been Palomé’s fault.” The Arachnid scoffed.
“Don’t bring him into this!” Bee-Sting yelled harshly.
Wonder Warrior touched his ear, or more accurately the communicator ear-piece he wore at all times. His eyes opened with surprise and then he revealed, “Titans! The Royal Flush Gang have been spotted in San Francisco. Comet, I want you to go to STAR Labs and get us a jet for travel as it will be a few weeks before we have our own Javelyn. Bee-Sting, I want you to get a hold of satellite video of the Royal Flush Gang, and assess the danger they present. Go, people, we don’t have all day!”
Wonder Warrior commanded, making it crystal clear what he was, their boss. Around him, Bee-Sting disappeared into the Metrotower, and Kid Comet disappeared into the distance.
“The Royal Flush Gang?” The Arachnid asked, rhetorically. “Why are they a threat? Surely a bunch of idiots dressed as playing cards can’t be much of a problem.”
***
STAR Labs, L.A. branch...
Kid Comet landed in front of the Los Angeles branch of STAR Labs. In his time, STAR regularly helped the Titans with whatever they needed, right now? They’d never even heard of the Titans of Justice...typical. Kid Comet entered the building, and asked around, before finally finding someone of use.
“No,” replied the scientist Kid Comet asked about borrowing a jet.
“What do you mean ‘no’?” Kid Comet asked, holding his fists at his side.
“I mean no. Whenever you super-folks borrow a jet, it gets blown-up.” The scientist said, pulling his white-coat open.
“You’re speaking pretty, what’s the word, stupidly for a scientist.” Kid Comet remarked, taking a quick jab at the man.
“Do you really want me to explain things in a form you don’t understand, philistine?” the scientist said egotistically, and pompously.
“No...I want a jet. And if you don’t give me a jet, you’ll go through a couple dozen walls.” Kid Comet confidently threatened.
“Let’s go get you a jet!” agreed the scientist, shaking in fear.
“Thank you,” responded Kid Comet with an evil grin.
“Don’t mention it. Please?” requested the newly cooperative scientist.
***
The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco...
Panic covered the Golden Gate Bridge today, screams were heard, and traffic jams
were in full effect. The traffic jams were caused by a massive power-house. The android member of the Royal Flush Gang, known only as Ace. The white suited Ace made no expression as it wrecked havoc.
The rest of the Royal Flush Gang, all flesh-and-blood stood on the railing of the bridge. Jack was laughing madly, his mask was split between black and white, “The Two-Faced Jack”, was represented on his costume, with opposite colors meeting side to side. King stood above him, he was close to his 50's, with long white hair and a long white moustache. Next to King was Queen, a cold looking woman who was the fitting image of pure royalty.
“Ha! What’s I tell you? My Uncle Amos is the most interesting man, don’t you agree Kenny?” Jack laughed, looking at the people running around him.
“He’s definitely interesting Jack, but, the fact he wanted us to be the new Royal Flush Gang disturbs me.” King responded, coldly, looking at Queen.
“You’re too uptight, Kenny. We’ve got the chance to make millions! Millions because we wear costumes and let the robot do all the horrible stuff.” A woman resembling the classic Ten of years past said, a wide grin on her face.
“She’s right...for once. S--Ten makes an excellent point, all because our Jack’s uncle is a creepy old man.” Queen coldly said, in a very, very pompous way.
“Wait...did you hear something?” King asked, looking up at the sky.
“No. You’re just scared. The suits we wear make us better than the cops. Let L.A. send their entire police force after us, I’m not scared in the least bit,” Jack laughed.
To Be Continued...
Written by: Archkid
Co-conspirator/Editor: Power Guy
Red eyes pierced a dark underground bunker. A large metallic body was barely visible. The giant metal monster stepped forward, shaking the very bunker itself as each of it’s feet his the ground. From a control room, the bald man watched a grin on his face. Next to him stood Brainiac, with wires stuck in his electrical mainframe.
“It works. You control that body, just as easily as your own.” The old man laughed.
“Of course I can. It’s only taking exactly one twelfth of my intellect. It’s as easy as breathing for you humans,” Brainac gloated.
“Then, tell me, Brainiac, are you ready to test the Titans West?” asked the bald man.
***
The Metrotower, Los Angeles...
Kid Comet once again landed outside of the Metrotower. He’d spent his time away from the Titans. His communicator was turned off, and spending no time on ground. He’d actually been staying in a motel, so he’d at least showered in the past three days. He told himself he was right to leave the Titans, acting like a big publicity stunt, and he wasn’t just for show. He was a hero, right?
“Hey, Mister Comet. Told ya I’d be here. I take it you want the grand tour, right?” The mover asked, smiling widely.
“Of course. Your men are done?” Kid Comet asked, roughly, trying to keep intimidation on his side, just in case.
“Just finished. Lots to unpack, lots to go here and there. The rooms are all set up with beds, and a few wardrobes. You lot get to personalize them.” The mover explained, walking up the steps to the entrance of the Metrotower. “And, the computers in your rooms, they take up a bit of room.”
“Understood. From what I understand, the Titans West won’t be living in the Metrotower. Well, most of the team won’t. I won’t.” Kid Comet explained, as he entered
“Uh, right. Well, you going to call your buddies and bring them over here now?” asked the mover.
“No. Not yet. I want to make sure everything’s right,” replied Kid Comet.
***
The Grand Hotel Lobby, L.A....
The Titans West, in full costume sat around the lobby, unfortunately, they were sitting around, getting ready to have a few posters made for the Hotel, something bad that came from them making a deal with the Grand Hotel. Wonder Warrior grumbled a bit, muttering several things under his breath.
“Problem, boss-man?” Asked Icemanling, walking up to Wonder Warrior from behind.
“Yes. This wasn’t part of the deal. Do me a favor, will you?” Wonder Warrior responded.
“What?” Icemanling asked bluntly.
“Go to the Metrotower and see if it’s ready...” Wonder Warrior softly ordered.
“Sure...why not?” agreed Icemanling.
“Excuse me, Titans...West? What kind of name is--are you lot ready for your photos?” Said a short, pudgy man in a green jump-suit and a orange cap on his head.
“Is that now?” Wonder Warrior grunted.
“Uh...yeah. Y’know, unless you’ve got something better to do?” retorted the pudgy man.
“Walk old ladies across the street?” Wonder Warrior said, rubbing the furrow in his brow.
“What are you? A boy scout?” The pudgy man asked, in a sarcasm riddled voice.
“I wish. There wouldn’t be so much trouble being a boy scout.” Wonder Warrior growled.
“Yeah, the photographer’s ready, I worked all day making a logo for you lot, and the background took me a day and a half...with three other guys helping me on it.”
“Fine. Titans West, let’s...get our pictures taken... sighed Wonder Warrior.
***
Downtown Los Angeles...
The giant, metallic body of the Construct walked down the streets of L.A., its eyes watching the people run from it. The giant let out a toneless laugh. The cries of the people below it, didn’t affect it even slightly. “Bring me the Titans West!!!” the metallic giant cried. Every technological device in the area cried out his message. Every phone, computer, TV, everything with even a hint of technological advancement spoke his message, and the Titans West heard it from a camera...I’m not the least bit kidding, the camera gave them the message.
“I am B--The Construct, and I want vengeance for my previous defeats, by slaying the sons and daughters of those who opposed me!”
***
The Grand Hotel Lobby, L.A....
“Okay Titans, this Construct is a major menace. Icemanling, you’ll be transporting the Arachnid and yourself on one of your ice-slides. Bee-Sting, find Kid Comet, we need raw power. I won’t make the same mistake I made with Gigantus...so Titans, let’s go!” Wonder Warrior ordered. He gave his orders quickly, but slowly enough so everyone knew what they needed to do.
“Boss-man, what about the plan we used on Gigantus? Couldn’t I just send this Construct to the moon of something? I can manipulate gravity.” Starman said confidently, most likely masking his uncertainty in the matter.
“Wouldn’t work. Gigantus was lighter, and he was all muscle, this is a weapons machine with a bad attitude. I’m doubting you’d even get near it without a lot more than just my little tricks. Plus, who knows what he runs on? If he exploded in the upper atmosphere, he could rain down mass amounts of radioactive debris on the city,” Wonder Warrior said, “Now, let’s get outta here and let’s stop that bucket of bolts!”
With that, the Titans West took off, Starman was first out of the Hotel, followed by Supergirl, then Jemstone, who instantly turned into light, and blasted ahead to the Construct, Bee-Sting flew flew towards the Metrotower, and Icemanling and the Arachnid stood on Icemanling’s new ice-slide, moving along to downtown L.A.
***
The Dome, In-Between the two hemispheres...
“Shouldn’t we help? Shouldn’t we do something?” Came the voice of Commander Steel, as he watched on a screen the Construct’s rampage.
“What? No. L.A.’s the Titans’ territory, besides, it’s only you and Rocket Red #9 at the moment.” Maxwell Lord the fifth asked, acting surprised.
“He is having a point, Kommander Steel.” Rocket Red #9 said, he looked at Commander Steel, and smiled behind his helmet.
“I thought the idea was we protect the world.” Commander Steel said coldly. “We’re heroes!”
“Commander, please. You’re still heroes, but you’re just two men, and you haven’t even trained together yet. I don’t think you’d be much help.” Lord responded, looking at the screen, his eyes unfaltering.
“Mister Lord, you just made a team of heroes, so why aren’t we acting like a team of heroes?” demanded Commander Steel.
***
Downtown Los Angeles...
The metallic body of the “Construct” ran through buildings, responding with complete indifference, it didn’t even notice the people screaming, parts of buildings fell to the ground below, and “the Construct” didn’t notice.
“Construct!” Came the yell of Wonder Warrior, behind him was the rest of the Titans West, minus only Kid Comet and Bee-Sting. Wonder Warrior looked directly at the giant android, and smiled, “You’re finished. Starman! Supergirl! You’re my heavy-hitters, hold back, until I give the word. Jemstone, I want you to figure out his power-source, and try and short it out, Arachnid, get on the ground and keep on crowd-control, Icemanling, can you slow down the Construct?”
“Um, I suppose.” Icemanling smiled, he made a slide down to the ground for the Arachnid while he moved his sled forward by making more of the ice. He stopped when he was at least a yard closer, and blue energy flashed from his hands.
The Arachnid dived onto the slide, slipping down the ground, and rolling into a car. He picked himself up, and saw most people running away. Running up to a Porsche, he bent down, and placed his hand under the expensive car…
“What are you doing!??!” Came a cry, the Arachnid turned, and saw a short, balding man, with thick glasses and wearing an expensive suit.
“I’m going to throw this car at the giant killer robot.” The Arachnid responded simply.
“No, you’re not. I paid a lot of money for that car! I won’t let you destroy it!” The balding man cried out more.
“But, y’see, the robot will kill people. I’m trying to help slow it down. Leave the heavy-hitters to destroying the giant-killer-robot.” The Arachnid responded.
***
Jemstone stood on top of a building, she didn’t know which one but it didn’t matter, she was using all of her power to discover the power source of the “Construct”, her eyes turned bright pink, and she looked at the “Construct” in a new way. “Wait--shouldn’t androids have built-in power sources?”
“Yeah, I think so...” Came Icemanling’s reply. “Why?”
“Because, the power source it’s coming from the ground.” Jemstone said, “But, I think I can short-circuit it.”
“Then do it!” Came the yell of Wonder Warrior, “This is a major Justice League enemy, and we need to take him down before he does more damage!”
Jemstone murmured, and raised her hands, pointing them at the “Construct” she started to glow purplish-pink all over, a large blast of energy shot from her hands, hitting the “Construct”, only slowing him down momentarily.
Icemanling’s blue blasts of energy covered the metallic body of the “Construct” coating it in ice but then, the “Construct” moved forward and shattered the ice-coat. “Okay, new strategy.” Icemanling muttered, he put his hands together a blue burst of energy came out, and a large iceberg shot towards the “Construct”, hitting it, and tearing into its shell.
“Good work Icemanling! Supergirl, tear into it now!” Wonder Warrior said in his commanding voice. A blur and red blur tore into the “Construct” hitting it with all her might, the blur eventually knocked the “Construct” to the ground.
“Ha! You’re as sad as your brother. An over-confident half-Kryptonian, who still under-estimates my twelfth-level intellect. Don’t you all?” The “Construct” tonelessly laughed.
“Oh no...you can’t be...” Supergirl screamed. She then started to cry, and looked to the sky. “I...I can’t...you’ll kill me too...” Supergirl yelled as she remembered her brother’s horrific death at the hands of Brainiac, tears rolling down her face, she streaked to the sky, and didn’t stop.
“Supergirl!!” Wonder Warrior yelled, looking up to the sky, where Supergirl had disappeared to. “Starman, move in, keep your distance, and try and melt that sucker down!”
“You got it Pinky!” Starman smiled, swooping down.
“Yeah...it’s red.” Wonder Warrior softly said. His doubts started to pile up. He didn’t even try to fight, he gave orders, what kind of hero was he?
***
Down on the ground…
“Look, I just want to throw your car up at the giant-killer robot, I just want to help my friends!” The Arachnid softly said, trying to hide his anger.
“Throw your own car!” The balding owner of the Porsche yelled.
“I don’t own one!” The Arachnid screamed back.
“Then, when you get one, you can throw it.” The balding man laughed.
“Look, I either throw the car at the giant-killer-robot, or I throw you at the robot,” the Arachnid joked in anger.
“Take the car...but, expect to see me in court,” the balding man replied storming away.
The Arachnid laughed, and picked up the Porsche, he pulled his arms back, and threw the car, it flung forward towards the “Construct” and hit its head. The car exploded, and fire covered the head of the “Construct”.
***
In the sky above…
Starman aimed his cosmic rod at the “Construct”, looking at the fire on its head, and the damage done by Supergirl and Icemanling. He was confused, Supergirl was near-invulnerable, and Icemanling’s iceberg couldn’t have done too much damage, after all, it was ice against pure metal, several layers of pure metal. Starman’s cosmic rod shot out a yellow beam of star-hot energy. The energy hit the “Construct” hard. Tearing it apart.
“Wow. That was...that was easy...” Starman laughed.
“I have problems with this, this whole fight.” came the voice of Wonder Warrior. “Starman, Jemstone, can you two clean this mess up?”
***
Later, at the newly finished The Metrotower, L.A....
Wonder Warrior and the Arachnid landed in front of the Metrotower. Wonder Warrior, was a little mad about being radioed by Bee-Sting, and being asked to show up at the Metrotower after having just finished their battle with the “Construct”. “Alright Bee, where are you?” Wonder Warrior asked to no-one, the air around him made a whispering noise, and Bee-Sting appeared in the sky.
“I’m glad you came, Wondy, but you’re not going to like why...” Bee-Sting said, looking at the other two team-members left of the Titans West of her time.
“Where’s Kid Comet? You told me you found him.” Wonder Warrior asked, hoping to put off talking about what he thought they were going to talk about.
“Up here, Wondy.” Kid Comet laughed, floating down to Wonder Warrior’s side.
“We should be talking about what happened with the Construct.” Wonder Warrior said, “It scared Supergirl away. Bee-Sting, can you take a look af the remains of it?”
“I can. Just bring me a piece of it. I can work on it from there.” Bee-Sting smirked.
“What was weird about the Construct?” the Arachnid asked, rubbing the back of his head.
“Someone wound him up, and sent him against us. That wasn’t the real Construct...it couldn’t have been. He was defeated way too easily. Just like Gigantus, the Construct was sent against us.” Wonder Warrior said, looking away from the rest of the team.
“Little paranoid of you, isn’t it?” Kid Comet said, looking quizzically at Wonder Warrior.
“Maybe...but you can’t believe that both attacks were coincidence. Someone freed Gigantus, someone sent that wannabe Construct after us. So...who sent them after us?” Wonder Warrior asked.
***
Downtown L.A....
“Clean-up? Wow, and I thought we were super-heroes.” Starman said, manipulating the gravity of most of the remains of the “Construct”, hovering its pieces into the air. His cosmic rod covering up several pieces of metal, coming around in a yellow bubble.
“We are, but part of being a hero is helping people.” Jemstone said, using her own energy manipulation to pick up pieces of the Construct.
On the ground, Icemanling talked to the press. “We all did what we could.” Icemanling said, responding to a question from a newsman.
“Eye-witnesses say that you were the first to dent the Construct.” The newsman said, “Can you tell us how?”
“No, I can’t, but y’know, I couldn’t have done it without the rest of the team. Honestly, without the team, the Construct would have done much, much worse.” Icemanling responded with a small, weak, smile.
***
The Secret Underground Bunker...
“They beat you quickly, Brainiac.” The old, bald man said, disgust riddling his voice.
“Please, it was a test. I didn’t even activate the weapons systems. But, I did drive away Supergirl. She’s a just a sad little girl, trying to live up to her father’s and her brother’s legacy.” Brainiac tonelessly laughed.
“Heartless. I like it, it’s far better than that pseudo personality you used to pull in front of everyone.” The old man laughed.
“Pseudo personality? You wound me...Luthor...” responded Brainaic. “The Legion of Doom was so twenty-five years ago.”
***
The Metrotower, L.A....
“I’m telling you...that thing we fought, it wasn’t the Construct! It couldn’t have been.” Wonder Warrior yelled, trying to get his teammates to listen to him.
“Uh, okay, but why do you think that the Construct and Gigantus were sent after us?” Kid Comet asked, shrugging as he questioned the man whose orders he’d followed only five years from now.
“They both wanted to fight the Titans West. Both were huge threats. It can’t be coincidence!” Wonder Warrior practically screamed.
“So, what about that dinner with the mayor. Did you learn anything from it?” Bee-Sting asked, changing the subject, leaving the conspiracy alone until she could gather evidence.
“Maxwell Lord the fifth is setting up a new Global Guardians team...five nations have got their champions ready.” Wonder Warrior stated, in a strong professional voice.
“Maxwell Lord? As in--the guy Wonder Woman killed?” Kid Comet questioned.
“Yeah, he’s the son of that Maxwell Lord,” Wonder Warrior softly stated.
“Okay...Maxwell Lord Junior...Global Guardians...That doesn’t make much sense.”
Bee-Sting said, trying to make sure she got the jist of what they were saying.
“Right, and time-traveling to save the Titans of Justice from a power-mad sorcerer makes perfect sense...” The Arachnid said sarcastically.
“Touché, bug-man, but it wasn’t me, you, Wondy or Comet who got us stuck here.” Bee-Sting retorted, smugly.
“Right, it must’ve been Palomé’s fault.” The Arachnid scoffed.
“Don’t bring him into this!” Bee-Sting yelled harshly.
Wonder Warrior touched his ear, or more accurately the communicator ear-piece he wore at all times. His eyes opened with surprise and then he revealed, “Titans! The Royal Flush Gang have been spotted in San Francisco. Comet, I want you to go to STAR Labs and get us a jet for travel as it will be a few weeks before we have our own Javelyn. Bee-Sting, I want you to get a hold of satellite video of the Royal Flush Gang, and assess the danger they present. Go, people, we don’t have all day!”
Wonder Warrior commanded, making it crystal clear what he was, their boss. Around him, Bee-Sting disappeared into the Metrotower, and Kid Comet disappeared into the distance.
“The Royal Flush Gang?” The Arachnid asked, rhetorically. “Why are they a threat? Surely a bunch of idiots dressed as playing cards can’t be much of a problem.”
***
STAR Labs, L.A. branch...
Kid Comet landed in front of the Los Angeles branch of STAR Labs. In his time, STAR regularly helped the Titans with whatever they needed, right now? They’d never even heard of the Titans of Justice...typical. Kid Comet entered the building, and asked around, before finally finding someone of use.
“No,” replied the scientist Kid Comet asked about borrowing a jet.
“What do you mean ‘no’?” Kid Comet asked, holding his fists at his side.
“I mean no. Whenever you super-folks borrow a jet, it gets blown-up.” The scientist said, pulling his white-coat open.
“You’re speaking pretty, what’s the word, stupidly for a scientist.” Kid Comet remarked, taking a quick jab at the man.
“Do you really want me to explain things in a form you don’t understand, philistine?” the scientist said egotistically, and pompously.
“No...I want a jet. And if you don’t give me a jet, you’ll go through a couple dozen walls.” Kid Comet confidently threatened.
“Let’s go get you a jet!” agreed the scientist, shaking in fear.
“Thank you,” responded Kid Comet with an evil grin.
“Don’t mention it. Please?” requested the newly cooperative scientist.
***
The Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco...
Panic covered the Golden Gate Bridge today, screams were heard, and traffic jams
were in full effect. The traffic jams were caused by a massive power-house. The android member of the Royal Flush Gang, known only as Ace. The white suited Ace made no expression as it wrecked havoc.
The rest of the Royal Flush Gang, all flesh-and-blood stood on the railing of the bridge. Jack was laughing madly, his mask was split between black and white, “The Two-Faced Jack”, was represented on his costume, with opposite colors meeting side to side. King stood above him, he was close to his 50's, with long white hair and a long white moustache. Next to King was Queen, a cold looking woman who was the fitting image of pure royalty.
“Ha! What’s I tell you? My Uncle Amos is the most interesting man, don’t you agree Kenny?” Jack laughed, looking at the people running around him.
“He’s definitely interesting Jack, but, the fact he wanted us to be the new Royal Flush Gang disturbs me.” King responded, coldly, looking at Queen.
“You’re too uptight, Kenny. We’ve got the chance to make millions! Millions because we wear costumes and let the robot do all the horrible stuff.” A woman resembling the classic Ten of years past said, a wide grin on her face.
“She’s right...for once. S--Ten makes an excellent point, all because our Jack’s uncle is a creepy old man.” Queen coldly said, in a very, very pompous way.
“Wait...did you hear something?” King asked, looking up at the sky.
“No. You’re just scared. The suits we wear make us better than the cops. Let L.A. send their entire police force after us, I’m not scared in the least bit,” Jack laughed.
To Be Continued...