Post by Deleted on Mar 26, 2015 23:23:01 GMT -5
Titans East Chapter 29 – “Ten Little Indians”
Written by: Green Lantern
Co-conspirator: Power Guy
Editors: Marcus Mebes and Zuckuss
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INDIA
As a handsome young couple exited a quaint restaurant on the coastline of Tamil Nadu, a silent observer listened to their every word.
“So, I hear that Green Lanterns are supposed to be fearless. Isn’t there anything that scares you… just a little bit?” asked an exotic beauty.
“Hmmmm…” began her distinguished looking bald companion. “There was this villain that Dark Arrow, Sonic Boom and I fought last year…”
“Another reference to Sonic Boom…” thought Sargona as she smiled politely.
“…her name is Sultana and she is the daughter of Sinestro…” continued Green Lantern. “I wouldn’t want to ever meet her again. She almost killed us. I wouldn’t want to meet Sinestro again either for that matter!” He paused to shudder, then shook it off. “How about you?”
“Well, I’m a daddy’s-girl at heart. I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to my father,” confided Sargona. “…or if anything happened to you,” she thought privately.
Ascertaining that these two posed a threat as some of the more powerful members of the Titans of Justice, the invisible watcher replicated himself into four men and prepared for the attack.
DEEET! DEEET! DEEET!
“It’s the Titans emergency alert!” shouted Sargona.
“Junjie Quick to any Titan: Urgent Request for Assistance in Singapore. I am being attacked by the same group that attacked Celsius. Warning to all Titans: The Titans of Justice are being targeted! Repeat: We are under attack!”
“Junjie! Hold on! Sargona and I will be right there!” shouted Green Lantern into his communicator as his ring made an illusion that he and his date walked in one direction while Green Lantern and Sargona took to the skies in heroic form.
Realizing that the opportunity for a surprise attack was missed, the invisible watcher thought, “Perhaps there is another way that I can get those two out of my way so that I can be alone with her…”
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Gotham City
Helena Wayne walked up the stairway towards the thick oak door to her brownstone apartment. What began as an occasion for celebration ended in a mystery of terror. Her “cousin” Nightvision had been seriously injured by an unseen attacker. Brendan was safe with family now, but after some checking the Huntress discovered, to her horror, that the night stalker who had killed two students, attacked two others, and broken into her private apartment, was no longer in custody and was at large. Somehow he had escaped. “I wonder where Archie is?” she thought, noting her private guard and butler’s absence.
“Excuse me, miss!” called a strong male voice.
Turning around Helena Wayne noted that the man addressing her was tall and wearing sunglasses and a knee-length coat. He seemed familiar somehow. “Yes? Can I help you?”
“Is this the Wayne residence?” he asked.
“It is,” she replied.
“I’m the temp that is assigned to take over in the meantime,” he explained.
“What?” Helena was disturbed. How could she trust a temp?
“The temporary butler and security job… This is the right place isn’t it?” he asked, handing a her a piece of paper with her address scribbled on it.
Helena was completely at a loss for what to say. “Excuse me for a moment, Mr…?”
“Stone! Marvin Stone, at your service!” the temp replied.
Closing the door behind her she called the Kidman residence.
“Hello?” asked a female voice weakly.
“Amanda? This is Helena…”
“Oh, thank God! You heard about what happened?” asked the wife of Helena’s butler/guard.
“…No. What happened?”
“Archie was attacked and both his legs are broken!” said Amanda in tears.
“Where is he?” asked Helena.
“They’ve already released him from the hospital. He’s here at home now, resting.”
“Amanda, listen carefully,” directed Helena Wayne confidently, “I want you to take Archie and your daughter and get out of there. Don’t tell anyone where you are going… and don’t come back until I call you. Take Archie’s cell phone with you. I will pay for everything.”
“But…”
“Amanda, this is a matter of life and death! Now GO!”
After the call ended Helena loaded her wrist launcher and concealed it under her coat sleeve. Opening the door she looked sternly at the “substitute guard” and said, “May I request you to remove your sunglasses, sir? SLOWLY!”
“Why, sure ma’am… Is there some problem?” asked the tall gentleman as and looked downward without removing his glasses.
“Yes there is,” revealed Helena. “You are Chris Martin! You sick…”
“You remembered my name!!!” he said with obvious delight.
Helena raised her arm and shot two darts at the young man. He disappeared from sight as the darts approached him. The Huntress noted that while the red dart missed its target and lay on the sidewalk, the yellow dart must have hit as it was nowhere to be found.
“He got away …” she thought. “But now the hunt begins…and the Huntress always gets her prey!”
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Titans East Headquarters
Celsius and stood at the head of meeting hall of the Titans of Justice. Seated at the grand table were Black Vulcan, Nucleus, Power Guy, Sonic Boom, Strato Hawk, Venus, and Wonder Man.
“Thank you all for coming so quickly.” began Celsius, “We believe that the members of Titans East are being attacked by an unknown group; the same group that attacked me when I met the Sportsmaster.”
“The Sportsmaster? Isn’t he a bad guy? An old bad guy?” asked Sonic Boom. “My grandmother and the original Green Lantern fought him several times along with his crooked wife, the original Huntress.”
“No, this is a new Sportsmaster,” answered Strato Hawk. “And he’s a good guy.”
“The Sportsmaster is the newest member of the Titans of Justice,” explained Celsius. “You and Black Vulcan weren’t here for his introduction. Which brings us to our next point. Junjie Quick was attacked twenty-five minutes ago by a group fitting the same description of the gang that attacked me. We need to account for the whereabouts of every member of the Titans East.”
“How can we be sure that this attack is only directed at the East Coast Titans?” asked Nucleus. “Perhaps they are also after Icemanling and Starman or the rest of our new West Coast team?”
“I am in contact with Wonder Warrior,” said Wonder Man. “So far there have been no related attacks on the Titans West, but they are on alert.”
The doors to the meeting room opened, heralding the arrival of Sargona and Green Lantern.
“Hello everyone!” greeted Green Lantern. “Sorry we’re late. We took Junie from Singapore to Keystone City.”
“He’s pretty banged up,” continued Sargona, “but with his metabolism he should be completely healed in a couple of days.”
“He is safe in a private location with Liberty Belle and his new sidekick, Rapido,” informed Green Lantern.
“Great!” said Celsius. “ Now we just have four more Titans to account for."
“Right,” said Venus. “Does anyone know where Palomé is?”
“Last I heard he was going off somewhere to meditate or whatever it is that guy does,” offered the Sportsmaster as he entered the room.
Venus nudged Black Vulcan. Black Vulcan then walked in a sultry fashion toward the Sportsmaster and offered her hand. “Hello, handsome! I’m Black Vulcan!”
“Pleased to meet you,” answered the newest member of the Titans of Justice.
“Mmmmmmm…What’s that cologne you’re wearing?” asked an intrigued Black Vulcan.
“uhhhhhhhhh…I don’t wear cologne,” replied the Sportsmaster as he scanned the room.
“Blech! I can smell it all the way over here, SM! Tell the lady your brand of cologne, so we can get back to our meeting, already!” chimed an anxious Strato Hawk.
The masked hero pressed his nose against his shoulder and said “Right Guard” in embarrassment.
The room was filled with laughter.
“Please have a seat, mate” instructed Celsius. “Black Vulcan, Sargona, GL, Sonic Boom: This is the Sportsmaster. He is the newest member of the Titans East.”
Several heroes greeted the Sportsmaster as he continued scanning the room.
“Is something wrong?” Wonder Man quietly asked him.
“Isn’t the Huntress part of this team?” the Sportsmaster responded.
Speaking aloud, Wonder Man asked, “Does anyone know where she is?”
After a brief pause Power Guy said, “I’ll give her a call,” and left the room.
“…and how about Nightvision? Does anyone know where he is?” asked Celsius.
After a few moments of silence Strato Hawk said, “I can scout outside if you like.”
“Listen up people: It is of utmost importance that we stay together. No one goes off on their own,” said Celsius firmly. “Could you check Nightvision’s and Palomé’s rooms, Strato Hawk?”
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A Suburb of Gotham City
The Huntress arrived at the home of Digger Andrews. She parked her motorcycle under a tree and prepared to approach Digger’s upstairs apartment.
DEEET! DEEET! DEEET!
“Huntress here.” she said into her Titans of Justice communicator.
“Huntress, where are you?” asked Power Guy.
“Sorry I couldn’t make it to the meeting, PG. I’m on a case.”
“Huntress, this is important! The Titans of Justice are being attacked!” revealed Power Guy.
“What?! By whom?” she demanded.
“By a group of men who seem to have invisibility powers. We think this may be related to the recent prison break. It might be a reformation of the Legion of Doom!” explained Power Guy.
“…oh no…” whispered the Huntress.
“What is it, Huntress?” asked Power Guy.
“Power Guy…Vince…I think I may know who is doing this, and he already got to Nightvision,” the worried heroine informed her teammate.
“What!?!”
“His leg is broken, but he is recovering at his parents’ house,” said the Huntress as she proceeded toward the beautiful house where Australian exchange student Digger Andrews was staying.
“Huntress, you have to come to the Hall of Justice ASAP!” exclaimed Power Guy.
“Vince, this is a life or death case. If the guy who is attacking us is who I think it is, he has already killed twice! His name is Chris Martin and he is known as the Nightstalker,” said the young heroine grimly. “Look, PG, I have a stop to make first. This is a life or death situation…and I choose life.”
“Huntress… Helena… be careful. I… I wouldn’t… I mean…” stuttered Power Guy. He was starting to become attracted to Helena but dared not tell her yet. “…I wouldn’t want anything to happen… you know?”
“I’ll see you soon, Vince. Be vigilant. Huntress out.”
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Titans of Justice Headquarters
Bursting through the doors of the meeting room Strato Hawk shouted out, “Neither Nightvision nor Palomé are in their rooms!”
“I found both Nightvision and the Huntress!” replied Power Guy as he followed Strato Hawk. “People: Nightvision was also attacked!”
The room was filled with various reactions.
“Is he all right?” asked Green Lantern
“Who is doing this?” asked Black Vulcan
“Do you think this is the work of the Legion of Doom?” offered Nucleus.
“Or perhaps Villany, Inc?” suggested Wonder Man. “Lilith called me the other day and she thinks that a few of the members have made their way to Austria and are up to no good.”
“The Huntress says she thinks she knows who is behind this,” said Power Guy, “Have any of you heard of a Chris Martin?”
The Sportsmaster turned his head in surprise.
BLEEEP! BLEEEP! BLEEEP!
“It’s the trouble alert!” cried Sargona in despair.
Nucleus rushed to the Titans of Justice monitor boards and depressed a button.
“Titans of Justice! This is officer Jay Bennett of the Coast City Police station. We are looking for Green Lantern! This is an emergency.”
Green Lantern felt a little overwhelmed, as he had never received such a call before. “What is it, Officer Bennett?”
“We have received a threat from a woman calling herself Sultana saying that unless the Green Lantern meets her on Saturn’s moon, Io, she will attack planet earth!”
Green Lantern’s face turned white. “I’m on it!”
“Who is this Sultana?” asked Celsius in alarm.
“She is a wicked and powerful alien that GL and I fought last year,” answered Sonic Boom. “She claims to be the daughter of Sinestro. GL, I’m going with you.”
“No!” shouted Green Lantern. The room quieted as all eyes were on the two heroes. “This is a space mission. When we’re going up against Sultana, I can’t be worrying about you losing your air-tank in battle,” he said softerly as he rubbed his temples.
“Fine, Dan, but you cannot go alone. She’s dangerous!” insisted Sonic Boom.
“I’ll be glad to accompany you,” said Strato Hawk as he checked his mace.
“I can go too,” said Power Guy.
“Be careful. All three of you,” said Celsius. He was worried about his teammates leaving during a time of crisis, but there was no alternative. “This is obviously a trap.”
“We’ll be in touch,” said Power Guy.
“Another headache, Dan?” whispered Sonic Boom to Green Lantern. “Take these with you,” she said as she extended a bottle of Tylenol.
“Thanks, Di Di. You’re a good friend,” said Green Lantern as the two briefly embraced. Turning to Sargona he said, “Take care. I’ll see you when we get back.”
“…and when you do, we will have a LOT to talk about,” thought Sargona as she glared at Sonic Boom.
Strato Hawk, Power Guy, and Green Lantern flew off valiantly into the sky.
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Gotham Suburbs: Digger Andrews' Back Yard
As the Huntress approached the back door of the Jamieson home she
thought of how good some people are in contrast with the perversion of
others. The Jamiesons had selflessly volunteered to house Digger
Andrews during his one-year stay in the United States. But now because
of the twisted crusade of one man, the Nightstalker, their very lives
could be endangered.
In her civilian identity of Helena Wayne, the Huntress enjoyed the
privilege of wealth. She intended to use it however necessary to help
protect good people like the Jamiesons.
Their back door opened before she could knock.
"G'day, Huntress! How ya going?" greeted a masked man.. "Id' take it
ya recognize me from our previous encounter, ah? Back in Australia
I'm known
as the Hunter. As you probably can tell from my outfit, you inspired
me a bit."
Helena had seen many things since she became the Huntress, but this
time she was genuinely surprised.
"…Digger…are you sure about this?" she asked. "This is a dangerous
game you are getting into."
"Yeah, I know what I'm doin', and I know the dangers. You've probable
came 'ere to warn me that the Nightstalker is wanting ta get me? Well
you're too late. He's been already. He tried ta get me, but I got ta
him first," he proclaimed, gesturing with the crossbow that the
Huntress herself had given him.
"What about--" began the Huntress.
"The Jamiesons? They're in hiding. I briefly explained things to 'em,
and they think I'm in transit back to Australia."
"…and why aren't you?" challenged the Huntress.
"Because before I go back home to my people… You and me have an
unfinished job 'ere in Gotham. We got ta get this fella before he
kills again!"
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Hall of Justice Headquarters
“So, what is our official position on this? Do we think this Sultana is behind the attacks on Celsius, Junjie Quick, and Nightvision?” asked Nucleus thoughtfully, “Or is this a completely unrelated case?”
“Does anyone else think it’s a little coincidental that the moment Power Guy mentioned the name of the guy Huntress suspects we get this emergency from out of nowhere?” asked Sonic Boom.
Sargona had been glaring at Sonic Boom for several minutes, but suddenly her eyes widened at the suggestion of the irritatingly beautiful marital arts expert.
“This is so weird!” exclaimed Sargona. “Green Lantern was just sharing with me, not even an hour ago that his greatest fear—”
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Nucleus picked up the telephone. “Titans of Justice East Headquarters! …yes sir, she’s here. May I tell her who’s calling? … Sargona… It’s for you. He won’t say who he is…”
Sargona looked into the eyes of Nucleus seriously as she took the receiver from his hand.
“Yes? This is Sargona.”
“We have your father,” said a muffled male voice, “If you want to see him alive again come now. You know where he lives.” <click>
The sorceress’ face turned white and she began trembling.
“Sargona, what is it?” asked Wonder Man in concern.
“They have my father… They are going to kill him if I don’t come now,” said the distraught young heroine.
“This seems awfully coincidental,” observed Sonic Boom.
“We have no choice. This is Sargona’s father,” spoke Celsius with sincerity.
“I’ll go with you,” offered Venus.
“C’mon, Sargona. We aren’t going to allow anything to happen to your father,” said Wonder Man in comforting tones.”
The three heroes quickly headed towards the hangar to board Wonder Man’s Invisible Jet.
“…and then there were five…” observed the Sportsmaster. Sonic Boom, Nucleus, Celsius, and Black Vulcan all looked at one another.
“I think Sonic Boom is right,” said Black Vulcan. “This does seem awfully strange.” She paused, then added, “…and way too convenient.”
“One moment Celsius is telling us that we all have to stick together…” began Nucleus.
“…and the next more than half of us are gone,” finished their leader.
“When is the Huntress supposed to get here?” asked the Sportsmaster.
Just then the doors to the meeting room swung open.
“Speak of the devil!” exclaimed the Sportsmaster in glee.
Before anyone could introduce him, the Sportsmaster walked boldly toward the Huntress and offered his hand. “The Huntress I presume?”
“Yes… and you are?” asked the Huntress suspiciously.
“The legend of the Huntress inspired me to become a super-hero and fight crime…” said the Sportsmaster, “…but it’s your beauty that inspires me now.” The Sportsmaster leaned down as if to kiss the Huntress’ gloved hand.
Grabbing the Sportsmaster’s hand with violent speed the Huntress twisted his arm almost to the point of breaking it. “I don’t like the way you smell,” she hissed at her admirer.
“Arrghhh!” cried her opponent in agony.
“Huntress!” shouted Celsius. “Let him go! Sonic Boom! Separate them!” Huntress turned the Sportsmaster loose and shoved him away from her.
Sonic Boom looked curiously at Celsius, but approached the Huntress as instructed. “Huntress, maybe we should take five…” she said as the two heroines left the room.
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Fifteen Minutes Later
Sonic Boom returned to the meeting hall alone and walked directly to Celsius.
“Is something wrong, Di Di?” asked Celsius noticing the tear in Sonic Boom’s eye.
“Look… Celsius, I can’t explain now , but… I got word from Oracle, and… and… I gotta go.”
“What do you mean?” asked Celsius. Everyone in the room turned toward Sonic Boom in concern.
“For the time being I’m afraid I am going to have to leave the Titans of Justice,” declared Sonic Boom with her head down.
“You’re quitting?!” asked Black Vulcan in disgust.
“Don’t get me wrong; I love this team, but the Birds of Prey is my first priority. Oracle is the one who convinced my mom to get off my back and let me be Sonic Boom,” began Sonic Boom. “I can’t go into it any more, because of the situation…Tell GL I said good-bye,” she concluded as she began to exit the room.
“Celsius, we can’t let her just walk out like this!” said Nucleus. “We need every available body…”
“Di Di, are you sure about this?” asked Celsius. Sonic Boom affirmed with a solemn nod of her head. “You know that you are always welcome back at any time…” offered the saddened leader.
Sonic Boom smiled softly to Celsius as she left.
“What in the world is going on here? People quittin’ and emergencies left and right, and the Huntress attacking the new guy… This team is goin’ crazy!” said Black Vulcan throwing her hands up in the air.
Celsius moved towards the newest member of the team and spoke as privately as possible. “Sportsmaster, can I see you outside?”
“Sure thing, boss!” answered the Sportsmaster in a chipper tone.
Once they were gone the Huntress entered the room. Black Vulcan and Nucleus both looked at her strangely.
“Listen, both of you. I need you to trust me. Go home,” said the Huntress.
“Lady, you have got to be out of your mind!” accused Black Vulcan.
“Just do it,” she retorted, firmly. “This case is not going to get solved as long as there are still Titans hanging around. This case isn’t about the Titans. It’s about me. The attacker is trying to get at me through all of you,” said the Huntress.
“Palomé is still missing,” argued Nucleus. “We can’t just…”
“Leave Palomé to me.” said the Huntress. “Now go! I have to give him what he wants before he kills Celsius!”
“Give who what he wants?” asked Nucleus in horror.
“The Sportsmaster!” revealed the Huntress.
“…and what does he want?” asked Black Vulcan.
“…me…” answered the Huntress as she left the room.
TO BE CONCLUDED…
Written by: Green Lantern
Co-conspirator: Power Guy
Editors: Marcus Mebes and Zuckuss
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INDIA
As a handsome young couple exited a quaint restaurant on the coastline of Tamil Nadu, a silent observer listened to their every word.
“So, I hear that Green Lanterns are supposed to be fearless. Isn’t there anything that scares you… just a little bit?” asked an exotic beauty.
“Hmmmm…” began her distinguished looking bald companion. “There was this villain that Dark Arrow, Sonic Boom and I fought last year…”
“Another reference to Sonic Boom…” thought Sargona as she smiled politely.
“…her name is Sultana and she is the daughter of Sinestro…” continued Green Lantern. “I wouldn’t want to ever meet her again. She almost killed us. I wouldn’t want to meet Sinestro again either for that matter!” He paused to shudder, then shook it off. “How about you?”
“Well, I’m a daddy’s-girl at heart. I don’t know what I’d do if anything ever happened to my father,” confided Sargona. “…or if anything happened to you,” she thought privately.
Ascertaining that these two posed a threat as some of the more powerful members of the Titans of Justice, the invisible watcher replicated himself into four men and prepared for the attack.
DEEET! DEEET! DEEET!
“It’s the Titans emergency alert!” shouted Sargona.
“Junjie Quick to any Titan: Urgent Request for Assistance in Singapore. I am being attacked by the same group that attacked Celsius. Warning to all Titans: The Titans of Justice are being targeted! Repeat: We are under attack!”
“Junjie! Hold on! Sargona and I will be right there!” shouted Green Lantern into his communicator as his ring made an illusion that he and his date walked in one direction while Green Lantern and Sargona took to the skies in heroic form.
Realizing that the opportunity for a surprise attack was missed, the invisible watcher thought, “Perhaps there is another way that I can get those two out of my way so that I can be alone with her…”
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Gotham City
Helena Wayne walked up the stairway towards the thick oak door to her brownstone apartment. What began as an occasion for celebration ended in a mystery of terror. Her “cousin” Nightvision had been seriously injured by an unseen attacker. Brendan was safe with family now, but after some checking the Huntress discovered, to her horror, that the night stalker who had killed two students, attacked two others, and broken into her private apartment, was no longer in custody and was at large. Somehow he had escaped. “I wonder where Archie is?” she thought, noting her private guard and butler’s absence.
“Excuse me, miss!” called a strong male voice.
Turning around Helena Wayne noted that the man addressing her was tall and wearing sunglasses and a knee-length coat. He seemed familiar somehow. “Yes? Can I help you?”
“Is this the Wayne residence?” he asked.
“It is,” she replied.
“I’m the temp that is assigned to take over in the meantime,” he explained.
“What?” Helena was disturbed. How could she trust a temp?
“The temporary butler and security job… This is the right place isn’t it?” he asked, handing a her a piece of paper with her address scribbled on it.
Helena was completely at a loss for what to say. “Excuse me for a moment, Mr…?”
“Stone! Marvin Stone, at your service!” the temp replied.
Closing the door behind her she called the Kidman residence.
“Hello?” asked a female voice weakly.
“Amanda? This is Helena…”
“Oh, thank God! You heard about what happened?” asked the wife of Helena’s butler/guard.
“…No. What happened?”
“Archie was attacked and both his legs are broken!” said Amanda in tears.
“Where is he?” asked Helena.
“They’ve already released him from the hospital. He’s here at home now, resting.”
“Amanda, listen carefully,” directed Helena Wayne confidently, “I want you to take Archie and your daughter and get out of there. Don’t tell anyone where you are going… and don’t come back until I call you. Take Archie’s cell phone with you. I will pay for everything.”
“But…”
“Amanda, this is a matter of life and death! Now GO!”
After the call ended Helena loaded her wrist launcher and concealed it under her coat sleeve. Opening the door she looked sternly at the “substitute guard” and said, “May I request you to remove your sunglasses, sir? SLOWLY!”
“Why, sure ma’am… Is there some problem?” asked the tall gentleman as and looked downward without removing his glasses.
“Yes there is,” revealed Helena. “You are Chris Martin! You sick…”
“You remembered my name!!!” he said with obvious delight.
Helena raised her arm and shot two darts at the young man. He disappeared from sight as the darts approached him. The Huntress noted that while the red dart missed its target and lay on the sidewalk, the yellow dart must have hit as it was nowhere to be found.
“He got away …” she thought. “But now the hunt begins…and the Huntress always gets her prey!”
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Titans East Headquarters
Celsius and stood at the head of meeting hall of the Titans of Justice. Seated at the grand table were Black Vulcan, Nucleus, Power Guy, Sonic Boom, Strato Hawk, Venus, and Wonder Man.
“Thank you all for coming so quickly.” began Celsius, “We believe that the members of Titans East are being attacked by an unknown group; the same group that attacked me when I met the Sportsmaster.”
“The Sportsmaster? Isn’t he a bad guy? An old bad guy?” asked Sonic Boom. “My grandmother and the original Green Lantern fought him several times along with his crooked wife, the original Huntress.”
“No, this is a new Sportsmaster,” answered Strato Hawk. “And he’s a good guy.”
“The Sportsmaster is the newest member of the Titans of Justice,” explained Celsius. “You and Black Vulcan weren’t here for his introduction. Which brings us to our next point. Junjie Quick was attacked twenty-five minutes ago by a group fitting the same description of the gang that attacked me. We need to account for the whereabouts of every member of the Titans East.”
“How can we be sure that this attack is only directed at the East Coast Titans?” asked Nucleus. “Perhaps they are also after Icemanling and Starman or the rest of our new West Coast team?”
“I am in contact with Wonder Warrior,” said Wonder Man. “So far there have been no related attacks on the Titans West, but they are on alert.”
The doors to the meeting room opened, heralding the arrival of Sargona and Green Lantern.
“Hello everyone!” greeted Green Lantern. “Sorry we’re late. We took Junie from Singapore to Keystone City.”
“He’s pretty banged up,” continued Sargona, “but with his metabolism he should be completely healed in a couple of days.”
“He is safe in a private location with Liberty Belle and his new sidekick, Rapido,” informed Green Lantern.
“Great!” said Celsius. “ Now we just have four more Titans to account for."
“Right,” said Venus. “Does anyone know where Palomé is?”
“Last I heard he was going off somewhere to meditate or whatever it is that guy does,” offered the Sportsmaster as he entered the room.
Venus nudged Black Vulcan. Black Vulcan then walked in a sultry fashion toward the Sportsmaster and offered her hand. “Hello, handsome! I’m Black Vulcan!”
“Pleased to meet you,” answered the newest member of the Titans of Justice.
“Mmmmmmm…What’s that cologne you’re wearing?” asked an intrigued Black Vulcan.
“uhhhhhhhhh…I don’t wear cologne,” replied the Sportsmaster as he scanned the room.
“Blech! I can smell it all the way over here, SM! Tell the lady your brand of cologne, so we can get back to our meeting, already!” chimed an anxious Strato Hawk.
The masked hero pressed his nose against his shoulder and said “Right Guard” in embarrassment.
The room was filled with laughter.
“Please have a seat, mate” instructed Celsius. “Black Vulcan, Sargona, GL, Sonic Boom: This is the Sportsmaster. He is the newest member of the Titans East.”
Several heroes greeted the Sportsmaster as he continued scanning the room.
“Is something wrong?” Wonder Man quietly asked him.
“Isn’t the Huntress part of this team?” the Sportsmaster responded.
Speaking aloud, Wonder Man asked, “Does anyone know where she is?”
After a brief pause Power Guy said, “I’ll give her a call,” and left the room.
“…and how about Nightvision? Does anyone know where he is?” asked Celsius.
After a few moments of silence Strato Hawk said, “I can scout outside if you like.”
“Listen up people: It is of utmost importance that we stay together. No one goes off on their own,” said Celsius firmly. “Could you check Nightvision’s and Palomé’s rooms, Strato Hawk?”
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A Suburb of Gotham City
The Huntress arrived at the home of Digger Andrews. She parked her motorcycle under a tree and prepared to approach Digger’s upstairs apartment.
DEEET! DEEET! DEEET!
“Huntress here.” she said into her Titans of Justice communicator.
“Huntress, where are you?” asked Power Guy.
“Sorry I couldn’t make it to the meeting, PG. I’m on a case.”
“Huntress, this is important! The Titans of Justice are being attacked!” revealed Power Guy.
“What?! By whom?” she demanded.
“By a group of men who seem to have invisibility powers. We think this may be related to the recent prison break. It might be a reformation of the Legion of Doom!” explained Power Guy.
“…oh no…” whispered the Huntress.
“What is it, Huntress?” asked Power Guy.
“Power Guy…Vince…I think I may know who is doing this, and he already got to Nightvision,” the worried heroine informed her teammate.
“What!?!”
“His leg is broken, but he is recovering at his parents’ house,” said the Huntress as she proceeded toward the beautiful house where Australian exchange student Digger Andrews was staying.
“Huntress, you have to come to the Hall of Justice ASAP!” exclaimed Power Guy.
“Vince, this is a life or death case. If the guy who is attacking us is who I think it is, he has already killed twice! His name is Chris Martin and he is known as the Nightstalker,” said the young heroine grimly. “Look, PG, I have a stop to make first. This is a life or death situation…and I choose life.”
“Huntress… Helena… be careful. I… I wouldn’t… I mean…” stuttered Power Guy. He was starting to become attracted to Helena but dared not tell her yet. “…I wouldn’t want anything to happen… you know?”
“I’ll see you soon, Vince. Be vigilant. Huntress out.”
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Titans of Justice Headquarters
Bursting through the doors of the meeting room Strato Hawk shouted out, “Neither Nightvision nor Palomé are in their rooms!”
“I found both Nightvision and the Huntress!” replied Power Guy as he followed Strato Hawk. “People: Nightvision was also attacked!”
The room was filled with various reactions.
“Is he all right?” asked Green Lantern
“Who is doing this?” asked Black Vulcan
“Do you think this is the work of the Legion of Doom?” offered Nucleus.
“Or perhaps Villany, Inc?” suggested Wonder Man. “Lilith called me the other day and she thinks that a few of the members have made their way to Austria and are up to no good.”
“The Huntress says she thinks she knows who is behind this,” said Power Guy, “Have any of you heard of a Chris Martin?”
The Sportsmaster turned his head in surprise.
BLEEEP! BLEEEP! BLEEEP!
“It’s the trouble alert!” cried Sargona in despair.
Nucleus rushed to the Titans of Justice monitor boards and depressed a button.
“Titans of Justice! This is officer Jay Bennett of the Coast City Police station. We are looking for Green Lantern! This is an emergency.”
Green Lantern felt a little overwhelmed, as he had never received such a call before. “What is it, Officer Bennett?”
“We have received a threat from a woman calling herself Sultana saying that unless the Green Lantern meets her on Saturn’s moon, Io, she will attack planet earth!”
Green Lantern’s face turned white. “I’m on it!”
“Who is this Sultana?” asked Celsius in alarm.
“She is a wicked and powerful alien that GL and I fought last year,” answered Sonic Boom. “She claims to be the daughter of Sinestro. GL, I’m going with you.”
“No!” shouted Green Lantern. The room quieted as all eyes were on the two heroes. “This is a space mission. When we’re going up against Sultana, I can’t be worrying about you losing your air-tank in battle,” he said softerly as he rubbed his temples.
“Fine, Dan, but you cannot go alone. She’s dangerous!” insisted Sonic Boom.
“I’ll be glad to accompany you,” said Strato Hawk as he checked his mace.
“I can go too,” said Power Guy.
“Be careful. All three of you,” said Celsius. He was worried about his teammates leaving during a time of crisis, but there was no alternative. “This is obviously a trap.”
“We’ll be in touch,” said Power Guy.
“Another headache, Dan?” whispered Sonic Boom to Green Lantern. “Take these with you,” she said as she extended a bottle of Tylenol.
“Thanks, Di Di. You’re a good friend,” said Green Lantern as the two briefly embraced. Turning to Sargona he said, “Take care. I’ll see you when we get back.”
“…and when you do, we will have a LOT to talk about,” thought Sargona as she glared at Sonic Boom.
Strato Hawk, Power Guy, and Green Lantern flew off valiantly into the sky.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gotham Suburbs: Digger Andrews' Back Yard
As the Huntress approached the back door of the Jamieson home she
thought of how good some people are in contrast with the perversion of
others. The Jamiesons had selflessly volunteered to house Digger
Andrews during his one-year stay in the United States. But now because
of the twisted crusade of one man, the Nightstalker, their very lives
could be endangered.
In her civilian identity of Helena Wayne, the Huntress enjoyed the
privilege of wealth. She intended to use it however necessary to help
protect good people like the Jamiesons.
Their back door opened before she could knock.
"G'day, Huntress! How ya going?" greeted a masked man.. "Id' take it
ya recognize me from our previous encounter, ah? Back in Australia
I'm known
as the Hunter. As you probably can tell from my outfit, you inspired
me a bit."
Helena had seen many things since she became the Huntress, but this
time she was genuinely surprised.
"…Digger…are you sure about this?" she asked. "This is a dangerous
game you are getting into."
"Yeah, I know what I'm doin', and I know the dangers. You've probable
came 'ere to warn me that the Nightstalker is wanting ta get me? Well
you're too late. He's been already. He tried ta get me, but I got ta
him first," he proclaimed, gesturing with the crossbow that the
Huntress herself had given him.
"What about--" began the Huntress.
"The Jamiesons? They're in hiding. I briefly explained things to 'em,
and they think I'm in transit back to Australia."
"…and why aren't you?" challenged the Huntress.
"Because before I go back home to my people… You and me have an
unfinished job 'ere in Gotham. We got ta get this fella before he
kills again!"
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Hall of Justice Headquarters
“So, what is our official position on this? Do we think this Sultana is behind the attacks on Celsius, Junjie Quick, and Nightvision?” asked Nucleus thoughtfully, “Or is this a completely unrelated case?”
“Does anyone else think it’s a little coincidental that the moment Power Guy mentioned the name of the guy Huntress suspects we get this emergency from out of nowhere?” asked Sonic Boom.
Sargona had been glaring at Sonic Boom for several minutes, but suddenly her eyes widened at the suggestion of the irritatingly beautiful marital arts expert.
“This is so weird!” exclaimed Sargona. “Green Lantern was just sharing with me, not even an hour ago that his greatest fear—”
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Nucleus picked up the telephone. “Titans of Justice East Headquarters! …yes sir, she’s here. May I tell her who’s calling? … Sargona… It’s for you. He won’t say who he is…”
Sargona looked into the eyes of Nucleus seriously as she took the receiver from his hand.
“Yes? This is Sargona.”
“We have your father,” said a muffled male voice, “If you want to see him alive again come now. You know where he lives.” <click>
The sorceress’ face turned white and she began trembling.
“Sargona, what is it?” asked Wonder Man in concern.
“They have my father… They are going to kill him if I don’t come now,” said the distraught young heroine.
“This seems awfully coincidental,” observed Sonic Boom.
“We have no choice. This is Sargona’s father,” spoke Celsius with sincerity.
“I’ll go with you,” offered Venus.
“C’mon, Sargona. We aren’t going to allow anything to happen to your father,” said Wonder Man in comforting tones.”
The three heroes quickly headed towards the hangar to board Wonder Man’s Invisible Jet.
“…and then there were five…” observed the Sportsmaster. Sonic Boom, Nucleus, Celsius, and Black Vulcan all looked at one another.
“I think Sonic Boom is right,” said Black Vulcan. “This does seem awfully strange.” She paused, then added, “…and way too convenient.”
“One moment Celsius is telling us that we all have to stick together…” began Nucleus.
“…and the next more than half of us are gone,” finished their leader.
“When is the Huntress supposed to get here?” asked the Sportsmaster.
Just then the doors to the meeting room swung open.
“Speak of the devil!” exclaimed the Sportsmaster in glee.
Before anyone could introduce him, the Sportsmaster walked boldly toward the Huntress and offered his hand. “The Huntress I presume?”
“Yes… and you are?” asked the Huntress suspiciously.
“The legend of the Huntress inspired me to become a super-hero and fight crime…” said the Sportsmaster, “…but it’s your beauty that inspires me now.” The Sportsmaster leaned down as if to kiss the Huntress’ gloved hand.
Grabbing the Sportsmaster’s hand with violent speed the Huntress twisted his arm almost to the point of breaking it. “I don’t like the way you smell,” she hissed at her admirer.
“Arrghhh!” cried her opponent in agony.
“Huntress!” shouted Celsius. “Let him go! Sonic Boom! Separate them!” Huntress turned the Sportsmaster loose and shoved him away from her.
Sonic Boom looked curiously at Celsius, but approached the Huntress as instructed. “Huntress, maybe we should take five…” she said as the two heroines left the room.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fifteen Minutes Later
Sonic Boom returned to the meeting hall alone and walked directly to Celsius.
“Is something wrong, Di Di?” asked Celsius noticing the tear in Sonic Boom’s eye.
“Look… Celsius, I can’t explain now , but… I got word from Oracle, and… and… I gotta go.”
“What do you mean?” asked Celsius. Everyone in the room turned toward Sonic Boom in concern.
“For the time being I’m afraid I am going to have to leave the Titans of Justice,” declared Sonic Boom with her head down.
“You’re quitting?!” asked Black Vulcan in disgust.
“Don’t get me wrong; I love this team, but the Birds of Prey is my first priority. Oracle is the one who convinced my mom to get off my back and let me be Sonic Boom,” began Sonic Boom. “I can’t go into it any more, because of the situation…Tell GL I said good-bye,” she concluded as she began to exit the room.
“Celsius, we can’t let her just walk out like this!” said Nucleus. “We need every available body…”
“Di Di, are you sure about this?” asked Celsius. Sonic Boom affirmed with a solemn nod of her head. “You know that you are always welcome back at any time…” offered the saddened leader.
Sonic Boom smiled softly to Celsius as she left.
“What in the world is going on here? People quittin’ and emergencies left and right, and the Huntress attacking the new guy… This team is goin’ crazy!” said Black Vulcan throwing her hands up in the air.
Celsius moved towards the newest member of the team and spoke as privately as possible. “Sportsmaster, can I see you outside?”
“Sure thing, boss!” answered the Sportsmaster in a chipper tone.
Once they were gone the Huntress entered the room. Black Vulcan and Nucleus both looked at her strangely.
“Listen, both of you. I need you to trust me. Go home,” said the Huntress.
“Lady, you have got to be out of your mind!” accused Black Vulcan.
“Just do it,” she retorted, firmly. “This case is not going to get solved as long as there are still Titans hanging around. This case isn’t about the Titans. It’s about me. The attacker is trying to get at me through all of you,” said the Huntress.
“Palomé is still missing,” argued Nucleus. “We can’t just…”
“Leave Palomé to me.” said the Huntress. “Now go! I have to give him what he wants before he kills Celsius!”
“Give who what he wants?” asked Nucleus in horror.
“The Sportsmaster!” revealed the Huntress.
“…and what does he want?” asked Black Vulcan.
“…me…” answered the Huntress as she left the room.
TO BE CONCLUDED…