He
could not sleep.
At
first he thought it might have been the uncomfortable hospital bed he was
forced to occupy, during the 24-hour period of observation that Sigrid required
of him. However, after travelling through space where the bed had been little
more than a padded cubicle at the noisiest end of the ship, Guy knew comfort
was not the reason for his insomnia. He tossed and turned on the reasonably
soft bed, tried counting sheep (or in this case, playboy centrefolds) and even
wrestled with the idea of asking for hot milk. Considering what he had been
through the past few weeks, he did not think a few hours uninterrupted sleep
would be too much to ask.
When
he finally managed to doze off, his dreams were filled with images of bubbling
water, fingers scrapping against glass and of course, Kevin. He would see Kevin
trapped inside a glass bubble, trying desperately to escape but not realising
he was already a dead man. In his dreams, Kevin was still the promising young
athlete he had tried to save in more ways than he could count. Lovecraft had
not turned Kevin into a freak yet Kevin was very much in his power. The end
would always come as Guy tried to reach him through the glass as Kevin opened
his mouth to scream, only to have the sound die in a rush of water down his
throat.
With such nightmares as company, it was no wonder that Guy finally gave up the
whole idea of sleep for the time being. Beatriz had stayed by his side most of
the night. With each of his startled cries and sudden return to consciousness,
she was there, poised to offer comfort by her presence and the power of her
love. She would hold him close as if wrapping her arms around him would chase
the demons away by the sheer force of her will. Guy had no idea she could be so
strong.
"I'm
not going back to sleep." He replied after the last nightmare had awakened
him abruptly.
Beatriz
who was aware what he had been experiencing that night did not want to argue.
She wished Sigrid would let her take Guy home. In this sterile environment with
its white walls and antiseptic stench, Beatriz could barely relax herself.
Hospitals in general were intimidating. Star Labs with all its technology and
alien research was even more so. However, Sigrid had made a convincing argument
and considering what Guy had been forced to endure the past weeks, Beatriz
could understand her need to be cautious.
"Then
don't." She said without argument.
He
was sitting up and in the darkness> She could see the sweat glistening of
his skin. It was not the first time that night he had awakened covered in his
own perspiration. Although the arm chair provided was comfortable enough,
Beatriz had been unable to sleep hearing his muffled cries in the night, as
whatever demons left behind from his ordeal, did their worst.
Guy eased back into his bed, his eyes staring out the window. Beyond the glass,
the city was a glittery canvas of dark. Unfortunately, he was not seeing the
city or its myriad of lights. Guy's mind was left on the images of his dream,
made worse by the knowledge that in part most of those images were based on
reality. He had seen these things happen and had been powerless to stop it. Guy
had not felt so helpless since learning Tora had died while he was away
battling Hal
"Talk
to me." Beatriz spoke finally.
"I'm
fine." He replied tautly. He did not want to talk about this. If he did,
he would become angry and that would precipitate the need to smash every damn
thing in sight.
"You
don't sound it." She persisted. "Guy," she sat up from her chair
and reached for his hand. "I'm here, let me help."
He
tried not to let her words affect him but hers were the only ones that could.
Somewhere deep inside him was a soft place that Guy protected with fierce
determination. Not many people had breached the walls surrounding that place
and those who had meant everything to him. Beatriz was sole occupier of that
place and despite baser instincts to push her away, he found that he could not.
Even without being told what had happened during his disappearance, Guy could
tell just by the look in her eyes that Beatriz had spent every moment of that
time worrying about him.
"It
must have been hard not knowing where I was." Guy said meeting her eyes.
"Just
a little." She replied, deciding there was no reason to let him know that
she had been gibbering wreck most of that period. "Actually, I think Ted
was coming close to putting me in a padded room but for most part, I didn't
completely lose it."
"Ah
you hot tempered women," he joked. "I don't know how guys like us
handle you." For a brief minute, they both shared into the harmless
teasing and chuckled softly amongst each other. It felt good to laugh even for
a short time.
Eventually,
the moment faded and Guy swallowed hard, trying to conceal his emotion under
the guise of masculine depth. "I couldn't help him." He tried to
sound as if none of this bothered him as much as it truly did but his voice
betrayed him. "I saw him in that tube, fighting it but there I was nothing
I could do."
"I'm
so sorry Guy," Beatriz wishing she could say the words that would make it
all right but there were none that could do that.
"I
barely remember what happened," he confessed. "A lot of it is vague
but I do remember seeing Kevin change into something else. I saw the terror in
his eyes and there wasn't a damn thing I could do to stop it. He was trapped
like a goldfish in a bowl."
Beatriz
could well imagine what he was talking about. After seeing that room inside the
former Ani-Men complex, she decided any atrocity was possible if a mind could
conjure it. The glass tubes with their dead occupants had been burned into her
memory and part of her fear when Guy had been kidnapped, was the possibility of
finding in one of those tubes. To see someone trapped in that greenish fluid,
looking as if a half-formed sculptor was enough to give even the bravest person
nightmares.
"He
could still be alive." Beatriz replied, trying to give him some measure of
hope. "We don't know that he is dead."
"No
we don't." Guy was willing to agree on that much at least. "Although
if Kevin is still, I'm pretty sure he wishes he wasn't."
*********
The
Crusaders gathered at Warriors almost immediately after Guy was granted his
freedom from Star Labs. Despite Guy's return, they were all in agreement that
the situation with Rex Maximus required swift action. Although Donovan reported
there was further evidence of the recruitment drive that had snared Kevin
Sharpe in the neighbourhood, this assured them of nothing. For all they knew,
Maximus may have simply altered his methods. No doubt filling his ranks by some
other means.
While
he was at Star Labs, Sigrid had tentatively explained what state he had been
found. Although she hesitated going into detail, Guy knew there was more to her
story than what she was willing to admit. Unfortunately, Sigrid had little
control over the media. Thus during his stay, Guy had watched the coverage of
Blue Beetle's battle with some hideous monster on his room's television set. As
Guy saw the creature morph and fire Vuldarian artillery, he felt his stomach
tighten into a thousand knots. Upon witnessing that, he demanded the truth to
be told in all its stark reality. The rage Guy felt over that discovery paled
in comparison to anything inspired by mutation or rampaging Vuldarian genes.
Maximus
had him made into a monster.
He would pay for that and for all the others, especially Kevin Sharp.
"Okay,
let's talk. "Guy looked at his comrades who were all congregated in the
usual meeting room in Warriors. Thanks to Zatanna's magic, the building had
been restored to pristine condition. Considering the damage inflicted during
his fight with Ted, Guy had to admit Zatanna knew her craft. The place looked
exactly as it was when he left it. Guy did not even want to imagine what it
must have looked like after he and Ted had been through it. Still, it was nice
to know that he had the services of an instant renovator when he needed one.
"Well
I think I speak for everyone when I say the burning question of the hour is
where you've been Guy." Ted looked at him with a smug tone.
"Smart
ass." Guy retorted frowning. He eased back into his chair at the head of
the table and wished he had a brew in his hand about right now. Somehow, his
throat felt very dry at the prospect of relating his experiences during his
imprisonment in the hands of Rex Maximus.
"As
you probably already guessed, I got ambushed at the high school." Guy
began and both Ted and Donovan were immediately reminded of the Guy's wrecked
jeep in the school parking lot.
"Figured
as much when we saw it." Ted nodded. "I assume they were waiting for
you when you left the building."
"Yeah,"
Guy rumbled unhappily as images of the incident flashed into mind. "I
walked into it like an amateur."
"It's
hardly the place to expect an attack." Beatriz said trying to make him
feel better.
"Have
you seen the place?" Ted looked at her. "I've felt safer on
Apokolips."
"You
were always a tough guy," Ronnie drawled from his seat at the far end of
the table. Although he was not officially apart of the team, the inclusion of
Ronnie in the meeting felt right somehow. Like the rest of them, Ronnie did not
seem to fit anywhere else and if there was one thing this group welcomed more
than anything else, it was misfits. "Besides,
"This
from a man who models underwear." Ted retorted.
"Kids,"
Zatanna spoke up because she was eager to hear Guy's story. "Can we save
the Abbott & Costello until after the meeting."
"Thanks
Zee," Guy replied. "To think, I thought some of us were old enough to
give up our teething rings."
"What's
a teething ring." Ted grinned, pleased that he was able to return to his
old habits now that Guy was back holding the reins again.
Guy
shook his head and ignored him, choosing to continue instead. However, he had
to admit Ted's levity had made it a little easier to talk about what had
happened to him, even if the content was nothing to joke about. "As I was
saying, they ambushed me head on when I got to my car but they had a sniper
somewhere else, cause I felt something sharp hit me."
"We
found traces of a tranquilliser dart on the roof," Donovan reported.
"They must have had someone waiting for you on the roof the school
building. The guys who attacked you were probably a decoy."
"That
would make sense." Guy agreed, considering the ease by which he had
overcome them. "I only felt the dart hit only after I wipe the floor with
those creeps."
"Do
you know what they drugged you with?" Sigrid inquired. Anything she could
learn about the toxicology of Lovecraft's drugs might assist the captives,
Maximus undoubtedly had in his keeping.
"No,"
Guy shook his head, remembering only the intense pain the drug had caused in
his system. "It hurt like hell though. I felt like I was on fire or
something."
Sigrid
said nothing for a moment and looked deep in though before responding a moment
later. "There is been a new drug out on the market," she replied.
"Interpol reports the going rate to be somewhere in the vicinity of
$10,000 a metric gram. Naturally, its use isn't wide spread."
Booster
whistled out loud. "That's some serious money for dope. What does it
do?"
"It's
called Anti-Gen." Sigrid answered. "I've never seen a sample myself
but I've read the reports on it. It's suppose to suppress the Meta-Gene in
humans. That might have been what they used on you Guy."
"Its
pretty potent whatever it is." Guy admitted. "I went down like a
tonne of bricks. It works fast too. I think I was out in like two minutes, if
that."
"That's
pretty scary." Beatriz admitted. "This drug is obviously used against
paranormals." Beatriz recalled how the gene bomb in the war against the
Dominators had sent her meta-gene out of control. Her fire abilities had been
limited until the gene bomb had detonated in the last days of the war. Its
effect on the super hero community was nothing short of devastating. All
paranormals whose powers originated from the
"Maximus
will have no trouble coming up with that kind of cash." Ronnie stated
firmly. "Those gladiatorial side shows of his bring in some hefty cash
flow."
"Go
on Guy." Ted prompted. He had hypothesised much of what Guy had told him
until this point and was interested to learn what happened after his capture.
"What happened when you came to?"
Guy
shrugged uncomfortably in his seat. "Tell you the truth, after that things
get pretty hazy." He replied reaching for the glass of water to his right.
After downing the contents, he continued speaking, although this part of his
ordeal was difficult to relate. "I think they knew just how much trouble I
could be if I was a hundred percent. When I came to, I knew they had me on
something. Thing were blurry and I couldn't make out a hell of a lot." Guy
paused a moment, letting the images come to him again so he could describe them
with some measure of clarity.
"I
know I was in some kind of complex." Guy recalled winding corridors and
large fluorescent lights at regular intervals moving overhead. "I think it
might have been underground because I didn't see any windows. The kid's right
though," he said glancing at Ronnie. "It took a lot of money to
finance the operation because it was huge."
"Who
you calling kid?" Ronnie spoke, not exactly happy at being referred to
that way.
"You,
Junior." Guy said with a faint smile, knowing that he had raised the boy's
ire a little but ignored Ronnie's displeasure and continued with his narration.
"I didn't see much around me, I was too out of it but I do remember that
there were a lot of people moving about. I don't think all of them were these
Ani-Men guys the rest of you have seen but then again, I was drugged most of
the time I was there."
"When
did you see Kevin?" Donovan asked. That was the question foremost on his
mind. In their search for Guy, Kevin Sharpe had almost become an after thought.
In all this time, no one had asked the question of Kevin's fate until Guy had
made his statement at Star Labs that he had been unable to save the boy.
Although Donovan had never met Kevin personally, he did feel for the boy who had
tried to make something of himself and failed because of one wrong turn.
Guy
lost his good humour at the mention of Kevin's name because he still felt
responsible for the boy's fate. Perhaps if he had said the right thing at the
right moment, Kevin would not have fallen into Maximus' hands. Guy knew
logically that there were limits to what he could do but forcing himself to
believe it was another thing entirely. "I don't remember much about where
I was when I saw him but I think it was some kind of laboratory. For some
reason, there was a problem with putting me in one of the forming tanks that's
what I think he called it. I was kept in the same room though as the tanks
inside a cage."
Beatriz
saw his fists clench as he said that. His knuckles were turning white as he dug
his nails into his palm. Guy's jaw tightened momentarily, as he made some
effort to control his overwhelming rage at what was done to him and Kevin. She
slipped her hand over his and was gratified when he released his fist and
entwined his fingers in between hers.
"I
saw Kevin in one of the tanks. I'm pretty sure it was Kevin." Guy did not
reveal that it was Kevin. There was no doubt in his mind about that. "The
forming process was well on the way and he was turning into some kind of a cat.
I heard Lovecraft calling him an Omega. From what I understood, there were
Alpha specimens and Omega specimens. I don't know what the difference is."
"My
god." Zatanna whispered softly, aware of this story even though she had
not been present to see it for herself. She remembered Reena describing the
mutation process and it still sent shivers down her spine to hear of it.
Supernatural forces and horrific demons paled in comparison to the acts of
atrocity wrapped tidily in the name of scientific research.
"Was
he aware?" Sigrid inquired, her own sensibilities offended by Guy's
description.
Kevin
had opened his eyes and stared directly at Guy. The horror inside them was
something Guy would carry for the rest of his life. He would not easily forget
the realisation of utter condemnation he saw in Kevin's eyes. "Yes."
He said simply and would not elaborate on that to the others. "I was in no
position to help him and by the looks of him, it was luck that I recognised him
at all. I think they crossed him with a cheetah or something with spots."
Furious
glances flew across the room among the four who had been guests at the arena.
With a sickening realisation, Ted blinked slowly as he came to grips with the
fact that they might have seen Kevin after his transformation. "Guy,"
he said looking at his friend. "I think we saw Kevin at the Arena. They
had him fighting a sabre tooth tiger."
Guy's
face turned ashen. Beatriz could not meet his gaze because she remembered how
they had done nothing to intervene. At the time, letting the fight go on was
less important against the possibility of finding out where the Ani-Men were
based. Although Ted had suspicions, there was no reason to believe that the
animals fighting were more than they were.
"You
let him fight in thatthatcircus like a trained animal and did nothing!"
Guy almost roared, rising to his feet and glaring at Ted in full wrath.
"We
didn't know!" Zatanna said rising to Ted's defence immediately. "We
were trying to find you."
"Zee
its okay," Ted replied. He could not blame Guy for his anger. Considering
how Guy felt about the boy, Ted could not be certain he would not have done the
same thing if their roles had been reversed. "Guy, I'm sorry. I didn't
know. At the time, it was more important trying to find you."
"I
don't give a damn about that!" Guy retorted angrily but in truth he did.
Despite his rage, he knew Ted had done the right thing. In fact, he would have
made the same decision.
Ted
seemed to understand this and did not take offence. He understood Guy's
feelings but decided to not let his outburst turn into something it was not.
"I had a decision to make Guy, we didn't know it was Kevin. We still don't
as a matter of fact." He pointed out. However, Ted did not really believe
it and neither did Guy. "If it was Kevin then he's not dead."
"Are
you sure?" Guy looked at him.
"He
won the fight," Booster explained. "He beat the other guy and I saw
them take him out of the place alive. I saw him being loaded into a truck and
taken away." Images of the wounded cheetah being lead away by its handlers
surfaced in Booster's memory of that night over
"I
know how you feel." Ronnie lent his voice to the conversation. "Reena
was my friend and it still bites not knowing I was not able to help her. However
if we find this kid then maybe we can use the same process that Sigrid used on
you to help him."
Sigrid
said nothing, knowing it was more important that Guy have hope for the moment,
then anything else. Unfortunately however, helping Kevin the way she had helped
Guy depended entirely on them having a sample of Kevin's DNA untainted by
Lovecraft's mutation, which they did not. Still, there was no reason to voice
it at this time.
"Reena
told us that the process was not permanent, that Lovecraft had a way of
reversing it. Otherwise none of Repli-Tech executive staff would have agreed to
undergo the mutation. If we find Lovecraft and Kevin soon, we may be able to
help him."
The
possibility of that hope seemed to satisfy Guy for the moment and he nodded slowly
and lowered back to his seat. "I'm sorry Ted," he offered a sincere
apology. "You did the right thing."
Ted
threw Ronnie a grateful look and nodded. "Its okay," he answered.
"I know where you were coming from."
"I
thought Dreamslayer and the Extremists were hard to deal with," Guy let
out a deep breath. "This guy Maximus play real dirty. I want him put down
fast." Guy paused a moment and then allowed his gaze to sweep across the
faces of those permanently, so they would not mistake his intentions regarding
this matter. "I want him put down fast and permanently. I'm not going to
have this bastard poke his ugly head in a couple years to do all this crap to
someone else because we didn't get it right the first time."
No
one could disagree with that statement. After everything they had seen the past
few days, it seemed to be the most appropriate course of action. God only knew
how many innocent Maximus had turned unwillingly into to mutations of animal
and human.
Kevin
was only one of so many others.
.
CHAPTER
SIXTEEN
Whoever
Oracle was, she had to be gorgeous.
Booster
Gold held his ear close to the telephone and listened to the voice speaking in
its dulcet tones. He was sure she was tall, leggy, probably a college graduate
who was really smart and probably knew things like who won the Superbowl in
1985. Within the confines of his penthouse apartment, he pictured Oracle with
waves of dark hair (he loved dark hair) and the kind of eyes one could drown
in. Not to mention, she had the sexiest voice in creation.
"Mr
Gold, was there anything further?"
Booster
snapped out of his fantasy abruptly with that question. "Yes, yes,"
what was he saying? "I mean no," he cleared his throat and said in a
more serious tone. "No, that's all. Thanks for your help."
"How
is
"Better,
now that he's back to normal." Booster replied. "Both he and the Blue
Beetle are taking it easy for a few days. They were both injured during the
fight."
"You
didn't seem to escape injury yourself," she pointed out. "Jonn tells
me those Presbyterian features of yours took a beating."
Instinctively,
Booster reached for his still bandaged nose, wincing at how he must looked to
the opposite sex. He had spent half an hour on the phone reassuring Catherine
that he was all right and there was no need for her to jump on the next
"So
I won't be able to do that photo shoot with Cindy next week." He grinned.
"I'll live."
"I
hope the information I gave you helps." She answered getting back to
business. "It took some hours compiling all the possibilities but I am
almost certain that it's the company Rex Rogan set up before Repli-Tech
folded."
"Leo
Enterprises." Booster nodded, remembering what Oracle had told him earlier
about her findings. "I think that's Rogan's style."
"No
doubt." Oracle responded. "In any case, I'm faxing you all the
information I have on the company as per their last Annual General Meeting. It
includes a list of major share holders and company assets."
"Wow,"
Booster said with admiration. "I'm impressed. You must have huge staff to
run around for you."
"No," she said with a sigh. "Just me."
"Just
you?" He exclaimed with disbelief. "This would have taken you
ages."
There
was a slight pause before she answered. "I have the time." She
replied and made the obligatory courtesies before terminating the line between
them. The conversation had suddenly become more personal than she would have
liked. Once the connection was severed, Barbara Gordon exhaled deeply.
Instinctively, her fingers ran over the steel frame of her wheel chair before
she whispered softly. "These days, I have lots of it."
Far
away from
"So
what did she say?" He heard Ted ask as he walked into the living room
where Zatanna and Ted were currently residing watching "I love Lucy"
reruns. Zatanna had been staying over during Ted's recovery, keeping a careful
watch over him and ensuring that he did nothing to exert his injured leg. The
doctors at Star Labs had been adamant that he keep off it at least a week,
giving the impaled muscle time to recover to full use. Despite Ted's casual
attitude towards the injury, fortunately Zatanna had better sense.
"Quite
a bit actually." He said handing over the faxed copy to Ted, who was prone
on the sofa. "Oracle managed to narrow the list down to just one company,
Leo Enterprises."
"Original."
Ted commented as he studied the papers himself.
"They appear to quite successful." Zatanna remarked as she read the
fax over Ted's shoulder. "Several holdings across the country, a great
deal of interest in bio-genetic companies. You know, it's amazing we were not
aware of him sooner."
"I
think after the last run in with the League, chances are he learnt how to stay
low." Booster added. "Guys like Maximus learn from their
mistakes."
"Says
here, they've got a storage facility upstate." Ted mused and then looked
up. "When you were pursuing the truck, it was going northwards wasn't
it?"
"That's
right." Booster nodded. "It was. I lost it north-west of
"We
should check this place out. Its probably too easy for it to be Maximus'
hideout but you never know." Ted remarked and started to roll of the sofa.
He did not get very far before he felt Zatanna's arm on his shoulder, making
him stay where he was.
"You
are not going anywhere." She said in a no nonsense tone that broke no
argument.
"I'm
alright," he looked at her. "It's just a flesh wound."
"It
is not a flesh wound Ted," Zatanna looked at him critically. "But you
can have one if you try to move out of that sofa."
"Help
me out here buddy," Ted glanced at Booster for moral support, even though
he knew Zatanna was probably correct in her determination to keep restive.
"Let
me see," Booster said rubbing his chin and pretending deep thought.
"Take sides with my injured best friend who would probably cripple himself
if he should move or his girl friend who can turn me into a newt if I piss her
off." Booster met Ted's gaze with a mischievous smirk. "Gee, what do
you think?"
"Hey,
that guy had it coming!" Zatanna protested, laughing at his antics. Why
was it when these men disintegrated into their juvenile behaviour, it was so
damn infectious? Zatanna had found herself indulging in behaviour she would
have believed in conceivable during her days in the Justice League. Back then,
things were so seriousness and yet with Ted and indeed with the rest of the
Crusaders, it was easy to laugh at oneself even at the most inappropriate
moments. Perhaps, that is why she enjoyed being in the group.
"Traitor."
Ted scowled at Booster who was grinning in some kind of twisted victory smirk.
Nevertheless Ted had to admit, he did not relish getting out of his bed.
Besides, Lucy was about to get into the wine making vat.
Zatanna
planted a firm kiss on his forehead as she rose to her feet. "Don't think
that makes it up to me," Ted complained. "I expect much more
pampering before I get over this."
"We
shouldn't be too long." She smiled as she and Booster started towards the
balcony windows. As they drifted out of earshot, Zatanna's voice made one final
remark. "Boy, you weren't kidding when you said he was a baby."
*******
Despite
the precautions, Maximus knew that it was inevitable that he would be
discovered. The law of averages made that a virtually calculable fact. He knew
that at some point, paranormal involvement would become acute and so he
prepared himself for that eventuality. Although he was disappointed by the lack
of success in turning Guy Gardner into one of his Ani-Men, at the time, the
endeavour seemed worth the effort. As it was,
Almost
immediately after the release of the paranormal called Warrior, Maximus had
wasted no time in moving his operation to its new secret base. Anticipating the
involvement of the super humans at some point, Maximus had funded the
construction of a secret facility in the event that his primary headquarters
were breached. This time, instead of placing the facility on some distant
island where isolation was more of a hazard than an asset, the new Ani-Men
complex was placed in the open. Ambiguity through exposure, he decided. It was
the most located in plain sight, therefore making it the unlikeliest place for
a secret base.
Maximus
patrolled the corridors of his domain, watching equipment being removed and
dismantled for transport to their permanent location. Doctor Lovecraft was
overseeing most of the work particularly for his laboratory and was screaming
orders at a number of Alphas who were moving heavy machinery with more ease
than any human ever could. These particular Alphas were design to be labourers
and thus their genetic code had been intermingled with several bovine species
varying from oxen to ordinary Friesians. Their language ability was minimal and
their only saving grace were their ability to understand and perform heavy
lifting under supervision. Every society must have their workers, Maximus
decided, his world was no different.
As
the herd saw him approach, they immediately dropped their eyes to the ground.
They were bred to be humble in the face of the Master, Maximus had seen to
that. There would be no longer be the folly of giving his minions independent
wills to which they could conspire and plot against him. Reena had taught him
that much.
"Master."
They bowed meekly, their eyes never meeting his.
"Carry
on," he said tautly and turned to Lovecraft who was never mindful of such
formalities. Understandable of course, his association with the good doctor permitted
some familiarity between them. Considering the part he played in the operation,
it was wise to let Doctor Lovecraft entertain his delusions of shared
leadership. When the time came and Lovecraft was no longer useful, perhaps
Maximus might update his view of reality. Until then, he was to be tolerated.
"This
is most inconvenient." Lovecraft said reproachfully as he saw more boxes
being taken from his precious laboratory.
"Caution
is never inconvenient." Maximus replied as the Alphas went back to work.
"We must prepare for a new assault soon. Now that
"Yes,"
Lovecraft agreed begrudgingly. "I must admit, I did not expect that they
would find a way to restore him."
Maximus
knew that part of Lovecrafts' chagrin in the matter was due to someone else
having the power to restore his subject's back to their former state. Even
though the serum was rarely used, the antidote to reverse the transformation
process was always within reach, they just never had any use of it. When news
had reached them of
"Matter
transformation technology is the wave of the future, Doctor." Maximus
replied. "It was only a matter of time before someone found a medical
application for its use."
"I
suppose." Lovecraft answered, unable to deny the possibility of using such
sophisticated methods had never occurred to him as an antidote for the Ani-Men
condition. "I simply dislike the idea of someone else having the power to
undo years of study."
Maximus
let the remark pass; bored with the subject that was delaying him for the real
reason he was here. "How goes the work on our Project V?"
At
the mention of Project V immediately caused the good doctor to brighten
considerably. "The work is progressing excellently." He answered
enthusiastically. "The specimens have been moved to our new facility
already but I estimate they should be ready to emerge in less than 12 hours.
They are going through the final stages of conditioning but when the process is
complete, we should have a formidable collection."
"Good,"
Maximus nodded happy with that report. "Was there any difficulty adapting
the gene?"
"Not
at all," Lovecraft shook his head. "Originally, the assimilation
characteristics of the gene was extremely aggressive because it remained in its
native environment. While it is still highly adaptable after implantation to a
new host, its need to assimilate has been decreased. Now, it adapts to the new
host environment by integrating itself into the host system."
"So
our Alphas will be manageable." Maximus looked at him.
"Absolutely,"
Lovecraft grinned. "The gene has not affected the conditioning process.
Like I said, assimilation has become integration."
This
was good news indeed, Maximus decided. In the unlikely event that the Ani-Men
were forced into a confrontation with the super humans, it pleased him to know
that he was going to be able to give them a little taste of their own medicine.
Guy
Gardner in particular, would find it extremely illuminating.
LEO
ENTERPRISES PTY LTD
PRIVATE
PROPERTY
TRESSPASSERS
WILL BE PROSECUTED
Booster
Gold and Zatanna looked at the sign placed at regular intervals along the
length of the perimeter fence that enclosed the series of office buildings and
warehouses belonging to Leo Enterprises.
Through
the high, mesh fence edged with razor wire in spiralling curls, they could see
trucks filing in and out of the main gateway, in a steady stream of black.
Booster recognised the long black semi-trailers as one of those he had followed
the night he encountered those bird creatures over
"I
think we've come to the right place." Booster commented. "I am sure
that is the same truck I saw that night. Except that one didn't have
identifying marks."
"There
seem to be a lot of them," Zatanna observed. "I wonder where they're
going." The direction they were heading were taking them back towards New
York City and made her doubly curious as to what was being transported.
"Maybe
we should split up and follow them." Booster suggested. "You take the
trucks and I take the building."
Zatanna
did not like that idea at all. The Ani-Men had once proved themselves
formidable enough to take on the likes of Superman and Wonder Woman. While she
was confident in her ability and that of Boosters, the capture of Guy Gardner
had reminded her that it was best to tread in the light of caution when it came
to the Ani-Men. "No, we'll do this together." She said firmly and
there was enough determination in her voice to indicate that the subject was
not up for negotiation.
"Okay," Booster replied casually, having little difficulty in
allowing the opposite sex to make the call. Besides, Zatanna had more
experience than most of the Crusaders put together and Booster trusted her
judgement. "We'll check out the complex first." He suggested.
"Agreed,"
she nodded and then added after a moments thought. "We should take care
not to be detected. If Maximus is here, we do not want to give him any idea of
our presence."
"Good
idea, what do you suggest?" He asked.
Zatanna
considered the best way to remain undetected and opted for the oldest tool of
concealment. "Ytilibisivni fo kaolc a ni su tcetorP."
Booster
felt no different and did not look at all changed. "What happened?"
Zatanna
reached into her jacket pocket and produced a compact. Flicking the powder case
open, she gestured at Booster to look into the mirror. He gave a quizzical look
and decided her reasons for asking were probably not because he needed to
powder his nose. As he looked into the round shape of mirror, Booster almost
dropped the things in surprise.
"I
have no reflection!" He exclaimed and then turned to her. "You turned
us into vampires!"
Zatanna
rolled her eyes and slapped him on the shoulder. "No, you nitwit!"
She retorted in exasperation. "I put an invisibility spell on us!"
She shook her head and then added. "You spend way too much time with
Ted."
"We're
two peas in a pod." He grinned at her. Like Ted, it amused him to ruffle
her feathers occasionally. Zatanna could be all too serious some times. It was
a source of great mystery to Booster what she saw in an oddball like Ted.
"That's
one way to put it." She declared. "Let's get going."
"Whatever
you say," Booster replied as he picked her up with his force field and
soared into the air, above the threat of the probably electrified fence. As the
razor wire passed beneath them, Zatanna could not help but comment.
"Vampires,"
she mused. "God give me strength."
**********
Despite
the activity-taking place in the area, neither Booster nor Zatanna saw any
signs of Ani-Men. By its appearance, it seemed as if the company was relocating
elsewhere. The workers, who were responsible for this exodus, were normal human
labourers. Although some appeared to be knuckle walkers of some form, there was
nothing to indicate Lovecraft's tampering. The heroes observed equipment being
moved and trolley loads of boxes being wheeled into the black trucks that
occupied the loading area.
Zatanna's
invisibility cloak allowed them to observe the proceedings without drawing
attention, although they had to be alone before they could speak about anything
they had seen. Judging from the equipment being prepared for transport, it
seemed Leo Enterprises dealt with medical research, highly sophisticated in
nature. Booster did not know very much about advanced hardware but what was
being loaded into the trucks looked hi-tech and impressive. At that moment, he
wished Ted was here, since the Blue Beetle was the true expert in hi-tech
equipment.
Still
if Leo Enterprises was indeed the Ani-Men front they believed it to be, then a
company dealing medical research would be the perfect camouflage for it's
activities. Although neither Rex Maximus or Doctor Lovecraft's name had
appeared on the board of directors' list Oracle had provided, Booster was
certain that Leo Enterprises was under their control. At the moment, Ted was
investigating the names on the list but Booster believed that he would find
that those names were bogus.
They
found their way into a recently emptied room in order to talk without
discovery, two hours later. It was obvious that the facility was being
abandoned but nothing they had seen revealed the whereabouts of the Ani-Men or
Rex Maximus. In fact, other than the fact that the company was moving premises,
Leo Enterprises seemed very much legitimate.
"I
think we should follow those trucks." Booster stated once the door had
closed behind them. With the exception of some errant pieces of rubbish on the
grey floor, the room was completely empty. There was a video camera present but
there appeared to be no signs of any type of audio surveillance equipment.
"I
suppose." Zatanna said uneasily. She could feel something amiss about this
place but she could not say what. Although everything they had seen indicated
otherwise, her instincts told her that they were in the right place. "I
just have this feeling." She replied looking around the empty room as if
clairvoyance could bring the mystery to light.
It
was an admission Booster could understand completely. Nothing about this place
felt right and everything they had seen although plausible was also too much of
a coincidence. "I know what you mean." He agreed with her.
"Something stinks about this place but I can't put my finger on it."
"This
is it Booster," she said decisively even though there was nothing real to
basis this assumption upon. "He's here. I can feel it even if I can't see
him." She looked around the room and felt a slight shiver run down her
spine for no reason. "Maximus is here."
*********
"Master,"
the creature sitting before the surveillance screens looked to Maximus who had
entered the room only moments ago. As per the requirements of the Master's
station, the Alpha whose form was a mix of human and canine genes, rose to his
clawed feet and bowed slightly.
"You
have a name Alpha 23?" Maximus inquired as he stared at Ani-Men with his
powerful yellow eyes.
As
expected, the Alpha kept his eyes firmly to the ground. It was as much apart of
the ritual as it was a part of his conditioning. "I was named Fang."
He answered the Master respectfully. As an Alpha in security, there was more
will in Fang's make up then the labourers who were currently moving equipment
but Maximus had ensured that it would never be strong enough to question his
orders.
"This
is a busy day for us," Maximus stated impatiently. "Why have you
called me here?"
"I
apologise for the intrusion Master," Fang said trying not let the Master's
stern manner shake his resolve. His voice nothing more than a growl. Despite
their attempts to keep human vocal cords intact in all Ani-Men, it was
impossible to expect eloquent speech from creatures whose mouths and jaws were
not made for that purpose. "However, I have detected something
unusual."
Maximus
stiffened. In his understanding, there were no such things as unusual freak
occurrences. The universe was about cause and effect and coincidences did not
exist in his reality. What his minion considered something unusual, he
considered trouble. Immediately, his eyes moved across the numerous screens in
front of him. The surveillance cameras across the length and breath of the
facility showed nothing out of the ordinary, however that was not a
satisfactory explanation for anything. Most of screens revealed company staff
working diligently for the relocation to new premises but nothing more than
that. After a moment, he returned his gaze to Fang.
"What
exactly do you call unusual." He inquired coolly but the predatory edge to
his voice was unmistakable. He wanted answers and he wanted them now.
"It
is this room." Fang pointed to any empty room being displayed by a screen
on the far right. Maximus leaned closer towards the screen for a better look
but came away from it a moment later, seeing nothing of concern.
Before
Maximus could speak, Fang anticipated his question and quickly responded.
"I know there appears o be nothing in that room but look at the air
density reading."
Maximus' eyes darted to the needle gauge in question. The thin black line of
needle behind its glass covering was swinging back and forth at random
intervals. However minor this may seem to him, it had caused enough concern to
this Alpha for him to approach the Master. That kind of instincts could not be
underestimated. " Explain." He ordered.
"It
is one of the newer security measures recently installed." Fang replied
automatically. "We've installed sensors in all walls that detect micro
changes in air density. The sensors are sensitive enough to detect a dust
particle moving through the air. When a room is empty, there should no reason
for the gauge to react at all."
"However,
the gauge is reacting." Maximus stated understanding the point his
underling was attempting to make. "That means something is causing it even
if it cannot be seen."
"Yes
Master." Fang concluded. "It may be an intermittent fault but I have
not encountered it in the system before."
"You
were right to be concerned." Maximus stated, his features becoming darker
by the second. Maximus paused a moment, wondering if this Alpha's obvious
intellect had grasped the full implications of his discovery.
"It
appears Fang, that we might have company. Super human company."
CHAPTER
SEVENTEEN
I
Know your enemy.
Those were more than words to which Rex Maximus lived his life. They were his
creed. Whether in business or in the more dangerous games he indulged in this
stage of his life, he always felt they held special meaning. Years ago, he had
made the mistake in being too arrogant in the belief that all were inferior
before the towering might of his genius. For that error, he had almost paid
with his life. Fate had given him another chance by restoring his godhood and
Maximus did not intend to waste the opportunity.
Ever
since the involvement of Guy Gardner in his affairs became a reality, Maximus
had studied everything there was to know about the Vuldarian. It was a source
of great disturbance to him when he discovered that
His
memory was long and there had been paths much travelled in recent years but he
still remembered the sorceress who had been the cause of his eventual defeat.
She had deceived him in his own realm and brought invaders to his kingdom. Such
a trespass was not easily forgotten. Maximus held Zatanna as much responsible
for his earlier misfortune as he held Reena accountable and he had made Reena
pay dearly.
He would make Zatanna pay as well.
Maximus
kept the discovery of infiltrators from the minions above. For the moment, it
was best that they were unaware of what was taking place until his Alphas had
moved into position. Most of them were nonentities who knew little about what
took place within the catacombs beneath their feet. Their world existed beyond
the twilight of his domain, deep in the earth. Although the presence of the
Crusaders was an annoyance, it was hardly unexpected. From the dossiers he had
gathered on the group, he knew Blue Beetle was a superior detective, possibly
the most intelligent member of the group. It was unrealistic for Maximus to
assume this facility could remain undiscovered indefinitely. However, he knew
only one member of the group who was capable of producing an invisibility cloak
and that brought him to a most satisfying conclusion.
Zatanna
was here.
He
did not intend to let her slip through his fingers.
Throughout
the complex, Alphas clad in dark suits with their faces hidden were moving
towards the last known location of the Crusaders. Although it was impossible to
track them by conventional means, his Ani-Men was in possession of senses far
superior to that of humans or paranormals. To the wolf men of his security
forces, scent was like colour. All they needed to do was to enter the room
where the Crusaders had been and the stench of the prey would give them away
far better than any plan Maximus might have devised himself.
What
they had here, Maximus smiled as he observed the proceedings through a monitor
screen in his office, was a good old fashioned hunt. Of course, his Alphas had
been given particular information on how to attack. They might have drawn their
genes from primitive life forms but Maximus was not going to allow them to act
like a rabid pack. A different strategy had to be applied to each Crusader. The
paranormals were unique in their way as were their weakness.
The
key to defeat lay in the exploitation of those vulnerabilities.
********
For
the moment, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Booster and Zatanna left the
room and decided to start searching the lower levels. Perhaps, all this was
exactly what it seemed and the workers had no idea of what was transpiring
beyond their seeing. There were lower levels to this place that they had yet to
venture. Although the hope was fast dwindling that they would find anything
conclusive, neither Booster nor Zatanna could shake the feeling that something
was here, waiting in the shadows.
They
walked down the corridor sheathed in their cloak of invisibility, moving
through the people carrying boxes, crates and wheeling about machinery,
oblivious to their presence. Very quickly, Booster and Zatanna were able to
detect a basement door and decided it was a good a place as any to begin their
descent into a possible underground lair. Maximus had used the same technique
in his island hide out years before and Zatanna gambled that this was what the
complex was really hiding. Adding to the strength of this idea was the absence
of anyone in the area of the basement. Judging by the way that the workers were
giving the corridor a wide berth, it was obvious that this section of the
complex was restricted to them.
The
door was made of solid steel, Booster discovered upon rapping his fist up
against it. His knuckles made a dull thud as it connected with the metal. There
were no handles or door knobs, not even hinges were visible. A small electronic
data pad sat inconspicuously on the wall next to it.
"Do
you want me to open it?" Zatanna whispered.
"I
think you better." He decided. "It would be better if we can do it
quietly. Ted's the electronic expert," Booster admitted. "I'd just
blast it."
"You're
a subtle touch." She retorted and then looked at the door.
"nepO." Zatanna said simply.
The
door opened with a gentle click, swinging backwards as she spoke. Booster
peered through the basement and saw that it was almost pitch black.
Nevertheless he stepped in first, certain that the darkness would not be
continuos. It did not make any sense that it should be. Activating his infra-red
goggles, his vision became a grainy world of varying crimson colours. He took
Zatanna by the hand and led her through the door as it closed behind them
soundlessly.
They
were in a corridor and although there were light globes on the ceiling, it
appeared none of them were working.
"I
can't see a thing." Zatanna remarked. "Perhaps I should conjure up a
illumination spell." She suggested.
"I
don't know whether that's wise." Booster replied. "They may know
something is up if lights suddenly came on. I've got infra-red so we're not
completely blind. Hang onto my hand for the time being."
Zatanna
did not like the darkness but she had little choice but to agree his judgement
was sound. With no idea what they had stumbled upon, it was not wise to take
any chances. It appeared she was just going to have to trust him.
"Okay," she replied reluctantly. "But I reserve to right to
change my mind if this goes on any further."
Booster
said no thing but allowed himself a faint smile as he led her down the
corridor. In the distance, he could see a bend in the passageway and hoped that
it would take them somewhere with better illumination. He could tell Zatanna
was uneasy about the situation and it was starting to dawn on him that it was
more than the darkness surrounding them.
Suddenly,
his entire world was filled with blinding light. Booster let out a slight cry
as his clamped his eyes shut to keep out the light that sharpened in intensity
because of his infra-red vision. Zatanna looked up when the lights running along
the ceiling of the corridor came alive with powerful neon intensity. At the
same time, she heard noises behind her. Zatanna spun around and wondered if
they had been discovered. She had little more time to register the figures in
black before realising one of them had drawn a weapon.
It's
not a gun. She managed to think as the figure pulled the trigger.
If
it was not for the suit he was wearing the sharp decibels of sound would have
rendered him completely unconscious. He could feel the pressure of white sound
tearing through the air and neutralising Zatanna as her auditory sense
overloaded. As it hit her, Booster saw her go down and with her, went the
protection of invisibility she was providing. It was a foregone conclusion that
their attackers could see them because when Zatanna hit the ground, they moved
into action.
Something
skittered across the floor in front of him as he quickly scooped Zatanna into
his arms. There were at least a dozen attackers and they were closing in from
both sides of the corridor. He tried to think of what to do but his mobility
was severely limited in this enclosed space and with Zatanna out of action. He
suddenly had the idea that the weapon was meant specifically for her because of
its success in rendering her helpless. Booster managed to raise his wrist
gauntlets and aim it at the ceiling overhead.
He
was about to leap into the air when he noticed a nondescript metal ball that
had come to a stop in front of him. Time to get out of here, Booster thought
and started soaring off the floor. He had risen no more than a few feet when
suddenly, the ball exploded, sending bluish white waves of electricity coursing
through the air. The tendrils reached him like lightning, striking his body
with repeated lashes in a flurry of seconds. His body spasmed as the energy hit
him, awakening every nerve in his body with an onslaught of pain. He remembered
screaming as ceiling before him drew father and father away and Zatanna's form
slipped out of his rigid fingers.
Booster
did not even realise it when he hit the floor. The electric's in his suit was
also going haywire. He could feel the heat from power surges across the length
of his body as circuitry in the suit shorted out in a dozen places. Booster
felt the floor as his knees slammed onto it and he saw Zatanna lying on her
belly, her dark hair splayed across her face. His body ached in excruciating
pain and he knew that soon he would succumb to it. However, before that
happened he had to do something or both himself and Zatanna were dead already.
He
prayed that the signal device on his gauntlet was still working and that it had
not been destroyed by the power surge. Booster jammed his finger on the
activation button and let out a sigh of relief when its glass face came to
life. It made an inaudible blip as it sounded its existence before vanishing
into obscurity once more. He looked up to see the black clad figures
surrounding Zatanna. For some reason, they seemed to be particularly interested
in her.
"Get
away from her!" He managed to say but the words escaped his lips in
slurred and vague.
Booster
scrambled towards them, even though every movement was agony. Unfortunately, he
had gone no more than a few feet when he suddenly felt a boot slam into his
ribs. Booster cried out as he felt ribs crack under the power of that kick and
he was flipped onto its back from the force of it. As he was groaning in pain,
he saw them pick up Zatanna and drag her away and he was powerless to stop
them.
As
they turned their attention to him, one thought screamed out at him despite the
pain. With whatever strength he had left, Booster was going to obey that voice
before the darkness claimed him as well.
Don't let them take the ring.
II
He
had to look twice when he saw his reflection when he approached the glass doors
of Ronnie Raymond's apartment building. For a moment, he actually wondered who
was that poor unfortunate in the wheel chair, staring back at him with
strangled surprise. It took another moment for him to remember that it was
himself, at which he was gawking. Donovan Wallace, one of the latest inductees
into the wheel chair set. Seeing himself that way was almost as disturbing as
walking up in hospital, with a doctor standing over him like a vulture about to
feed. The man had actually believed practised sympathy could make the delivery
that your life was over any easier to bear.
Remember
playing football in high school? Guess what? That's over. How about going to
the bathroom with any sense of dignity? Nope, that's gone too. In fact, pretty much
everything that makes you a man is gone, kaput, bye bye, in a blink of an eye.
Of
course, the doctors had delivered the news tactfully, displaying the mask worn
wherever delivering such news. To Donovan, it might have been simpler if they
had said it the way he was hearing it. At least there had been no
disillusionment.
It
was easy to be General Glory and forget that Donovan Wallace did not exist. Why
was he putting himself through this humiliation when with a few simple words,
he could be soaring through the air like a god, not a broken puppet? He looked
at his legs and could see the deterioration of muscles already starting. The
body had a mercenary way of discarding what was not needed. Perhaps, he ought
to do it a favour and simply have it amputated, except that would probably be
the easy way instead of watching his life wither away with his atrophying legs.
He
was feeling sorry for himself and he knew it. Donovan had no right to complain
when he could shed this chair at any moment and become whole again. He was
lucky and he should be damn grateful about it. There were so many others who
were trapped in their broken bodies without the benefit of Lady Liberty's gift
to help them escape.
Perhaps
that is why he was on his way to Ronnie Raymond's apartment. It had taken some
convincing for Ted to give him Ronnie's address let alone his secret identity
but Ted knew he could be trusted. It would have been simpler for him to arrive
at Ronnie's apartment as General Glory. Unfortunately, it was Donovan Wallace
who had caused the friction between them and it was Donovan Wallace who had to
make amends.
He
reached Ronnie's door and knocked gently on the door. He hoped the guy would be
at home because Donovan did not relish making this trip more than once. He had
been forced to take a cab across town and with his financial limitations, that
was a luxury that he could not afford more than once. He heard movement behind
the door before it swung open a moment later.
Ronnie
Raymond looked every much the male model on billboards across town even when he
was casually attired. Designer clothes, the trendy ear ring, not to mention the
pony tail that was often worn by the society elite.
"Hey
Ronnie."
For
a moment, Ronnie looked at him bewildered before he was able to answer.
"Do I know you?" He asked.
"Yeah
you do." Donovan nodded, amusing himself at the expense of Ronnie's
confusion. "We were recently on the moon together."
Ronnie's
eyes widened as he struggled to think where he had met this stranger before. He
was certain that he would have remembered someone in a wheel chair,
particularly someone that claimed to be on the moon with him. Ronnie knew
immediately that was a reference to the Justice League Watchtower on the lunar
surface but he did not know who this person was before him.
"Can
I come in?" Donovan asked, knowing he had thrown Ronnie out of balance.
"Sure."
Ronnie stepped back, unable to see a threat in a cripple even if he had no idea
whom the man was.
Donovan
wheeled himself up the hallway into the apartment, impressed by its decor,
which was luxurious in comparison to his own place across the bridge. Beyond
the huge balcony doors was a breathtaking view of the city skyline and he could
not help feeling a little envious of everything Ronnie had. Strangely enough,
that made what he had to say easier.
"Look,
I don't want to be rude," Ronnie said coming up behind him. "I don't
know what your game is but I know I haven't met you."
"Sure
you have," Donovan said unconcerned. "You just haven't seen me like
this."
"I
don't understand." Ronnie replied coming around the wheel chair to face
him. "I've never met you before." He stated firmly.
"I'm
Donovan Wallace." He answered finally.
"Donovan
Wallace?" Ronnie repeated and was about to remark that he did not know any
one of that name but paused when detected a note of familiarity to the
stranger's voice. Ronnie took a moment to study the man's face that further
confirmed that he had seen this person somewhere before, although Ronnie was
sure he would have remembered meeting someone in a wheel chair.
"I
was right," Donovan said as he glanced at the TV and saw Pamela Anderson
running across a pristine beach in a bathing suit that was not made to hold
plastic. "You are a Baywatch kind of guy, aren't you?"
Ronnie's
eyes widened as he realised who had last said that to him. It hit him with the
sharp alertness that came with a splash of ice water. His eyes widened and his
jaw almost dropped. "General?" He managed to ask. His voice was
almost a whisper.
"Its
about time." Donovan sighed and returned his attention to the apartment,
glad that the introductions were concluded. "This is a beautiful place you
got here." He remarked admiring the leather lounge suit that took up most
of the floor space.
Ronnie
did not say anything. He was too astonished by what he had just learnt. It was
near impossible to associate this man in the wheel chair as the superhero who
had given him such a hard time lately. Donovan Wallace was his age! They could
have gone to high school together! No wonder the guy was such a pain in the
ass, he thought. Just look at him! "What happened to you?" Ronnie was
unable to keep himself from asking.
"Now
we're getting somewhere," Donovan smiled, pleased that Ronnie had
recovered enough to articulate an intelligent question. He swung around in his
wheel chair and faced Ronnie. "Before I became General Glory, I was a cop.
"He explained. "I was on the force for less than a year when I got
involved in a shooting. Some thug had decided to put a couple of bullets into a
child and I decided otherwise."
"And
this is what happened to you?"
"He
shot me in the spine." Donovan said without any trace of bitterness in his
voice. The psychiatrists and counsellors that came into his life after the
shooting had told him that was the first thing that had to be dealt with.
Although it was easier said and done, Donovan had discarded enough anger at
what had happened to him to be able to speak of it without becoming too
emotional. "I still have the use of my hands so I'm better off than most
people in my position. He could have killed me."
Ronnie
wondered if death was not a better alternative. "I'm sorry." He
responded because that was all he could think to say.
"No,"
Donovan shook his head. "I am sorry."
Ronnie
looked up somewhat confused. "What? Why?"
"I
came here to apologise," Donovan said with a heavy sigh because this was
difficult for him. "I have been giving you a hard time since you've joined
the Crusaders and I'm here to say sorry."
Ronnie
did not know how to take the apology so he did always did in such instances. He
spoke without thinking. "You don't have anything to be sorry about."
"Don't
do that!" Donovan snapped angrily. "Don't patronise me because I am
in a chair." His eyes blazed with fury. "Its bad enough being in one
of these things without everyone carrying on like they have to treat us like
children because being paralysed absolves of any responsibility for our
actions! I am still an adult and I know I behave badly! I don't need you to
feel sorry for me and say its okay! Its not okay!"
Me
and my big mouth, Ronnie scolded himself. Now, he said inwardly. Let's try this
again with a little more thought. "You're right," Ronnie replied
honestly. "I was feeling sorry for you and I opened my mouth without thinking.
You did behave like an asshole." He smiled. "Care to tell me
why?"
Donovan
chuckled, his anger evaporating at that remark. "Thanks," he
answered. "Look," he said taking a deep breath. "When I was on
the force, I was cocky, smart and I knew everything. I was in the company of
cops with more experience than I'd ever have but I knew I was good and so I
felt I didn't need their experience. I shot my mouth off, took stupid risks and
generally behaved like I was cowboy." Donovan felt the lump forming in his
throat as he returned to the places of memory before the shooting. "I
should held back and waited for back up when I saw that little girl."
Donovan said softly. "She was in no immediate danger because the perp had
not seen us yet. I went in because I thought I was good enough to take care of
the situation without anyone's help. I saved that kid but I'm screwed myself
because I didn't have the patience to behave any better."
"We
all make mistakes like that." Ronnie said empathising with Donovan on this
matter. How many times had he gone where angels feared to thread? How many
times had he behaved like a complete jerk, even though he knew better.
"I
guess when I met you," Donovan continued. "You were so much like how
I was then. So much in fact, that it scared the hell out of me. I looked at you
and I was sure you were a mistake about to happen, just like I was. I know its
not much of an apology but I wanted you to understand that I thought I was
trying to help you. I don't want what happened to me happen to you too, as
well."
It
took a lot to impress him these days so Ronnie was genuinely touched by
Donovan's admission. He knew what the man had said was not easily admitted.
There were many hurdles to overcome for such a declaration to surface. Pride
and fear were the most apparent of these obstacles. "Apology
accepted." Ronnie said extending a hand towards Donovan. "Its nice to
know that someone gives a damn."
"Even
an asshole?" Donovan remarked taking his hand.
"Especially
an asshole." Ronnie laughed. "I know I act like a jerk sometimes but
it may surprise you to know that I've gone through some things of my own
lately. I got cancer and I thought I was going to die and one day I woke up and
it was gone and I was alive again."
"Its
a great feeling." Donovan nodded in complete understanding. He had
experienced similar euphoria the morning after discovering he was not doomed to
spend his life in a wheel chair. As General Glory, he could make the difference
he always wanted. This time, he would be tempered with wisdom.
"I
have to admit, I was out of control for a while." Ronnie spoke as he went
to the bar in the corner of the room and produced two Soder Colas. Thanks to
his bout with alcoholism, booze of any sort was a banned item in the Raymond
household. He handed one of the cans to Donovan and resumed speaking. "I
was on this life high and I partied hard, made a complete ass out of myself,
pissed off everyone who mattered before I came crashing down in a heap of vomit
and empty bottles."
"How
did it end?"
"With
lots of soul searching, a terrific sponsor who makes sure he's available to
talk whenever I need that drink and I got back into being Firestorm again.
Being Firestorm helps me realise I'm not a complete screw up." Ronnie
toasted him with his can and took a sip.
"You're
not." Donovan stated firmly. "I was the one who made the mistake. It
looks like you've got yourself together and that's a good thing. I know Ted
wants you in the group and I think you should give us a chance. We're all screw
ups in our own way and I think together we work."
"You
know," Ronnie looked into himself at that statement and spoke from the
heart. "I think you're right. I watched how all of you were with
Both
men said nothing as each indulged in a moment of silent contemplation. Much of
what had been said had changed their perspective and Donovan was glad that he
made this trip. However, he was starting to believe, it meant even more to
Ronnie Raymond.
"Now
that you are here," Ronnie said perking up considerably, leaving the
heavier mood of the conversation behind. "You can help me rehearse my
lines. I've got a part next week on Days of our Lives."
"A
soap?" Donovan wrinkled his nose. "You can do better. How about NYPD
Blue?"
"Again
with the critique!" Ronnie said exasperated. "You're going to be
doing a lot of apologising in the future."
CHAPTER
EIGHTEEN
I
The
moment he heard the signal device scream it emergency siren, Ted Kord knew he
should not have allowed Zatanna to go in his place.
As
the sound tore through Booster's penthouse apartment, he had simply stared at
it for a few seconds, unable to believe that fate could be cruel enough to do
this to him. His heart started pounding so loudly in his chest, he thought it
might explode. Mercilessly, it failed to that. Instead, he was forced to
deactivate the loud signal and see which one of the Crusaders had sounded the
emergency. He knew what he would find even before his saw Booster's code on the
face of the device. Waves of guilt threaten to surface immediately but Ted knew
if he allowed it full rein over his psyche, it would cripple him and he was not
good to Zatanna that way.
Instead,
he focused his emotional turbulence into a singularity of thought and then
crushed it with a purer goal. When the group had formed, only weeks ago, they
had set down certain procedures. In instances such as these, where one of them
was in danger, time was of the essence. Ted put on his costume, ignoring how
stiff his leg felt and trying not to use his damaged hand more than necessary.
Slipping his goggles over his face, he stepped onto the balcony to complete the
last act of the ritual.
"Kaji-Da."
There
were no bolts of lighting, no sudden change of weather, just a sudden burst of
air requiring escape from his lungs. When he dispelled that breath, he could
feel the power in his veins. Ted could feel the beat of the scarab inside his
soul and know that he was the Chosen One as Dan Garrett had once been the
chosen. The pain in his leg had started to fade away although he had acquired
his injuries while he had been a superhuman so it was not truly dispelled.
However, it allowed him to tolerate the pain with some measure of control and
for that Ted was grateful.
He
leapt into the air. His feet left the sandstone floor of the balcony. Sky
welcomed him as he rose above the tall skyscrapers of the
There
was something about moving through the air with the same ease that bird flapped
their wings that made the experience indescribable. Society likened super
humans of today to modern day gods and when he took the sky like denizen of the
air, he felt like a god. Whatever unhappiness awaited him on the ground could
not reach him when he was here among the clouds. Even Maximus seemed far away
at this moment.
The
tragic circumstances of reality would return to him once he set foot on the
ground, but for now at least, he could think clearly about how they were going
to find Booster and Zatanna. High in the altitude without the veil of truth to
crowd his senses, Ted Kord could focus his thoughts on the problem at hand. He
could think of how he was going to help Zatanna and Booster Gold, the two most
important people in his life.
He
was not going to lose either to Maximus, not while the scarab lived inside him.
********
By
the time Ted arrived at Warriors, the Crusaders had assembled in light of the
emergency signal that had alerted them to trouble through all their signal
devices. It had only been a day since they were last together, when Guy had
related the account of his kidnapping to the others. At that meeting, they had
decided to wait until Oracle had news for them regarding the company set up by
Repli-Tech in its last days as a legitimate enterprise. Most of the Crusaders
was as of yet unaware of Leo Enterprises. Although Ted had faxed a copy of the
fax data that Oracle had sent to Booster's penthouse, the majority of the
Crusaders had not been debrief on this latest piece of information.
Ted
arrived to see the others waiting for him in the private room reserved for the
Crusaders in the upper levels of Warriors. At the moment only Guy was aware
that Booster and Zatanna had gone to investigate the premises belonging to Leo
Enterprises.
"What's
the word Guy?" Ted asked as he entered the room and took his customary
place. Despite himself, the empty chairs normally occupied by Zatanna and
Booster drove home how urgent the situation had become.
"We've
tried pinpointing their location." Beatriz replied, looking to the
computers at the far end of the room. "The signal terminated after ten
minutes." She looked away as she revealed the rest. "We couldn't lock
on to it."
"Doesn't
matter," Ted said quietly. "I know where they were going."
"Well I don't." Ronnie declared. "What's going on?" He
looked to Guy and Ted for answers from across the table.
"Booster
contacted Oracle at the Watchtower," Guy explained. "She got info
that Repli-Tech may have set up a company before it went bust. She gave us a
name. Leo Enterprises. Booster and Zatanna went to investigate."
"Now
they're in trouble." Sigrid declared. "Let's go."
"We
were getting to that." Guy said, impressed by her directness. He wondered
what had happened in the past few days to boost her confidence. Whatever it
was, he hoped she got more of it. Sigrid was good and it was time she believed
that. "Kid," he turned to Ronnie. "We're going to need a
lift."
"Sure."
Ronnie nodded. "I'm a team player."
Ted
looked up in surprise. "Since when?" He exclaimed.
Ronnie
scowled at him as the Crusaders rose to their feet. They headed towards a lift
at the corner of the room that would take them to the roof. Guy joined Ted as
the group moved, seeing the concern on his face. Guy knew that if it were
Beatriz, he would be similarly distressed. It was hard to tell with Ted what
upset him. After all these years, Guy had learnt enough about the man to know
that Ted had a facade he put on for everyone else's benefit. It portrayed him
as a good humoured, seldom ruffled jokester. Only those he knew him for any
length of time, knew that Ted did not reveal his true feelings easily.
"I'm
sure she's okay." Guy remarked.
"I
shouldn't have let her go." Ted said quietly as they watched Sigrid and
the others file into the car.
"We'll
take the next one." Guy said to Donovan who was waiting for them to enter.
"Don't start without us."
Donovan
understanding that Guy wanted a moment with Ted, nodded dutifully and closed
the doors before them. When the doors to the lift had close, Guy turned to Ted
once more. "Zee's got more experience than either of us. She's probably
the strongest as well. You had every reason to think she could take care of
herself."
"It
should have been me." Ted retorted. "I should have gone."
"Listen,"
Guy said impatiently. He was not good at this sort of thing but he knew Ted
needed some kind of reassurance. Besides, Jonn had done it all the time. How
hard could it be? "You can beat yourself up about why you didn't go but it
ain't changing anything. Its done and all you can do for her sake, is to deal
with it cause she needs you. Its that simple."
"Since
when did you become the expert?" Ted looked at him with a wry smile.
For
a moment, Guy did not answer. "I became the expert when I decided that
dealing with Zero Hour was more important than keeping track of the woman I
loved. I thought she was good enough to deal with things but she was not. When
I got home, she was dead and all I could do was deal with it. I had a choice
then, to let it tear to me to bits inside or to go on like she would have
wanted me to. There comes a point when you've got to stop thinking about how
you feel and think about she would have wanted."
"Zatanna's
not dead." Ted stated firmly. Even saying it made his stomach lurch.
"That's
right," Guy nodded. "She is not so stop acting like she is. We're not
too late so deal with whatever guilt or crap you're feeling at the moment,
cause I need you with your head together."
Ted
nodded slowly. "Okay," he swallowed hard as the lift signalled its
return with its parting doors. "I'm back to normal."
"You
were never normal." Guy retorted and shoved him into the lift.
II
When
the League had collapsed and Booster Gold found himself trapped in an
exoskeleton of which he could not live without, he had decided to get drunk. At
the time, his state of mind had been in such a black depression that he felt he
had nothing to lose by getting blind stinking drunk. The rest of the evening
had been a vague memory of two hookers, ten shots of tequila, a pair of long
nose pliers and banana cream pie. The next morning he had awoke with the worst
hangover in creation and a hotel manager who was ready to toss him out on the
sidewalk.
That
headache was nothing comparison to the one he was experiencing at the moment.
Ted would probably tell him that the intense pain was due to something called
neuro-electrical disruption in his brain waves. Booster could well believe it.
If it was not for the suit, he would have been gone into massive cardiac arrest
after being the conductor for so much current. Fortunately, the suit was a
result of 25th century technology and was equip to protect the wearer against
all kinds of calamity or sacrifice its circuits if necessary.
Booster
opened his eyes and found that his goggles were gone. He was lying on the hard
floor and as he regained in bearings, he realised that his world had suddenly
shrunk to an enclosure no more than a metre in width. Thick iron bars
surrounded him in all directions and as Booster regained his senses, he
realised that he was inside a cage of some sort. He heard a muffled sound next
to him and turned his head sideways.
Zatanna
was in a similar prison, except that her legs and arms were tied beneath her
back and she was lying on her stomach. She tried to speak through the gag over
her mouth but could not manage to produce more muffled sounds that were barely
coherent let alone recognisable as speech. Booster's own arms and legs were
free, even though he was caged as she was. However, he noticed that his
gauntlets and his belt were gone. Almost every defensive function of the suit
had been removed. Maximus was not taking any chances with his prisoners,
Booster thought grimly.
Outwardly,
Zatanna seemed all right but there was an edge of panic in her eyes that
Booster wished he could offer comfort. Obviously, Maximus knew that if she were
allowed to speak, she could level this place with a few well-placed words. If
she could not say the spell then Zatanna was helpless. Somehow, he had to
remove that gag from her lips. It was their only hope.
"Are
you okay?" He asked. His voice croaked and Booster wondered how long he
had been unconscious.
She
nodded, averting her gaze to their surroundings. Booster crawled to the edge of
the cage and peered through the bars. Their cage did not allow them the room to
stand so Booster could not see very much. Obviously, they were in a laboratory
of some kind. There were computers, work benches with Bunsen burners, tripod
stands and a plethora of specimen bottles stacked on shelves against the wall.
There was no one else in the room although they could hear the bubbling of
fluid nearby, as if an experiment was in progress. Fortunately, neither Booster
nor Zatanna could see any of the forming tanks that Guy Gardner had seen during
his captivity. Nevertheless, the silence was ominous and the prevailing stench
of formaldehyde was starting to give Booster a very bad feeling about all this.
"I
manage to send out the emergency signal." He told Zatanna. "The
others should be here soon."
He
saw some measure of relief in her face but not enough to convince him that her
fear was completely wiped away. Booster could well understand her concern.
Years ago, it was Zatanna who had infiltrated the Ani-Men headquarters and
precipitated the chain of events that led to their eventual downfall. If Maximus
remembered the part she played in his defeat then this could very become very
unpleasant. Somehow, Booster had to get her out of here.
Unfortunately,
he was in little position to do anything at the moment. Without his devices,
Booster was an ordinary man like any other. He had no meta-human powers to call
on that could enable him to bend these bars and get them both to safety. It was
for that reason that Maximus had all his defenses removed. At this moment,
Booster Gold was just another human in a cage, completely helpless and subject
to whatever the villain had in mind for them both.
"Have
you seen anyone?" He asked her. Tears were running down her cheeks and he
could see that she was starting to become very frightened. Booster had to take
her mind of her fear even if they were justified. Now more than ever, she had
to be focussed if they were going to use any scant opportunity to escape.
She
shook her head in response.
"That's
sort of good." Booster said trying to sound confident. He had to keep her
mind of the fact that they were in terrible trouble. He had to show her that
there hope. "We just need to keep our head above water until the others
get here."
She closed her eyes and tried to speak but could not make the words through the
gag in her mouth. In the end she just shook her head, hoping that would convey
to Booster what she was trying to say. Unfortunately, he could not understand
the substance of strained efforts to speak and eventually she gave up trying to
communicate. He would understand soon enough anyway.
"Finally
when I need a woman to talk, she can't!" He joked. "Figures."
Zatanna
gave him a dirty look and mumbled something incoherently that indicated she was
unamused by the remark.
"Are
you supposed to swear through that thing?" He retorted.
Zatanna
let out an exasperated groan and decided to give up any further attempts
communicate. She stopped struggling and placed her head against the floor to
rest a moment. Booster wished he could remove her bonds but knew the logic
behind them. Obviously, Maximus did not want Zatanna capable of freeing her
arms to remove the gag in her mouth. The more she struggled, the tighter her
bonds were around her ankles and wrists. The manner in which she was roped was
almost barbaric and reserved for farm animals at rodeos.
"Hang
on." He said trying to be of some comfort. "I'll figure something
out."
She
nodded mutely but her eyes showed that she had confidence in his statement.
Booster began to see why Ted was like a kid head over heels in love ever since
he met Zatanna. She was one of those rare women who could make the men she
loved, feel ten feet tall. In Ted's case, Booster had never seen him happier
and it made Booster determined that no harm should come to Zatanna.
Suddenly,
he remembered something of crucial importance. Just before he had blacked out,
he had given himself a final instruction before the darkness overtook him.
Booster immediately fumbled for his boots and removed the ring he had hidden
inside it. It was common knowledge that Booster Gold was capable of flying but
most people had assumed that was due to the suit he was wearing. Only Booster
and a few of the Crusaders knew that his power of flight did not come from the
suit at all but from this little bauble of 30th Century technology. During an
encounter with the superhero group called the Legion of Superheroes who hailed
from a millennium in the future, Booster had been presented with a Legion
Flight Ring.
There
was no other like it in this time period and it was made from materials that
did not yetexist in the 20th century. Anyone seeing the ring would consider it
nothing more than a plastic toy ring, probably found in a box of cracker jacks.
The ring had no visible mechanism that could lead anyone to believe its
capability of producing flight. The ring operated on will power therefore
eliminating any risks should it fall into ignorant hands.
"Look
Zee," he whispered, slipping the ring onto his finger. "I've still
got my flight ring."
He
was rewarded with as much of a smile as she could muster though the leather gag
across her face. Booster did not add however, that he had no idea about how
they could utilise this advantage. The ability to fly would not mean much if he
first could not escape the bars of this steel cage. Somehow, Booster had to
find a way out of here of there was to be any escape at all.
Suddenly,
a door at the far end of the room swung opened. Both Booster and Zatanna were
treated to the sight of a man entering the room with two Ani-Men companions.
Judging from the widening of Zatanna's eyes, Booster realised she recognised
him. The man appeared to be nondescript. He had bland features and narrow eyes.
He reminded Booster of those science geeks he used to give underwear wedgies to
at high school, before he had learnt better. The man's companions however could
never blend into any crowd. Both of them looked like rejects from a bad
werewolf film. Even though they walked upright like any hominid, their feet
were an aberration of hind legs and human feet. There were pieces of both in
their stance. Their bodies were covered in thick fur and they gazed at the
prisoners with close set canine eyes, sinister with intent.
"You're
awake." Doctor Lovecraft stated, walking towards Zatanna's cage. "Its
been a long time." He said bending down on one knee so that she could seem
him better. "I remember you Zatanna." He smiled. Without saying
another word, he sank a syringe deep into her thigh.
Zatanna
cried out in pain but her voice was dampened by the gag and it absorbed much of
the cry. Lovecraft's filled the syringe before he removed it from her skin, a
trickle of blood seeping from the new puncture wound.
"Get
away from her!" Booster shouted helplessly. One of the Ani-Men growled at
him, baring long teeth, glistening with saliva. Even though the creature had
not taken a step towards him, the threat was implied clearly enough.
Lovecraft
ignored his outburst and kept his attention focussed on Zatanna, who was
struggling harder, in light of Lovecraft's reason action. "I'm sorry for
the gag but Maximus thought it was necessary. After all, you played the
deception game once before did you not? You can understand his need to be
cautious."
"What
do you want with us?" Booster demanded, his eyes fixed on the blood sample
he had just taken from Zatanna. The Ani-Men took a step towards his cage but
Lovecraft halted the creature with a look. Lovecraft turned to Booster finally,
deciding that he could no longer be ignored.
"We
did not wish to do anything with you, Mr Gold." Lovecraft replied.
"No one asked you to interfere in our affairs did they?"
"You
were turning innocent people into monsters!" Booster retorted angrily.
Lovecraft stiffened at the thought of his experiments being described so crudely.
Booster saw his eyes narrow behind his thick glasses. "Typical," he
said with obvious contempt in his voice. "You would like that wouldn't
you? To keep the extraordinary within your elite little community. You lord
over us like gods and then call us monsters when we try to improve ourselves to
taste some of your glory?"
"Improve?"
Booster snorted. "Is that what you call it? We are what we are by
circumstance, not by choice. You are just using legitimate science to become
Doctor Frankenstein. Don't try to delude yourself into thinking that your
improvements are for the betterment of humanity. You're playing god, not
us."
"I
don't even think I'll waste my time on you." Lovecraft replied, trying not
to show that Booster's words had struck a chord. "You're not worthy of my
gift." He rose to his feet and went to the two Ani-Men waiting patiently
for instructions.
"Tell
the Master I am done," Lovecraft remarked looking at the syringe of blood.
"You may take now take them to Maximus."
I
The
room did not look like the inner sanctum of a king.
Crossing
into its boundaries was like leaving behind the safe and comfortable for the
dark and desolate. It was difficult to see all of it because its architect had
sought to create something quite that bordered on the insane. Its rounded walls
were made of sand stoned black. Each block was cut and polished perfectly to
fit. Each tile had its placement in mosaic of its curious design. The floors
were polished black marble, casting everyone's reflection through the single
globe of light illuminating the room from overhead. There was very little
furniture. The only objects of note seemed to be a huge desk that overshadowed
everything else in the room. Even the desk was conspicuously empty with two
antique lamps sitting on either side of its edge. Behind the large leather wing
chair was a cured animal pelt, stretching from limb to limb, across the wall.
Their
guards ushered Booster and Zatanna into the darkened office. Although Booster
was capable of walking on his own, Zatanna had to be carried into the room.
Their guards were unwilling to loosen her bonds for any reason. Maximus must
have given them strict orders to ensure her silence at all costs. Considering
what she was capable of doing if it were removed, Booster could understand
their caution. The rescue he was waiting for had yet to arrive. Unfortunately,
with one of the Ani-Men making certain that a weapon was pressed firmly against
his back during the journey here, the opportunity to escape was also lost.
Despite
this however, there was something about the Ani-Men facility that seemed
familiar. Although much of the facility seemed newly constructed, there were
occasions when they took a corner here and there and Booster recognised
something familiar. The memory nagged at him all the way here and he searched
his mind to find an answer. Logically, he knew they were still in the premises
of Leo Enterprises but the familiarity was something he was at a loss to
understand.
Knowing
that their well being depended completely on him until the others arrived,
Booster paid careful attention to everything as he was being escorted to
Maximus. He counted at least fifty to sixty Ani-Men but could not be certain of
that number. The main security forces were distinguished by their canine
characteristics. Booster doubted that common dogs would have been the
contributor of genes as his own guards appeared to look more wolfish than their
domestic cousins. Apparently Maximus had decided to refine his hybridisation
process to suit the tasks he required of his army. Booster saw mutations of
rhino, bull and even grizzly bears. The result was formidable looking creatures
that he did not relish having to face even if he was in possession of the
gauntlets and other weapons. Maximus had created himself a savage army and
somehow Booster did not envisage the scope of his plans to be solely for his
illegal gambling operations.
Maximus
had bigger things in mind.
Booster
would stake his life on it but he hoped it would not come to that. At the
moment, Booster's own plans extended no further than stalling for time so that
the others would get here in time to effect a rescue. Zatanna seemed
understandably afraid because she looked as if the proverbial lamb being led to
the slaughter. She was a woman accustomed to taking care of herself and being
stripped of her powers like this left her vulnerable. He had the impression she
was not a woman who relied on others to save her own skin. Booster prayed that
Ted had received their distress signal or he was going to have to think of a
way to get them out of here before Maximus did his worst.
"Welcome
to my kingdom."
The
wingchair had been facing the wall until that point. Slowly it swung around and
Rex Maximus faced them for the first time. His Ani-Men guards had taken
position on either side of the doors and were watching the proceedings closely.
However, Booster noticed that when Maximus looked in their direction, their
eyes quickly dropped to the floor as if it was some unpardonable sin to meet
the eyes of their leader.
Maximus
was almost seven feet tall. If it he had been cross bred with a lion then it
had to be the biggest lion that Booster had ever seen in his life. Covered from
head to foot in tawny fur, his muscles looked powerful. The upper half of his
torso was clearly human but as Booster's gaze travelled downwards, human form
soon dissolved into the hind quarters of a big cat. His feet were clearly
lion's paws and must have made huge tracks. His hands possessed fingers but
these were clearly an amalgamation of the two species. Thick stubby digits
ended with powerful claws that could shred flesh with razor sharp efficiency.
Maximus
studied Booster through close set eyes but there was nothing human about his
face. His features were almost all feline, from the powerful set of his jaw, to
the whiskers protruding from the flattened of ridge of his nose. Maximus
sported a thick lion's mane of deep auburn that was tied neatly into a pony
tail. His clothes were little more than thick wool covering his torso. His arms
and legs were bare. Looking at him made Booster hope that the Crusaders were
going to get here soon.
Maximus
stepped out from behind his desk and came towards them. Booster was able to
face him on his feet but Zatanna was still tied up with her stomach to the
floor. Booster could see the deepening welts in her hands as the ropes started
to tear at her skin. She was trying to remain calm however, despite the fear
she was trying so hard to conceal.
"I
don't think we've met." Maximus said looking down at Booster.
"I'm
afraid I haven't had the pleasure." Booster met his stare bravely,
determined not to show any fear.
"I
am Rex Maximus," the leader of the Ani-Men introduced himself. "I am
sure your lovely companion would have filled you in on all the details."
He glanced down at Zatanna at his feet. A small smile stole across his face at
the sight of her trying to look up at him.
"She's
spoken about your hospitality." Booster replied. "But I didn't really
believe you'd be feral enough to tie a woman up like a pig ready for a
luau."
Maximus
shrugged, ignoring Booster's attempt to appeal to his vanity so that he would
release Zatanna from her bonds. "I'm afraid you misjudge me." He said
turning away from them and returning to his desk. "She is far too
dangerous to be allowed such freedom. At our last encounter, she cost me quite
dearly." At that he turned around and there was no mistaking the intense
hatred being directed at Zatanna. "You do remember that don't you?"
He
strode up to her and knelt down beside her. Without warning, Maximus grabbed a
handful of her hair and jerked her head back viciously so that Zatanna was
forced to look at him. Booster heard her scream through the gag as her back
arched forcefully and the ropes holding her constricted until he could see
blood starting to seep through the tears on her skin.
"Leave
her alone you bastard!" Booster shouted in impotent fury. "You're
pretty damn tough when your victims are helpless!"
Maximus
turned his head and offered him a malevolent glare. "I would not be too
outspoken Mr Gold." He released Zatanna who fell against the floor with a
hard slap. "I have no need for you." He said as he walked towards
Booster. "You're not even a true paranormal, just a mundane with delusions
of grandeur. Your weapons make you what you are, nothing else. Without then,
you are just another warm body." To illustrate his point, Maximus sank an
inch long nail into his face and pulled back.
Booster
forced himself not to react as he felt the sharp sting of tearing flesh. The
pain was soon, followed by the sudden warmth of blood flowing down his cheek.
"And
you are just a freak." Booster answered coldly.
"I
am god!" Maximus roared, lashing out in uncharacteristic anger. He struck
Booster against the jaw and sent the human backwards.
Booster
landed on the floor but was determined not to show this animal that he was
hurt. Instead, Booster stood up and replied defiantly. "You're nothing
Maximus. You are a failed corporate flunky who couldn't save your company. If
you think an infusion of animal genes makes you a god than its no wonder the
League kicked your sorry ass." It was dangerous provoking him like this
but at the moment, Booster did not have a choice. Directing Maximus' anger at
him would take his attention away from Zatanna, for the moment at least.
Besides any delay would give the Crusaders time to reach them.
"They
had help!" He struck Booster again.
This
time Booster felt the salt of blood inside his mouth. Why was it always his
face? Nevertheless Booster continued his verbal attack. "Maybe it was just
you all along? Maybe looking like Clarence the Cross Eye Lion doesn't make you
king of the beasts, just vision impaired."
"Do
you think I won't hesitate to kill you?" Maximus hissed into his face.
"You are nothing, not even worth the time of putting you into my tanks. Do
you think your pathetic attempts to goad me will avail you anything? I am
beyond your reach but you are not beyond mine."
"You
don't have a lot of time." Booster said with similar threat in his voice.
"You can bully us like this but the others know where we are. They'll be
coming."
"Really?"
Maximus declared unperturbed by the prospect at all. "Are you certain
about that?" He asked, wearing a look that could only be considered
triumphant.
The
arrogance in his manner put Booster on guard immediately. He exchanged a
furious glance with Zatanna who did not appear surprised. Suddenly Booster
wondered what she had been trying to tell him earlier. What didn't he know?
"They're coming." He insisted, trying to hide that Maximus had
rattled him.
"They
might well be." Maximus nodded before adding. "But they won't find
you. You were unconscious for quite a while. Did it never occur to you that we
might have taken the precaution of vacating the premises? When you infiltrated
my facility, I gather you noticed an exodus taking place?"
Jesus.
Booster realised what he was saying. No wonder he was so confident. The signal
transmitted to Ted would have led the Crusaders back to Leo Enterprises but no
further than that, if they had been moved to another location. He tried to hide
the realisation but his eyes betrayed him. Maximus seemed to be smiling even
wider now as Booster came to the awful conclusion that no one would be coming
for them. There was not going to be any rescue, not in time anyway.
"No
witty comeback?" Maximus goaded, basking in his victory of verbal
jousting.
Booster
swallowed hard, refusing to allow this set back to upset his morale. He had to
believe in his friends. "It changes nothing. My friends are smart, they'll
find us soon enough."
"That
may be so," Maximus agreed. "Unfortunately they won't arrive soon
enough to help either of you."
"It's
the risks we take," Booster said with bravery he did not feel. "We
may die but they'll put an end to you permanently. You're not dealing with
Justice League, you're dealing with a one really pissed Vuldarian who wants to
mount your head on his trophy wall. Not to mention what the Blue Beetle will do
to you if you harm one hair on her head!" He shouted looking at Zatanna.
"I
don't intend to harm her at all." Maximus replied unconcerned by Booster's
outburst. His calm frightened the Crusader more than his words.
"I
admit," Maximus said returning to his desk. "I do want some
compensation for the injury she caused to me but revenge is such a pointless
exercise. I learnt that vengeance is much sweeter when it is prolonged. Death
is quick and less satisfying. Take Reena for example." He glanced at
Zatanna. "In retrospect, I think I would have preferred her to remain at
my side. Treacherous as she was, Reena was an intelligent woman and she would
have made a formidable ally."
He
rounded the desk and went to the foot of the wall, where the animal pelt was
hanging prominently for all to see. Maximus ran his fingers over the dark sheen
of fur and then gazed back at his captives. "Unfortunately, I made that
realisation too quickly and Reena's potential was lost. I traded a few minutes
of satisfying vengeance and lost an important resource."
Booster
saw Zatanna's chest heave as she realised that they were no more doubts about
Reena's fate. Maximus had killed her. In retrospect, the sorceress wondered if
there was ever doubt that her fate had been anything else. That poor woman,
Zatanna grieved inwardly. Reena had risked everything to bring her story to the
League and they could not even save her life for that sacrifice.
"You murdered her." Booster stated with disgust.
"Yes."
Maximus nodded, surprised that there was any question of that. Suddenly, a
shrill beeping sound emanated from his desk and the leader of the Ani-Men
leaned over and flicked a switch.
"Doctor,"
Maximus asked not waiting for the speaker to announce himself. "How goes
the tests?"
"Her
DNA is absolutely compatible." Lovecraft's familiar voice responded.
"There are two extra chromosomes as expected, mostly to do with the higher
brain functions. I believe that is how the Homo Magi are capable of wielding
magic. Other than that difference, there is little to distinguish it from
normal human genes."
"Excellent."
Maximus replied. "I'll have her brought to you shortly. Prepare the
tanks."
At
the mention of that, any measure of calm that Zatanna might have retained
disappeared with a gut wrenching cry of protest that manage to escape the gag.
She struggled violently, forcing the ropes around her to constrict so tautly
that Booster was frightened that she may hurt herself. She was almost
hysterical with fear at what was coming. Maximus relished in the reaction and
strode over to her full of triumphant bluster. "I have special plans for
you my dear." He ran his fingers over her sheeny hair, despite her efforts
to avoid his touch. "I have a need of a consort." He looked at
Booster and grinned, his fangs gleaming in the light.
"My
kingdom needs an heir."
II
Booster
was powerless to do anything when they came and took Zatanna away. She was
still kicking and screaming, although neither action did very much to help her
situation. His heart went out to her and wished there was something he could do
now. However, he had to bide his time or he would doom them both. Undoubtedly,
the situation had now taken on an urgency that could tolerate no further delay.
He had to get out of here and get help. Even though he was tempted to use his
ring, he was reluctant to give up that advantage until he was completely sure
of a probability of success. For Zatanna's sake, he could not afford to gamble
on a maybe. He had resigned himself to abandoning all hope of assistance from
the Crusaders. Although he had confidence that Ted would find them eventually,
he could not afford to risk waiting for their arrival. Ted Kord was the closest
thing Booster had to family and Zatanna was his friend. Booster was unwilling
to let either of them down.
"Now
what shall we do with you?" Maximus looked at him in contemplation.
"If
you're after another consort, I must object to being already taken."
Booster said sarcastically.
Maximus
laughed, at least that is how it sounded to Booster. It was difficult to tell
because his voice was deep and throaty and while he was articulated, the
limitations of his vocal cords could not be denied. "I am glad you are
getting your spirit back." He answered. "I thought my little
bombshell earlier would damage that irreverent wit permanently." He of
course referred to his plans for Zatanna, which Booster was still having a lot
of difficulty dealing with him. Maximus was right about that much at least.
"It
takes more than an empty threat to shake my irreverent wit," Booster
retorted. "You see, even if you managed to turn her into one of your
circus acts, how are you going to control her? That's not some high school kid
you got there, that's a member of Justice League. She is probably the most
powerful mystic in this planet. I've seen her destroy men for less. What do you
think she's going to do to you when you cut her loose?" Booster knew he
was exaggerating a little. In truth, he did not have the slightest idea whether
Zatanna could make such a claim or not. He simply believed it after what was
done to Dreamslayer and how she had restored Kooey Kooey Kooey after a nuclear
holocaust.
Maximus
smiled. "The forming tanks do not only shape the body Mr Gold, they alter
the mind. After my experiences with Reena, you will understand if I was
reluctant to give my Ani-Men too much free will. I will not again suffer
treachery by one of my one so the transformation process has been enhanced by a
mind conditioning sub-routine. Your powerful mystic will emerge from the tanks
as my Queen but she will be a fitting consort as well. She will be complacent,
obedient and utterly devoted to her master. Most importantly, with every moment
of her slavery she will have the memory who she once was."
Booster's
stomach sickened at the thought of Zatanna enduring such a terrifying fate. He
had to stop this monster and he had do to it soon. A situation that would be
easier deliberated if he was aware of what Maximus had planned to do with him.
So far, the lord of the Ani-Men had prattled on about his vengeance but not
about Booster's fate. "Am I destined for your tanks?" He asked.
"Of
course not." Maximus replied automatically. "I told you once before.
You are hardly worth my time. I'm afraid it's the arena for you Mr Gold. My
Alphas need some sport."
Images
of what he had seen in the arena by the docks immediately sprung to Booster's
mind. He did not relish the possibility of going toe to toe with one of the
creatures he had seen earlier but it still was a better alternative than what
Zatanna was undergoing. "Why are you doing this Maximus?" Booster
found himself asking finally. It was the one question that the Ani-Men had not
answered despite all his verbose declarations. Since Booster was here, he might
as well get some idea of what the freak was planning.
"You
know," Maximus looked at him. "I'm somewhat disappointed it took you
so long to ask."
Despite
his icy demeanour, Booster could see that Maximus was eager to indulge his
vanity by telling his enemy about his plans, confident that the Crusaders would
be powerless to stop him. "After my last encounter with your kind, I
decided that perhaps an outright attempt at world domination is not the way to
proceed. Its too much work work. Leo Enterprises is only the beginning. With my
Ani-Men in the shadows, we will take corporate
"You
can't buy your way into every company in
"A
few dissenting voices might try but my Ani-Men can take care of them easily
enough. Accidents will happen and we know how kill without detection. The
others will follow simply follow the money." Maximus declared arrogantly.
"Other than what your witch has told you and your companions, the public
has no idea of our presence. As far as everyone is concerned, the Ani-Men
threat to the world ended years ago. We will remain hidden, killing in the dark
as predators always do. No one will know the truth until I control it all and
then it will be too late. I will have people everywhere and then I will turn my
attention to the super humans."
This
should be interesting, Booster thought silently. "Really?"
"Its
easier than you think." Maximus looked at him confidently. "The problem
with meta-humans is you frighten normal people. Oh, they look up to you but
they cannot help of being afraid. All it takes is a few well-orchestrated
displays of violence in the right place and at the right time. In the fallout,
the media will be screaming for anti meta-human laws. It's no secret that the
majority of governmental bodies consider you people little more than super
powered vigilantes. How long do you think it will be before public opinion is
swayed to believe the same? You'd be surprised how little a nudge it will take
for the fear to surface."
Booster
did not need to imagine such a thing. He had seen it. The formation of Justice
League International had risen from the ashes of such sentiments. Gilbert
Godfrey had gone across the country in tirade of meta-human hatred that
inflamed every corner of
"When
you are gone, "Maximus sneered with open contempt. "When your stink
no longer fills the world, my Ani-Men will emerge from the shadows and we will
take it all. It is just a matter of time. I have learnt to be very
patient."
"A
nice plan." Booster answered. In truth, he was more concerned with what
Maximus was intending to do now rather than his long-term agenda. These world
domination plans always sounded the same no matter how ominous they appeared to
be at the time of hearing. Booster was too much the veteran to be frightened by
such delusions of grandeur. As all would be conquerors, his supreme arrogance
would allow him to believe anything was possible no matter how outlandish. Left
unchecked, Maximus could conceivably carry out his threat. However, Booster had
faith in the Crusaders that his plan would never progress beyond the confines
of this room.
"You
are sceptical." Maximus realised unsurprised was still confident in his
grand vision.
"That's
just me. I didn't believe in
"That
is unfortunate." Maximus said reaching for the intercom on his desk.
"Titus, attend me." The Ani-Men demanded.
A
docile voice responded automatically. "Yes Master."
"Is
our little chat over already?" Booster inquired. "I was so hoping
that we could do the whole male bonding thing."
"You've
wasted enough of my time, Mr Gold." Maximus snapped.
"I'm
sorry I wasn't more enthusiastic about your little plan." He continued,
adding further insult to the Ani-Men leader. "If you've heard one plan for
world domination, you've heard it all."
Booster
heard the door open behind him and into the room walked a behemoth that left
him with his jaw open for a few seconds.
"Oh god." Booster managed to say through his horror.
For
a few seconds, he could do little but gawk at the creature. It took all his
self-resolve to keep himself from succumbing to his disgust and puking his guts
out right there in front of Maximus. Booster had seen much in his career but
nothing that brought out such potent feelings of revulsion. This particular
Ani-Men was obviously created by an unsavoury mix of human and arachnid genes.
Booster found himself staring at huge red compound eyes and sharp mandibles
that looked capable of rendering flesh with ease. He remembered his biology
classes and knew that spiders preferred their victims desiccated. The thought
of those mandibles performing such a grisly task on him was enough to make him
retch. Through the long robe it was wearing, he could see the joints of its
extra limbs protruding through the fabric.
"Titus,"
Maximus smiled, enjoying Booster's reaction to the creature immensely.
"Take Mr Gold to the Arena."
CHAPTER
TWENTY
I
The
building was empty.
In
retrospect, Ted had almost expected as much before the Crusaders even saw the
facility belonging to Leo Enterprises. They had arrived at the facility less
than an hour after Booster had activated the emergency transmission on his signal
device. The signal had lasted no more than ten minutes and its termination had
left all the Crusaders uneasy. Ted continued trying to contact either Zatanna
or Booster following their departure from Warriors, but was rewarded with
nothing more than cold static.
With
the destruction of the Blue Beetle Bug on Kooey Kooey Kooey, the Crusaders had
lost their main mode of transport. Since Sigrid and Guy did not possess any
flying ability, they had to be carried to their destination on an energy field
produced by Ronnie. At the moment, the Bug II was being rebuilt by Lightspeed
using Ted's specifications but it was months away from completion. Despite
their current transport difficulties, the group had managed to cross the state
in less than an hour, although the question of a permanent means of travel
would soon have to be addressed.
As they approached the five-acre facility bordering what most New Yorkers
called the country, they saw little signs of activity. This area was mostly
populated by weekend homes that were largely vacant during the working week.
Leo Enterprises had picked a good location to place their base of operations
because they could be ensured of their anonymity. With most of the country
homes belonging to frantic city dwellers who only made weekend visit to escape
their urban existence, the company could operate with scrutiny.
The
first thing they noticed as the tall perimeter of the facility came into view
was the gate. Judging from the signs placed at random intervals in the fence
line, the Crusaders deduced that the fence was electrified. However, the gates
had been left wide open. The sentry box flanking the gate was also vacant. The
boom gate between the opening offered entry in its crooked stance.
On
the manicured lawns fronting the main building, there were similar signs of
inactivity. The parking lot was completely deserted, unusual enough when
considered it was a weekday. At the far end of the main building were gaping
doors that led to the warehouse section of the facility. Like gates at the main
entrance, it too had been left wide open. As the Crusaders landed in the middle
of the empty car park, they came to one conclusion quickly enough; the
evacuation must have been completed only a short time before. It was highly
doubtful that Booster or Zatanna would sound an emergency alert if they had
simply found the place like this.
The
absence of life left an uneasy silence in its wake. Except for a few errant
pieces of litter tumbling across the bitumen like the obligatory tumbleweeds in
a bad western movie, there were no signs of movement on the quiet landscape.
There was something terribly eerie about this hasty departure and the Crusaders
forced themselves not be affected by the sinister atmosphere in this tranquil
deception of silence.
"It's
a tomb." Guy was the first one to speak after the group had spent a minute
surveying the scene before them.
"I
wish you would pick a better choice of words." Donovan retorted. He did
not like to think that they were too late to help Booster or Zatanna. Although
he knew superheroes could die, Donovan had wrapped himself in the comfort of
his own invulnerability. If the worst had happened to Booster or Zatanna,
Donovan did not relish the idea of having to re-evaluate that perception.
"Sorry,"
Guy apologised realising that it was not the best terms to use in the state of
mind Ted was in. "It's damn quiet though." He repeated.
"They're
cleared out." Ted declared, not requiring to investigate the rest of the
facility to justify that assessment. Instinct told him that Booster and Zatanna
were no longer here. They must have stumbled upon something for there to be
such a drastic course of action on the part of their captors.
"Come
on," Guy motioned the others forward. "Let's check out the main
building. We still don't know what's happened." In truth, Guy had come to
the same conclusion that Ted had reached. Whatever precipitated Booster and
Zatanna's distress signal had forced this mass exodus. There could be no other
reason for such a rapid evacuation of the facility.
"How
long ago did Booster and Zee transmit the emergency signal?" Ronnie asked,
as his eyes surveyed his surroundings. This was not a small facility. From
overhead, he had seen an administration building, several large warehouses and
smaller structures extending over the length of the property. Such an area
could not be evacuated so quickly. It simply was not possible.
"Almost
an hour ago." Ted answered automatically.
"They
could not have cleared out here in an hour." Beatriz declared. A thought
suddenly came to her head. "If they've just left, we might be able to spot
them on the highways." She suggested. "I think I should have take a
flight and look."
"Good
idea." Guy agreed. "General, you go with her. If you see anything,
contact us. Don't go it alone either of you." He said sternly so that they
would not mistake the seriousness of the order. "Maximus plays rough.
Trust me, I know."
No
one could refute that statement. Beatriz and Donovan nodded before they
withdraw from the group. Both heroes leapt in the air as the others reached the
doors. Within seconds, they had become tiny dots against the clouds of the
afternoon sky. Personally, Guy did not expect much success of their mission but
he was leaving nothing to chance.
"Ted,"
Guy looked at him as they reached the glass doors. "We'll do this
together." Guy stepped against one set of doors while Ted who understood
his intent, immediately took up position against the other.
"The
rest of you, stand clear." He instructed before the rest of the Crusaders
moved out of the main path of the entrance.
"Now."
Guy nodded at Ted and the two heroes pushed open the doors abruptly and entered
the building.
Their
entry was uneventful. For a moment, they both held fast, waiting for an attack
if any were to come. Seconds ticked by as they stood cautiously in the door way
of the building. Although the fluorescent light overhead still provided
illumination to the structure, there were no other signs of occupation. The
corridors extending from the main foyer were deserted, with the same discarded
look to it. There was trash in the hallways, evidence of packaging and a few
upturned boxes strewn about the place. Some furniture had been removed but most
of it had been left behind. Somewhere, an open window forcing its blinds to
sway back and forth with its current while scraps of papers danced through the
air.
"Its
clear." Guy announced to the others behind him as he and Ted continued
into the foyer.
"They're
gone Guy," Ted admitted as he sat on the reception desk. It too was bare,
with its drawers hanging out precariously after someone had ransacked it for
anything useful. Even the telephone was taken, leaving an empty connection to
the wall as evidence of its former presence.
"Yeah."
Guy nodded walking far enough to look down a corridor leading further into the
building. "I think you are right."
"I
don't understand how they could have left so fast." Sigrid exclaimed.
"This isn't a small facility. Evacuating like this would have required
time."
"They
knew we were coming." Guy stated, looking over his shoulder at Ted who
nodded in agreement.
"How
could they know that?" Ronnie asked bewildered.
"Maximus
ain't stupid." Guy retorted, venturing further down the corridor. As he
past a door, he paused a moment and pushed it open cautiously. It was the same
scene. Empty drawers, filing cabinets that had been hastily cleared and the
removal of anything valuable. Apparently office furniture did not fall into
that category. Guy turned back to the others and continued answering Ronnie's
question. "After watching me and Ted on TV, he might have guessed we'd
track him down. If he is as smart as we think he is, then he closed up shop and
got the hell out of here before anyone came looking."
"Then
where is Booster and Zatanna?" Sigrid asked.
"They're
with him." Ted finally spoke. Although the others believed that his
silence was due to his concern about Zatanna and Booster, in truth Ted Kord was
thinking. Ever since they had arrived here, his eyes had been scanning
everything closely. He had no disagreement with Guy's summary of the situation.
There was nothing left here to find. Guy was correct. Maximus was no fool. If
Leo Enterprises was indeed his company, then he would have recognised the
remote possibility that the Crusaders might be able to connect Repli-Tech to
it. In that instance, Ted could well see the wisdom in relocation if the heart
of the Ani-Men operations were on these premises. Zatanna and Booster may have
just been in the wrong place at the wrong time when they had chosen to
investigate.
"Oh
crap." Ronnie swore under his breath. "Now what?"
Ted
shared his frustration. Guy had been released because Maximus had chosen to let
him go for whatever reason. Despite their investigation, the group had
uncovered little information that could tell them if Maximus had a secret base
somewhere else. Finding Leo Enterprises was mostly luck and now that this lead
had become a dead end, there was no other option left to explore.
"Are
you okay Ted?" Sigrid asked concerned. She was not used to seeing him so
silent. Even if Ted had not expressed his feelings regarding the disappearances
of Booster and Zatanna since they had begun their journey, she did not doubt
that their well being was foremost on his mind.
"Not
really," he sighed before looking up at Guy. "I don't know what to do
Guy." He looked at the Vuldarian helplessly. "We don't have any other
leads as to where they might be."
Guy
Gardner had rarely seen Ted so shaken or unnerved. Despite his juvenile
behaviour at times, Guy knew that Ted was a consummate professional who could
manage his emotions no matter what the situation. Guy also knew that Ted used
humour to mask those emotions so its absence concerned the Vuldarian greatly.
"We'll
figure something out." He said with a confidence he did not feel.
In
truth, it now appeared that the possibility of finding Zatanna and Booster
before it was too late, now seemed terribly remote.
II
This
was bad.
No,
Booster Gold recanted that thought a moment later. It was very bad.
He looked up and was almost blinded by the powerful glare of a strobe light
rotating overhead with the flamboyance of stage lighting. For a few minutes, he
wrestled to see as colourful spots of light obscured his vision with
illuminating resonance. Fortunately, it did not require him to see for Booster
to know where he was. Around him, the sound of guttural cheers of the crowd
roared through his ears. The voices could barely be called human but they were
more than incomprehensible bellowing. The sounds were sophisticated enough to
fall into the rhythm of a primitive jungle chant. All that was missing were the
drums.
Booster
felt as if he was in the midst of bad dream from which he could not awake. In
his dream, he was the beast required to perform the circus tricks and the
animals were the audience. Unfortunately, this was no dream. The nightmare was
at present, his reality. Maximus had ordered him sent to the arena and Booster
had no illusions as to what this meant. After what he and the others had seen,
Booster knew what was coming. However, this arena was nothing like the one
where Kevin Sharp was forced to do battle with a sabre tooth. This was going to
be far more brutal and certainly more final. This was not shackled by the
limitations of the paying public.
The
arena resembled a Roman amphitheatre. High concrete walls encircled him as
savage crowds waited for the revelry to begin. This arena did not possess the
glamour of polished steel mesh and bright lights. This was a human kill zone.
His
audience were all Ani-Men. When assembled above, Booster realised that his
estimation of their numbers being about fifty or sixty to be incorrect. From
this vantage point, he saw that they numbered in the hundreds, appearing every
variety and classification of the animal kingdom, from mammalian to reptilian.
All of them were looking at him with savage eyes, barely able to control their
primeval instincts and demanding that the show began. Booster scanned the arena
for a way to escape and saw there was only one entrance or exit onto the
gladiatorial stage. The entrance was sealed with a heavy stone door with no
discernible way of opening from this side.
It
did not matter anyway, Booster decided, because he would not be escaping
through the door. He looked up and studied the ceiling overhead. Despite the
lights glaring down at him, Booster was able to place the ceiling at about
twenty to thirty feet from the floor he was standing to the rafters from which
the strobe was hanging. There would be ample room for him to manoeuvre when he
made his bid for escape.
Suddenly,
he heard the grinding of stone against stone. The roar of the crowd became
deafening as he turned around and saw the door slide open. Morbid curiosity
kept him in place instead of making his escape attempt immediately. He did not
want to play his only trump card prematurely but Booster was running out of
time. More precisely, Zatanna was. He expected some monstrosity to come
lumbering through the door with every intention of rendering him from limb to
limb. After seeing the creature called Titus, Booster had very little fear of
anything else this place had to offer, although he did have a slight problem
with the whole rendering thing.
However,
nothing came through the door.
The
audience had become quiet and their sudden silence filled with him unease. The
open door seemed to beckon him forward and Booster tried to resist the urge to
take a step forward and investigate. It was a trap, of that much Booster was
certain. However, curiosity was a hard thing to overcome. Minutes passed and
still nothing had come charging through the door. Booster began to toy with the
idea that if nothing was coming through, perhaps he might have a chance to get
out. Gingerly, he took a step forward
It
leapt onto him like a flash of lightning. The creature moved like nothing he
had even seen. Booster saw a blur of sharp claws and teeth that sprang from the
door like a coiled serpent. It knocked him of his feet and he regained enough composure
when he saw the thing about to sink its formidable teeth into his neck. Without
further thought, Booster flipped the creature over his shoulder and rolled onto
his knees. The Ani-Men screeched in outrage as it hit the sawdust on the
ground. It recovered instantly and charging towards him.
It's
a wolverine!
At
least the hybridisation of man and wolverine anyway. In this case, it was the
human characteristics that had managed to endure through the process. The
Ani-Man not very tall but its body was clearly human. Although it was covered
in hair from head to foot, it was possible to see the powerful muscles barely
hidden by fur. Its face was shaped like a wolverine as he bared sharp teeth
under a stunted animal nose. Although it had four fingers and an opposable
thumb on each hand, the digits were capped with razor sharp talons that had the
ability to tear Booster to pieces if he gave it the chance. Saliva ran down its
thin lips as it snarled at Booster during its onslaught forward. Above head,
the crowd was almost fanatical as their cheering seemed to shake the walls of
the building.
"Okay,"
Booster said running forward to meet the creature head on. "Let's
party."
As
he began to propel himself forward, Booster extended his arms and balled his
hands into knuckled fists. At full speed, Booster Gold was capable of
outrunning a 747 and his rate of acceleration rivalled a gunshot. He struck the
dead centre of his opponent with the force of a jackhammer. With his speed
increasing by the second, he swept the Ani-Men off its feet and slammed the
creature into the wall with one loud crunch of bone and concrete.
The
creature spasmed once as the fight flooded out of its body and by the time
Booster had started scaling the wall vertically, the Ani-Men had slumped to the
ground trailing flakes of broken concrete. The room felt silent with his
collapse as the Ani-Men looked in disbelief and astonishment at the apparent
defeat of their champion. Booster was not wasting any time and began to gaining
altitude immediately. Their confusion would not be last indefinitely and he
needed to put enough distance between this group and himself before they
recovered from their shock.
As
expected, the confusion wore off quickly and very soon the Ani-Men were aware
that the human was making an escape attempt. As Booster soared above the
spectators of his would be gladiatorial debut, he saw that Maximus was not
present. However, there were security cameras in place throughout the
amphitheatre that indicated the leader of the Ani-Men would be aware of his
escape soon enough. The room descended into pandemonium as their instincts
heightened them to a state of total frenzy.
Booster
saw a number of wolf security men making their appearance. They were all
carrying weapons and Booster decided he had better even the odds before they
started using him for target practice. He swooped down at the last one of the
group as they opened fire on him, barely dodging a hail of bullets as they
impacted on the roof behind him. Booster threw a fist in the creature's face
and distracted it briefly, while he took its gun. Now armed, Booster aimed the
weapon at the Ani-Men guards and started firing continuously. The creatures
dove for cover as the other Ani-Men began to emerge from the amphitheatre. Booster
did not relish having to contend with that many Ani-Men, not before he had a
chance to contact Ted and the others.
Although
he hated running from anything, Booster Gold looked for the nearest exit and
made for it while he still had the chance to do so.
*********
No
matter how many times, she told herself this could not be happening to her,
Zatanna Zatara was faced with the terrible conclusion that it was.
She
had almost convinced herself that this was a terrible nightmare. She would wake
up in her bed and feel foolish for allowing herself to be caught up in such a
wave of terror. Except she was not waking up. The pain she was feeling was no
illusion of the mind but something potent and tangible. In other words, it was
real. For someone practised at seeing the darker nature of all things, even
Zatanna had difficulty dealing with what she saw around her.
When she had seen the laboratory hidden in the old Ani-Men base, she had been gripped
with cold horror when she saw the specimens trapped in their glass coffins.
Even defunct and derelict, their power to frighten was just as intense as it
was when she had first seen them so many years ago. Most of the specimens
trapped in the formaldehyde remained intact. The fluid had preserved their
bodies well over the course of the years gone by. She remembered the rictus of
agony in their faces, frozen forever in death.
As
Zatanna watched helplessly while Doctor Lovecraft prepared to lowered her into
the forming tanks, she could not force the image from her mind that she would
be found in such a terrible pose. Around her, she saw others already in place
within their coffins of glass, watching in mute horror as the fluid within
destroyed everything that they were and turned them into an abomination of
life. Zatanna wanted to kick and scream but tube in her throat that prevented
her escape also silenced her voice with its rigid intrusion into her body.
Nevertheless, she struggled hard even though her arms were pinned behind her
back and she was suspended over the tube of green fluid.
Her
struggles barely rated Lovecraft's notice. The good doctor was far more
concerned with the chemical content of the forming tank he was readying for her
than he was of the subject herself. Zatanna's gag had been replaced by a tube
that was forced down her throat while she had been sedated. Following Maximus'
instructions about her to the letter, the doctor had sedated her in order to
remove the gag from her lips. While she was unconscious, he had placed a thick
plastic tube down her throat, held in place by straps across her face. This
would provide her with oxygen to breathe while the solution encasing her body
did its work.
Not
only was it uncomfortable but in several instances, Zatanna had nearly choked
on the thick tube. Unfortunately, her comfort was not apart of Lovecraft's
schedule. She had been stripped naked during her period of unconsciousness and
she now hung over the forming tank of glass like a slab of meat on a hook. With
each passing moment, she was beginning to lose the battle to contain her fear.
Zatanna felt the edge of panic pressing up against her mind every time she
looked down and saw swirling green beneath her feet.
She would not submit to this! She was Zatanna Zatara, daughter of the great
magician and hero Zatara and Selinda of the Hidden Ones! She could not allow
all that she was dissolve into nothingness! This was worse than death she had
decided readily. To play consort and slave to an abomination of nature! She
would not end this way!
God,
please let the others get here soon.
"The
tanks are ready." Lovecraft announced proudly stepping back from the base
of the equipment, so that he could see her. As he made his announcement,
Zatanna notice he bore the slightest hint of a smile before he moved to a panel
near the equipment surrounding the tanks. Her eyes widen as she saw his fingers
fly over the buttons with rapid movement.
Suddenly
the pulley that was keeping her suspended, jerked into motion. With a low
whine, Zatanna heard the pulley begin to move forward. Slowly but steadily, she
felt herself being lowered into the liquid below. Her panic rose with such
force that she was almost hysterical with terror. Zatanna struggled desperately
as she felt her toes touch the warm, slimy fluid.
All
reason left her at that point.
Whether
or not her screams could be heard or not, her vocal cords made the attempt.
Inside her mind, the words filled every corner of her mind.
HELPME!!
DEARGODHELPME!DON'TLETTHEMTODOTHISTOMETED!
I
He
heard her cry out with such terror that it impacted inside his brain like an
explosion.
The
force of it sent all his senses into disarray until the only thing he was aware
of was the terrible resonance of her fear echoing through his mind. The initial
wave was all hers. Fear, terror and revulsion. Wherever she was, she had
breached the gulf between them to express that much. The backwash that followed
that wave of intense emotions was all his. Guilt, desperation and frustration
nipped at the heels of her sending. For a brief moment, the vortex of both
threatened to overwhelm him with its powerful currents.
Ted
Kord was not aware of that he had dropped to his knees until he heard Guy's
voice shouting in his ear.
"Ted!"
When his senses returned to him and the fog had lifted from his mind, Ted
looked up and saw his friends surrounding him, their faces marked with concern.
He was on all fours, confused and dazed. Although the disorientation of
mystical energy was no longer as confusing as it was since he initially
recovered the scarab, Ted was still a novice. Zatanna had teaching him
something about the mystical arts but as a scientist used to facts and data
provided by sound scientific theory, letting go had been difficult. His mind
found it difficult to accept things on faith even though there was no science
that could explain the scarab that made him superhuman. Logically he had to
believe in magic because of the scarab. However, there was a part of him that
refused to believe that the scarab was not some form of technology man had yet
to explain.
It
took a moment for him to realise what had happened. Zatanna had told him once
that communication between them was possible. When he had been fighting Guy, he
had called for her. Until she appeared, he had not believed it for a second
that he was capable of performing what she called 'a sending'. However, she had
explained to him that the scarab was in possession of powerful magic. Since he
appeared to be the channel for those energies, she saw no reason why he could
not manipulate them. Now it appeared that the scarab allowed her to channel him
thoughts. Zatanna had no telepathic ability of which he was aware. He knew that
she could sense emotions and vague intentions but not anything tangible.
Perhaps it was aware of their emotional bond and was able to amplify the
thoughts directed at him.
"I
heard her." He muttered. "She was calling me."
"Who?
Zatanna?" Guy asked. "Do she tell you where she is?" For Guy,
there was no question that Ted was telling him the truth. He had seen so many
weird things in his life that questioning it was no longer an issue. Kari
Limbo, a former lover, had been able to wield psychic energy of her own and she
was nowhere as adept with it as Zatanna was.
"No,"
Ted staggered to his feet and then brushed through them. Suddenly, his throat
felt like sandpaper. He made a beeline for the jug of water on the table. The
Crusaders had returned to Warriors after the lack of any turning up any other
leads at the complex. Although they had searched the place meticulously, it
appeared that Maximus was once again, two steps ahead. Anything that could
possibly be of any help was removed. All that remained were merely tools left
behind to taunt them at their helplessness.
In
the end, there was little choice but to contact the Oracle again, hoping she
might uncover any new information that might lead them to Leo Enterprises new
base of operations. Beatriz and Donovan had searched the skies above the abandon
facility, hoping to catch side of any vehicles bearing the company logo.
Unfortunately, none were present and the Crusaders were back to square one in
their efforts to retrieve Booster and Zatanna.
Filling
a glass up with water, he downed the contents quickly. Evan as he drained the
glass, it felt as if no amount of water could quench the thirst in his parched
throat. "She's in trouble." Ted managed to say when he put the glass
down on the table again. "I heard her scream inside my head." The
emotion began to seep in to his voice as he spoke. "She was terrified,
almost hysterical. I've never heard her so frightened. We've got to find
her!" He shouted.
"Steady
Ted," Guy grabbed him as Ted was starting to shout and completely lose
control. "We'll find her."
"It's
not soon enough!" Ted exclaimed, shoving him away. "You didn't hear
her!"
"Ted,"
Sigrid interupted before the situation deteriorated any further.
"Focus." She ordered sharply. "She contacted you telepathically.
We know her range is not that powerful so she could not have been far
away."
At
that possibility, Ted started to calm a bit and Guy picked up the thread of
what Sigrid was trying to do. "Yeah come on, concentrate on what you
heard. Did she sound far away?"
Ted
swallowed hard, forcing his mind to concentrate on the question put before him.
All he remembered was the overwhelming terror projected by her thoughts and her
desperate cry for help. Ted had never felt so helpless in his life but he knew
that if was going to help her, he needed to focus as Sigrid had urged him to
do.
"I
can't really say," he replied honestly after a moment's consideration.
"It was loud and intense."
"So
she could be close." Beatriz said hopefully.
"No,"
Ted shook his head. Although he wanted desperately to believe she was nearby
and that this call of hers could lead him to her, he had to be realistic.
Finding Zatanna would take work not wishful thinking and ignoring the evidence
at hand. "She told me once that the scarab's energy source is mystical and
specifically in tuned to me. I think the words I say to become Blue Beetle now
are more of a voice imprint that it is able to recognise as its programmed
user. It may just amplify psychic energy directed at me."
"Damn."
Guy cursed. "I thought me might have had something."
"We
can't just sit here!" Ronnie exclaimed knowing full well what Maximus had
in store for their comrades if they were in his hands. He had made similar
threats on members of the Justice League once and although tragedy was averted
then, the outlook on this situation did not appear as hopeful. "Christ
knows what that bastard is doing to her!"
"Calm
down." Guy said with an edge to his voice. Ted did not need to hear this
right now. He glared at Ronnie who did not notice the warning.
"Calm
down?" Ronnie continued, unaware of the warning being directed at him
through Guy's steely eyes. "After what happened to you?"
"That's
right," Guy glared at him and straightened up to his full height. He
towered over Ronnie easily. "I said take it easy."
Ronnie
suddenly realised what Guy was trying to do and winced at his own stupidity.
Although Ted was not looking at him, it was obvious his words had disturbed the
Blue Beetle greatly.
Great,
Raymond, Ronnie cursed at himself, just great. He fell silent immediately and
noticed the stern gaze being projected at him from the others. "Hey, what
do I know?" He tried to joke but no one was laughing. "I'm sure she's
alright."
"Look,"
Sigrid spoke up, realising that their emotions were starting to make them
somewhat agitated and excitable. "We can't do anything until we have
somewhere to go, so I suggest that everyone just take it easy. We're no good to
either Zatanna or Booster if we in here climbing the walls."
"The
lady is right." Donovan added his support. "This Oracle person said
she'd get back to us as soon as she found out something." He looked at the
others, hoping to diffuse the situation before fists went flying. He noticed
Beatriz was at Guy's side, who was still squared off with Ronnie. She was
making sure that both men's volatile tempers did not get the better of them.
Ted did not need that kind of display at this moment.
However,
the Blue Beetle looked up as he said that with an expression that was almost
defeat. "I think we're already too late." He said softly. Whatever's
happened, has already taken place."
"You
don't know that." Guy countered quickly.
However,
Ted could not be convinced otherwise because the memory of her scream was in
his mind, not in Guy's. "Yes, I do." He nodded with grim certainty.
"Yes I do."
**********
Booster
examined the angry streak of blood across his shoulder and knew that it was
only a flesh wound. So far, he had managed to remain at large within the maze
of the Ani-Men secret base. Now that he was free, the familiarity of the place
leapt at him with even more intensity. For the moment, he had evaded his
captors when he flew into an air duct. With his weapon slung around his back,
Booster crawled through the narrow space on all fours, viewing the outside
world through the narrow vents on the occasional grating he passed. The innards
of the ventilation system were like a giant maze but there was miles of these
tunnels throughout the complex so it would take them time to pinpoint his
location.
In
the meantime, he had to find someway to contact the Crusaders. Although his
first impulse was to retrieve Zatanna, there was no way he could do that
without endangering them both. While he was free, there was still a chance. If
he attempted a one-man assault on Lovecraft's laboratory, it would only end in
disaster. With him being free, Maximus was smart enough to know that Zatanna
would be his primary target. Maximus did not believe humans were capable of
much so Booster was going to beat him at his own game.
He
had no idea where he was going or how far he had travelled through the network
of air conduits. Sweat was running down his brow as he moved forward, despite
the rush of cool air throughout he system. Spandex was never the ideal material
for enclosed spaces as this and he felt his suit sticking to the skin. He just
hoped there were no wharf rats running loose in this passageway. There had been
a couple of close calls when he had heard far away squeaking and Booster was
prepared to use his gun, whatever the consequence, if one came in his
direction.
The
light from a grating above, allowed him some visibility and Booster peered
through it to the corridor below. There were no sounds of footsteps or anything
else that might indicate a presence. He had to get some bearing as to where he
was and made the decision to leave the safety of the vents for the moment.
Removing
the vent as silently as possible, he slipped through the opening and replaced
the vent as he hovered below it momentarily. The corridor was deserted and
Booster wondered if this part of the corridor was restricted. As he touched the
steel plate of the floor, he checked either side of the corridor and saw no one
was coming.
It
felt vulnerable being out in the open but Booster knew their survival meant his
contacting the others and bringing them here. He knew that he could not remain
at this juncture for long and he had seen cameras throughout the length of the
complex. He doubted that this place would be the exception. Running quietly
down the corridor, Booster held his gun poised ready to fire. Although most
superheroes had a rule about killing, Booster had no hesitation about pulling
the trigger to get out this thing alive. If it was the other way around, he had
no illusions about his fate.
Suddenly,
he heard a soft scraping sound, which made him pause. Booster looked down the
corridor once again and could see nothing. However, the sound was becoming
louder and the hairs on the back of his neck were standing on end. He continued
up the corridor but he could not escape the sound. It seemed to be getting
closer. Once again, he glanced over his shoulder and saw nothing following the
way he came and the way before him was clear.
Just
as suddenly as it began, the scraping stopped abruptly. The seconds of silence
following made him even more uneasy. A realisation struck him at that point and
his eyes flew to the ceiling above his head. No sooner that his eyes had touch
the plates of the ceiling, the Ani-Men dropped from its vantage point. It looked
at him with reptilian eyes, its red irises contracting as it focussed on him.
The creature's widening jaws revealed a razor sharp row of serrated teeth.
Obviously derived from a lizard like creature, it scampered towards him on two
legs, talons bared.
"I'm
going to be killed by overgrown gecko." Booster managed to say as he aimed
at the creature. He did not want to shoot it but the savage glint in its eyes
did not give him much of a choice. Unfortunately, if he fired at the thing, it
was going to alert everyone to his presence as surely as if he had sent out a
flare.
With
seconds to spare, Booster changed his grip on the weapon and swung his body
sideways with as much force as he could muster. The curve of the gun butt
smashed into the Ani-Men's jaw. He heard it screech in pain as it fell
backwards. Using the same tactic as he had earlier in the arena, Booster leapt
towards it. Flying at the Ani-Men at full speed, Booster slammed the Ani-Men
into the rear wall. Booster did not wait to find out if the creature had
arisen, he just kept going.
Upon reaching the juncture of the corridor, he saw a group of Ani-Men security,
round the corner. They arrived with all weapons blazing. Bullets tore through
the steel of the walls as if it was paper, causing ricochets as they impacted
on seams and bounced of the thick handles of the doors. Booster retreated,
leaving the deadly projectiles tearing the space behind him with a very narrow
margin for injury. He rounded another corner and saw more Ani-Men arrive. The
corridor was quickly becoming a war zone. As smoke from their discharging
weapons began to fill the narrow passageway, it was becoming harder to
distinguish enemy from ally. He was in the middle of a vicious cross fire.
He
straightened up in mid air and started speeding up one end of the corridor,
holding his weapon in front of him as he closed the distance between the
Ani-Men and himself. Bullets were whizzing past his ears with so much frequency
that Booster could feel them racing past his skin. Pulling the trigger on his
gun, he returned fire with as much veracity and gave himself a small window of
escape through the blockade. Booster held his head down, refusing to believe
that he could die from a simple bullet when he had fought much worse in his
career. It was almost preposterous that he should die this way.
The
speed of his flight through the corridor caused a sonic boom. Speed overtook
sound in a vortex of energy that culminated in a loud rumble that echoed
through the narrow passageway. The distraction was enough for him to break
through the line of Ani-Men defence and get behind them. Being animals, their
superior hearing caused the force of the sonic eruption to become amplified.
The roar in their ears caused most of them to howl in pain as it tore through
the air. Booster looked behind long enough to see them holding their ears in
pain but he knew that it would not last. He had minutes at the most. As he
turned another corridor, he suddenly realised that he had been in this area
recently.
Lovecraft
laboratory was here! The discovery gave way to another idea and although more
dangerous, would probably be more expedient in the final analysis. Abandoning
his previous plan to find some way to contact the Crusaders, he knew it would
not take the Ani-Men would not take long to pick up his trail. Booster flew
through the corridor searching for one door in particular. It did not take him
long to find it at the end of the corridor. Made of steel, the door was the
only one of its kind in the corridor. As he headed towards, it, Booster glanced
over his shoulder to see if the Ani-Men were behind. While he could not see any
of them in pursuit, their disjointed voices and loud footsteps barked indicated
they were not far away. With security cameras mounted in strategic locations
throughout the passageway, Booster was realistic about his chances of remaining
hidden for any period of time.
Without
further delay, Booster burst into the room and saw Doctor Lovecraft in sitting
behind a computer terminal in the corner of the room. The doctor's head snapped
to his direction and his eyes widened upon meeting Booster's gaze. Lovecraft
lunged from his desk to make a vain attempt to reach a security button on a nearby
wall.
Fortunately
for Booster, he reached it first and shoved Lovecraft away. The doctor stumbled
backwards and fell down on the hard floor. He began scrambling for the door
when Booster raised his weapon.
"I
wouldn't." Booster warned aiming the barrel of the gun at a comfortable
position right between the man's eyes. Although Booster would never shoot him
in cold blood, Lovecraft was unaware of this and froze. He stared at Booster
like an animal caught in someone's headlights and Booster saw no reason to let
him think any differently. If anything, Booster knew how to bluff. He cocked
the trigger just to illustrate the point.
It
was not lost on Lovecraft. The doctor made no further attempt to move. In the
face of things, he was just another frightened little man, impotent once
stripped of the devices that empowered to intimidate others. "What do you
want?" He stammered.
For
Booster Gold, there was only one question.
"Where
is she?" He asked through the teeth of his tightened jaw.
Involuntarily,
Lovecraft's eyes darted sideways. Booster followed the man's gaze to a stasis
tank on the opposite wall. To be truthful, he had noticed them when he had
first entered the room but necessity had kept him from really seeing them. He
had wanted to remain focussed on freeing Zatanna and the faces inside those
glass coffins were a distraction he could ill afford at the time. No such
inhibitions held him back now.
She
was trapped as the others were trapped inside their glass cages. Zatanna
appeared conscious and seemed aware of everything taking place around her. She
was staring directly at him. Even though her hands were still tied behind her
back, she nevertheless struggled to make herself understood. He did not require
any clairvoyance to know what she was trying to say so desperately.
While
Booster's attention was focused on his comrade, Lovecraft took a chance at
escape. He did not relish the idea of Booster's reaction once the initial shock
of seeing his comrade had dissipated. The doctor made a dash for the door. He
did not intend to be present when he released Zatanna from the tanks. With that
prospect in mind, Lovecraft would rather take his chances at being shot rather
than face Zatanna's wrath for what he had done to her.
Booster
saw him escape but saw little reason to stop him. At the moment, he was too
pressed for time to be concerned about a prisoner as well. Considering what the
man had done to Zatanna, it was probably tempting fate if he was still here
when Booster removed her from the tank. Zatanna's behaviour when she was
enraged was extreme to say the least. Right now, Booster did not need the
complication.
It
was hard to believe that duration of time she had spent in the forming tanks
spanned only a few hours. Lovecraft's procedure worked quickly because he could
see her body in the intermediary state of transition. Even though the changes
were slight, the effect on her was overt. She had already begun her
transformation into Maximus' creature. Fortunately, Zatanna's mind was still
hers. Her eyes looked at him with recognition, intermingled with a plea for
help. Still, the mutations were hard to ignore.
Most
of the transformation was in her face. Her forehead had become sloped, coming
to an abrupt end when it struck the bone of her prominent brow ridges. A thin
fuzz of golden fur had begun to sprout under her smooth skin. Her feet seemed
elongated as the arch under her toes became more pronounced. They were starting
to take on the shape of animal haunches. He could see her toes slowly becoming
pointed with sharp claws piercing through the skin.
With
Lovecraft gone, Booster had no time to lose. If the Ani-Men were still unaware
of where he was hiding, they would soon know when Lovecraft reached them.
Surveying the room quickly, he tore his eyes away from Zatanna to deal with a
more immediate problem. Scanning the room quickly, he pinpointed the heaviest
pieces of machinery and furniture. Booster wasted no time as he proceeded to
barricade the steel door with everything that had sufficient bulk to keep it
from opening. He tipped heavy equipment off its wheels onto its side, shoved
desks and filing cabinets into place within the curious construct of his
makeshift fortifications. He was realistic that his efforts could not possibly
keep the Ani-Men out if they were determined to enter. However, it was that
narrow margin of time upon which Booster was counting.
He
stepped in front of the forming tank, forcing himself to ignore the others. He
did not want to look and comforted himself with the knowledge that once Zatanna
was freed, the chance to free them would also come into existence. He placed
the barrel of the gun at the base of the tank, against the smooth glass
surface. He made certain that the trajectory of the bullet could in no way
cause harm to Zatanna or anyone else in the room. He looked up at Zatanna,
conveying to her what he intended to do. Zatanna was no longer struggling and
she returned his gaze and gave indication of her readiness with a simple nod of
acknowledgment.
Booster
pulled the trigger, releasing a short burst of fire. The bullets tore through
the glass with a shattering sound. The wall of glass exploded outwards, sending
a spray of tiny shards in all directions. He shielded his eyes as the splinters
fell around him. Behind explosion of glass followed the inevitable gush of
fluid in close pursuit. The wave of oncoming liquid swept Zatanna forward,
detaching her abruptly from some of the tubes connecting her to the rest of the
tank. She slapped onto the ground like a fish escaping an aquarium, covered
with slippery green fluid. Zatanna lay on the floor, choking on the clear tube
that was forced down her throat, now that it was ripped from its oxygen supply.
Booster
was at her side immediately. She was lying in the expanding puddle of green,
like a child just newly emerged from the byre of her birth. Dropping to his
knees, he quickly turned her over. She was struggling to breathe as
transformation liquid ran into nose, clogging up her already obstructed
breathing passages. He could hear her gagging on the plastic. Dispensing with
the niceties, Booster took a firm hold of the tube and yanked it from her mouth
with one sharp tug. She let out a gurgled scream as the foreign object was torn
from her insides. The removal of the tube elicited a sharp series of coughs. On
the whole however, she seemed no worse from the experience.
"Are
you okay Zee?" He asked while holding her up so she could breathe better.
Even as he said it, the question felt stupid. It was obvious she was far from
it.
Zatanna
did not answer. She was still trying to recover from the ordeal suffered at the
hands of her captors. The ordeal that was far from ended. However, at the
moment, she was overwhelmed with a sense of relief at being free. Revenge would
come later.
"I'm
okay." She managed to croak. Her voice sounded strange after so much
silence.
Booster
never had the chance to answer. Their attention was captured by the sound of
heavy battering on the steel door. Both their gazes snapped towards the
direction of the door. It was still vibrating from the initial assault by the
Ani-Men when the pounding resumed with more ferocity. The barricade began to
shudder objects free with each impact. It was not far from collapsing entirely.
"Zee," he turned back to her. "We don't have a lot of
time."
She
nodded slowly, knowing that their survival was now up to her. Zatanna felt
weak. Her body was exhausted by the process she had been forced to endure, not
to mention that being tied up for hours before, had left her limbs aching from
the experience. She was mentally and physically spent but Booster was right.
She was the only chance they had of getting out of here alive. Zatanna had yet
to look in the mirror but she knew she was altered. She could feel it. If she
was ever going to be herself again, she had to act.
".ereh
sredasurC eht gnirB"
It
was time to put an end to this, once and for all.
I
Emergency
klaxons began screaming throughout the complex.
Maximus
had been aware that one of his prisoners had escaped. To be truthful, he was
unhappy at the progress of the search to retrieve the man. Unfortunately, it
appeared that one super human was still capable of being more than a match for
a dozen of Ani-Men. The process of transformation could be refined to make the
merging of two species into a superior animal of physical prowess.
Unfortunately, it seemed that there was yet to be any process that could make
the specimen any more intelligent.
Booster
Gold remained at large even though his security teams were scouring the complex
like dogs on a hunt. Despite a minor annoyance at the slow progress of his
capture, Maximus had no doubt that they would find the human. It may take time
but eventually Booster Gold would be captured. Maximus had faith in that.
However, the moment he heard the emergency sirens screaming out danger
throughout the building, he came to the awful realisation that perhaps he had
not as much time as initially believed.
Reaching
for the intercom on his desk, he contacted his security people. "What has
happened?" He demanded without introducing himself. Although they were
unaware of it, Maximus had instructed Lovecraft to condition every one of his
Ani-Men to respond to his voice with total obedience.
"We
have a Level 1 security alert." The unfamiliar voice on the other end
answered promptly. "Our security camera in Section 22 has picked up
multiple intrusions." Maximus wondered momentarily about the whereabouts
of the Ani-Men called Fang.
"Section
22?" Maximus thought quickly, trying to remember why that area was
familiar to him.
"Doctor
Lovecraft's laboratory."
Maximus
said nothing and turned to console screen behind his desk. From the terminal,
he was able to keep a watchful eye over his domain at all times. Maximus keyed
the instructions through the keyboard at the foot of the screen and watched as
it came to life with a burst of static. Lovecraft's wing of the complex was one
of the least guarded areas in the entire facility. The doctor disliked company
when he was conducting his work. Because of his vital part in the organisation,
Maximus had allowed him that courtesy. Maximus had never expected this complex
to be infiltrated. Particularly since they had moved operations here only a matter
of days before. He should have known keeping paranormal prisoners was never as
simple as it appeared. Their tenacity was beyond reason.
Accessing
the cameras in Section 22, Maximus was offered a view of the corridor outside
Lovecraft's lab. At the moment, a trio of his security wolf men was attempting
to break down the steel door, with little success. He wondered a what point
would these fools decide to focus their attacks on the walls of stone instead
of the door made of iron. They had more than enough artillery in their arsenal
to take care of the one and gain an instant passageway to the room. There were
about a dozen Ani-Men in the narrow corridor, barking orders at one another
without actually getting anything done. He reached for the intercom again.
"Fang!"
Maximus roared.
Wherever
he was, the Ani-Men quickly responded. "Yes master?"
"Proceed
immediately to Section 22. The buffoons there have no idea what they are doing.
I want Booster Gold's little siege ended immediately or I'll have your head
instead. Do I make myself clear?"
Fang
remained silent as he contemplated his answer. "Of course master. I will
take care of it myself."
"Good,"
Maximus retorted and turned back to the screen. Fang was one of his better
lieutenants and if he succeeded in this particular task, perhaps Maximus would
see to it that he was rewarded. A promotion perhaps. The situation in the
corridor had not altered since his attention had strayed from the screen.
Things were still in pandemonium and Maximus expected no remarkable change
until Fang arrived. What did concern him was why security had felt it necessary
to upgrade the alert to a full scale emergency. All he could see before him was
evidence of blundering. The situation was urgent but hardly warranted the fanfare
of putting the entire complex on alert.
"Maximus!"
Lovecraft barged into his office.
Maximus
swung around in his chair to face the doctor. Lovecraft was dishevelled and
breathing hard. He had obviously run all the way here from his office.
"I
know, I know," Maximus retorted deciding he had little patience for the
doctor's histrionics. "Booster Gold has invaded your bastion." He
said sarcastically.
Lovecraft
adjusted his glasses and took a moment to catch his breath. "You don't
understand! Zatanna is in that room with him!"
If
it was possible for him to turn pale, Maximus would have. "You left her
alone with him?" He roared, almost jumping out of his seat. For a moment,
Maximus contemplated the merit of leaping across the desk and pulling the
coward's throat from his neck. However, now was not the time for such action.
Lovecraft stepped back in fear, unable to ignore the savage glint in Maximus'
eyes. Now Maximus understood the reason for the emergency. In the background,
the klaxons seemed to scream louder now as if they were reflecting his
understanding of the situation.
Turning
around, he accessed the camera inside Lovecraft's laboratory. Maximus knew what
he was going to see even before the picture appeared on the screen. It was the
same thing that the security division had seen and the reason why they had
precipitated a full scale alert throughout the complex.
"How
bad is it?" Lovecraft asked as he came along side Maximus.
"Bad
enough." Maximus retorted. His voice was little more than a low growl.
As
the image flickered into existence, both men saw that 'bad' was an inadequate
assessment of the current crisis. "Oh my." Lovecraft managed to say.
"Is that all of them?"
Maximus
ignored his question and responded with one of his own. "I am assuming you
are going to tell me that Project V is ready for initialisation?" The
leader of the Ani-Men turned his massive head towards the man and narrowed his
eyes in deadly intent. Lovecraft swallowed visibly, knowing that the wrong
answer at this time could cost him dearly. Fortunately, he did not have to lie.
"They've
been going through their paces in the training compound." Lovecraft
answered. "Their performance so far has been encouraging."
"Good."
Maximus nodded slowly. "I think its time they made their debut."
*******
Zatanna
was the first thing Ted saw when he materialised in the room.
Only
seconds before, the Crusaders had been gathered at Warriors, awaiting any news
that Oracle might have garnered during her search through every bit of
accessible information available online regarding Leo Enterprises. The waiting
game had eroded everyone's tempers to flash point. Ted could personally attest
to the deterioration of his patience the more time passed. Things had almost
reached critical mass within the group, when suddenly the familiar walls of
their meeting room dissolved around them and they materialised in these strange
new surroundings.
As
always, Guy was on top of things. "What the hell is going on?" He
demanded on top of his voice. The pounding against the doors had grown louder
now but no one seemed to notice as they were still somewhat disorientated by
their sudden change of environment.
"What
does it look like!" Booster barked. He was still holding Zatanna in his
arms. Although she was breathing easier than before, the magician was still
weakened from her ordeal. A situation not improved by having to use her powers
before she had sufficient time to recover.
Ted
crossed the floor in second and upon approach saw the effect of Lovecraft's
alteration. She was beautiful to him no matter what but it twisted his insides
knowing that she had been subject to such ghastly experiments. He slid to his
knees on the wet floor when he reached her.
"I'm
sorry." Booster said quietly. "I tried to stop them."
"Don't
be stupid." Zatanna declared offering him a quick glimpse before turning
back to Ted. "You got me out there." Her voice was still croaky but
it there was strength behind it. Her eyes met Ted's and she forced herself to
remember that he was not a superficial man. How she looked would not concern
him. "I'm afraid I won't be able to fulfil my duties as Miss
Ted
broke out into an involuntary smile. He did notice how she looked but it was unnecessary
to point it out at this particular moment. She was alive. Right now, he was
more grateful for that than he cared about her appearance. "Well," he
said trying to inject some humour into his voice. "I'll just have to
return that tanned suit."
She
smiled and even though she looked like Catwoman personified, Ted thought she
still looked beautiful. On a more serious note however, he simply had to ask.
"Are you alright?"
She
was not but Zatanna nodded affirmative any way. "I'll live." She
answered and suddenly decided she needed a hug. Zatanna reached for him and let
him wrap his arms around her. For a few moments, feeling his closeness was a
better tonic than any that could be manufactured with the aid of stimulating
drugs.
"Somebody
wants their way in here, really bad." Ronnie declared walking right up to
the door. Dissolving his molecular structure, he leaned through the solid wall
for a few seconds and then pulled back hastily. He turned back to the others.
"Do we have company behind door number one."
"How
many?" Guy asked.
"At
least 10 of them. All big and ugly. It looks like pet show out there."
Ronnie wrinkled his nose in disgust.
"No
kidding?" Booster exclaimed. "I've been dodging those jokers out
there for hours. Where the hell have you guys been?"
"Excuse
me, Mister!" Beatriz declared haughtily. "We've been worried sick
about you. We followed your signal trace to Leo Enterprises and found the place
completely empty! We're not psychic you know."
Donovan
Wallace watched the group descend into its usual bickering and let out an
exasperated sigh. "You got to be kidding," he said in disbelief and
then took a deep breath before hollering out loud. "Would you guys knock
it off!" He retorted.
"Thanks
Junior." Guy said gratefully.
"You
call me junior Guy and I'm going to call you Skipper." Donovan said
sweetly.
"Skipper?"
Ronnie exclaimed.
Ted
returned turned to Zatanna. "Aren't you glad, we're all together
again?"
Zatanna
rolled her eyes in resignation. "Oh yeah, its just peachy."
II
While
the rest of her comrades were enjoying the bonding process of being together
again, Sigrid Nansen was involved in heavy study of the equipment and data
sheets present in the room. Like all good scientists, Lovecraft kept impeccable
records that were easily accessible through the computer terminal in the corner
of the room. As Guy began to map out their strategy for attack, she was focused
on the methodology of his experimentation. Although the genius behind the work
he conducted could not be denied, there were certain immutable laws that even
Lovecraft was forced to adhere to in his work with genetic manipulation.
Fortunately, most of the work on Zatanna was available in hard data present in
the room. Lovecraft had documented the process of transformation meticulously
and reading his journals allowed Sigrid to understand something of what the man
had accomplished.
She
looked around the work station housing the terminal and immediately began
searching for disks. Rummaging through the drawers, she found a box full of
unused Verbatim diskettes and immediately began downloading of every byte of
information Lovecraft had stored in cyberspace. If they were to restore any of
the Ani-Men back to normal, this information would be vital. Although Lovecraft
could probably expedite matters more quickly if they had him in custody, Sigrid
did not want to take that gamble. The last thing she wanted was for Lovecraft
to slither away into some cushy minimum security prison for what he had done.
The man deserved nothing more than cleaning toilets for the rest of his life,
preferably in Blackgate or some place equally barbaric.
Meanwhile,
the steel door that kept the Ani-Men away from them was beginning to buckle
under the pressure. Using his X-ray vision, Ted was able to see what was taking
place on the other side of the wall, instead of Ronnie having to stick his head
through the solid structure at random intervals.
"Someone's
brought the heavily artillery." Ted reported after seeing one of the
Ani-Men arriving with a bazooka.
"Okay,"
Guy spoke up. "We take them down hard." He said looking at all of
them. "They need to be completely on ice because we may be able to help
them later."
"So
what's the plan?" Booster asked.
"You
are taking Zee out of here." Guy replied.
"You're
not leaving me out of this." He protested. "I owe that bastard some
payback."
"Maybe
you do." Guy responded. The tone of his voice indicated he was not
tolerating any argument on this matter. "Zee's been through the ringer and
without your gear, you're going to have a tough time protecting yourself let
alone taking those guys on. Its going to get nasty Booster, I don't want you to
become a liability."
Booster
wanted to refute Guy's argument but he could not. The injuries on him may have
been mild but they should not have been there at all. He was about to speak
when suddenly, Zatanna made herself heard. "I'm not going anywhere."
She said firmly and broke away from Ted's grasp before standing up shakily.
Covered in a blanket created by Ronnie's matter transmuting abilities, Zatanna
rose to her full height. Without looking at the others, she turned the door
behind which the enemy lay in wait.
"raeppasiD"
She said simply. Her voice was dripping with venom as that one word escaped her
lips.
The
pounding behind the door stopped abruptly.
"fles
eurt ym ot em erotseR" She spoke again.
The
blanket covering her nakedness disappeared before their eyes and Zatanna Zatara
stood before them as they had always known her, without a trace of the mutation
that had altered her so terribly. Although she was not completely restored, a
minor glamour made them see her as she was before Lovecraft had turned her into
a genetic freak.
"Zee,
where are they?" Ted demanded because he could see through the door and
knew that the Ani-Men behind it were gone. All that was left of them, were
their weapons clattered across the floor.
She
looked down at him and the fire he saw in her eyes made him shudder. A faint
smile stole across her lips as she answered. "Gone."
"Where?"
Guy asked.
"Just
gone." She retorted sharply and walked towards the door. ".nepO"
.
The
objects barring the door and making up the barricade were flung across the room
to the empty places where they had originally occupied. Heavy equipment was
thrown aside as if a giant invisible hand had swept it all away. Once the way
was clear, the door creaked open. Zatanna walked through without a second
thought. The others could merely stare after her as she departed.
"Jesus."
Guy managed to say.
"Talk
about being upstaged." Beatriz exhaled loudly.
"I
think we better go after her." Ronnie suggested. He knew Zatanna longer
than anyone else in the room. Most of them had never seen her like this but
Ronnie had heard how she had been after the demon Wotan had captured her
father's living soul. Zatanna's power stemmed from her ability to wield it. She
was a powerful mystic but the purity of her soul kept the full wrath of her
power from being unleashed. Considering what had happened to her in the last
few hours, Ronnie had no illusion that Maximus was about to get the full
treatment.
"No
kidding," Ted said running out of the room in close pursuit. Ronnie was
not far behind him.
"Wait
a minute Booster," Guy turned to Booster as he started out of the room.
"Since you're not going to be leaving, I got something for you to
do."
"What's
the plan?" Booster asked, pleased that Guy had dispensed with the notion
of sending him out of the firing range. After what he had put Zatanna through,
Booster wanted to play some part in Maximus' defeat.
"I
need you to find Kevin for me." Guy replied softly. Despite his own
feelings of vengeance towards Maximus, Guy had not lost sight of the boy who
had led them to discover the resurgence of the Ani-Men. Guy had made the boy's
mother a promise to find him. Dead or alive, Guy intended to fulfil that
promise. He hoped when they found Kevin, it would be in the latter condition
rather than the former.
It
was a request Booster did not intend to refuse. With everything that had
happened since the beginning of this entire affair with the Ani-Men, Kevin
Sharp had been the forgotten one in all this drama. Booster also had the idea
that Guy wanted him away from the heart of the fighting. The Vuldarian was
still mindful of Booster's weakness without his 25th technology and giving him
this task was a compromise of sorts that Booster could accept.
"General,"
Guy turned to Donovan. "I want you two to find him. I don't care what
shape he is in. If there's even the slightest chance that we can save him, I'd
like to try."
"We'll
find him Guy." Booster said looking to Donovan. "Right?"
"If
we have to tear this place apart." Donovan reaffirmed Booster's
determination because he wanted Kevin Sharp to be all right too. Kevin was from
the neighbourhood Donovan Wallace had sworn to protect as General Glory. A part
of him was still incensed that Maximus was able to snatch so many to become
Ani-Men right under his nose. General Glory was the guardian of the slums and
ghettos. Allowing Maximus to do what he did made Donovan feel like a failure
and he had enough baggage to deal with on that issue.
"Ice."
Guy turned his attention to Sigrid who was strangely quite. She had been seated
at the console for most of their time here. He had no doubt that what she was
doing was important. Guy had a great deal of respect for the young woman, more
so now that she had restored him from a stark raving monster back to his old
self. "What are you doing?" He asked.
"I'm
downloading all of Lovecraft's data." She announced, not looking up from
the screen.
"Are
you almost done?" Guy inquired. She was a typical science geek when she
was in discovery mode, he thought with a begrudging smile. The Crusaders were
lucky to have her.
"Pretty
much." She replied, still engrossed by the data on screen.
Guy
decided to leave her to her work. He understood the importance of it. Instead,
Guy turned to Beatriz. "Stay here and keep an eye on her." He
ordered. "When she's done, I want the two of you to see if you can find
that bastard Lovecraft."
With
that, Guy started walking out of the room.
"Where
are you going?" Beatriz called out.
"I'm
going to stop Zatanna before she finds Maximus and kills him."
CHAPTER
TWENTY THREE
I
She
was pushing herself and she knew it. However, at the moment, Zatanna did not
care.
Her
body was exhausted. The spells she had conjured up had drained her reserves
even further but Zatanna was not going to yield to the heat of her emotions.
Until she dropped down from utter exhaustion, she was not going to stop until
Maximus was within reach. It had been a long time since she had so much rage.
Not since a mysterious shadow creature had killed her father and not since the
demon Wotan had stolen his soul on route to its eternal rest. Being a superhero
meant suffering indignities at the hands of would be demi-gods. Zatanna had
accepted that as part of the game. However, Maximus had crossed an invisible
line she had set for herself years ago. A margin if you would, of what she
would tolerate and what she would not. She seldom called upon the power that
came with unbridled fury but when she did, those who had chosen to incur her
wrath had good reason to regret it.
Maximus
was going to understand that before the sun set on this day.
"Zee!"
She heard Ted call once she left the laboratory where her indignity began.
"What?"
She responded tautly.
"I
won't let you do it." He said quietly.
She
paused in her footsteps and turned to face him. He stood before her with
concern on his face. "What do you mean?"
"You've
got a right to be angry, I know that." He answered calmly, his voice
measured. "But I don't have to tell you that its wrong to kill him. You
know that. We live in a world with laws and as much as those laws may feel
meaningless at times, they still apply in every situation. Even more so to
us."
"He
has turned me into a freak!" She shouted. "Look at me!" Zatanna
exclaimed. "This woman you see is hidden underneath a cheap parlour trick.
Its a minor glamour to hide what I've become. I won't live my life having to
hide who I am!"
"No
one said you had to." Ted tried to convince her. "Killing him isn't
going to change that!"
"He
has to pay!" She cried out furiously. Of all the people, she thought Ted
would understand. He said he loved her! Did that not mean anything in
comparison to his ideals? "How could you question that?"
Ted
took a deep breath because he wanted her to know that he was angry at Maximus
as well but he had also had a line of conduct that he chose to live his life.
"I love you Zee, I couldn't care what you looked like but I won't let you
kill him. It's not who you are. This is the anger talking, perhaps even a
little of what he did to you. All I know is that there are rules to which we have
to abide. If we disregard them at our pleasure than we become exactly what
people think we are. Self style gods who rule above them not heroes sworn to
protect. You know that better than any of us."
Zatanna
turned away because she could not deny what he was saying to be untrue. "I
won't let him do this again."
"None
of us will." Guy stated as he came around the corner with Ronnie. The two
men had heard some of the conversation between Ted and Zatanna as they
approached. "This ends here Zee." Guy said firmly. "But we're
doing it clean."
"Come
on Zee," Ronnie said gently. "I want him dead for Reena but that
won't bring her back either. Now Ice is down loading everything about
Lovecraft's research. If there is an answer to help you and all the others, its
in there and she'll find it."
Zatanna
stood before them, her fists were clenched. Their words had breached the walls
of her anger, to the person who believed all life was sacred. She had no more
thirst for killing than any one of them but Maximus had frightened her. In all
her life, she had never felt such fear as those few hours in the forming tank,
when she had contemplated the possibility of a living hell. The fear had been
so intense that Zatanna had been tempted to give in to it and the exposure of
that vulnerability made her furious.
"All
right," she conceded and saw Ted let out an involuntary sigh of relief.
"I won't kill him." She answered looking at her comrades. "But
when we are done here, I want him."
The
men exchanged glances and it was Guy who spoke. "Why?"
Her
eyes narrowed with cold fury, tamed but unabated. "When we have him."
She said coolly. "When we have him."
*******
Zatanna's
display of power had more or less ensured that no more Ani-Men would be
attempting to breach the empty corridors that made up Section 22. No doubt,
Maximus was at this moment formulating new strategy, holding his forces back
until a plan of attack had been devised. As Booster and Donovan left
Lovecraft's laboratory, both men were aware that this room was only one in an
entire wing. If Kevin Sharp was still alive, he would be found in one of the
rooms that existed in this labyrinth of steel and concrete. Unfortunately, the
wing consisted of a dozen different doors and the interlude before Maximus made
his move was all too brief.
Even
though Booster felt vulnerable without his gauntlets, he refused to let such
considerations affect him. Guy had given him a job to do and it was one he
accepted without question. This was not just about saving one boy. When he had
been inside the arena, he had looked up and saw countless faces, twisted beyond
the wildest nightmare that Poe or Barker could concoct. It was likely that none
of those transformations had undertaken voluntarily. The people behind those
feral eyes had been destroyed by Maximus' conditioning process. He did not know
if they could be reached after such genetic damage but Guy had been saved. If
it was possible for one man to recover, it might be possible for all of them.
After
separating from the others, Booster and Donovan began searching the rooms in
Section 22. Some rooms were no more than storage areas for equipment and
biogenetic material used in Lovecraft's procedure. Then there were rooms
containing the forming tanks. Booster counted at least a dozen in each room. If
one did the math, it was possible to understand how Maximus had created such a
formidable enemy.
"I
didn't think this could get worse." Donovan remarked as he stared through
the green fluid at a figure that was slowly being transformed into a human-crustacean
hybrid. He could see the thick plates of its exoskeleton beginning to over lap
skin. Some of the specimens were awake and pounded at their cages for freedom.
Others were so deranged by what was happening to them that they were bordered
on the hysterical and on total catatonia. "When we saw the old base,"
he turned away from the tank. "They were all dead and I thought that was
bad but this...."
"Easy
there kid," Booster said forcing himself not to look. "Let's just
concentrate on finding Kevin."
"But
we can't leave them here." Donovan glanced involuntarily at the crustacean
man who was staring at him with its rotating external eyes in desperation.
"We're
going to have to for the moment." Booster answered, knowing how difficult
this was for the young man. In truth, he was finding it hard to walk of this
place himself but the reality of the situation was evident. "We don't know
if they're a threat or not. Frankly, we don't have the time to find out. Once
we take Maximus down, we'll deal with this. Perhaps Sigrid will know how to
help them." He did not want to add if these people could be helped.
"Let's
get out here." Donovan retorted and started for the door. Suddenly, he
wanted these unfortunates out of sight and mind for a while. He was never very
good at admitting defeat, even in the face of the obvious.
The
door slid open and Donovan stepped out of the doorway, just in time to hear the
loud crack of bullets, whizzing past him. Booster pulled him backwards before
he was caught in the hail of flying projectiles. Both men fell back into the
room and Booster stuck his head long enough to see a pack of Ani-Men security
coming up the corridor. Without wasting any time, he pulled out the gun he had
kept near him and returned fire. The Ani-Men quickly retreated down the
corridor and jumped for cover at the nearest corridor.
"Come
on!" Booster shouted and leapt into the air.
He
need not tell Donovan twice as the younger man suddenly sprouted wings from his
back and fell into pursuit. They had not managed to get a few metres ahead when
more bullets erupted behind them. Booster wished more than ever he had access
to his force field. Although his Legion flight ring was a formidable asset, it
was not going to keep him from taking a bullet if the right one had his name on
it.
"Down
the corner!" Booster shouted over the sound of exploding bullets.
"We
can't keep running like this." Donovan retorted and looked up at the
ceiling. He stopped flying in mid air and called out to Booster. "Follow
me!" He replied. Without further warning, Donovan smashed through the
ceiling. Plaster and concrete flew in all directions as he made a sizeable hole
through the hard material. Booster had to fly through the cloud of debris that
followed Donovan sudden exit from the corridor.
The
Ani-Men wasted no time and immediately aimed their fire towards the ceiling
where their quarry had disappeared. Letting loose a vicious barrage of gunfire,
the bullets dug into the concrete surface as far as they could. The corridor
began to fill with the smoke of discharging weapons, until the noxious gas
began to seep through the opening into the narrow passageway where Booster and
Donovan were taking temporary refuge.
"I
hope you have more of a plan that this." Booster declared, wrinkling his
nose as the smell started to thicken.
"I
do." Donovan said confidently. "Levitate." He instructed.
Booster
looked at him.
"What
am I, David Copperfield?"
"Do
it or you're going to fall on your ass when I do this!" Donovan exclaimed
with exasperation. Without any further coaxing, Donovan smashed his fist on the
hard surface. The power behind his fist impacted against the concrete like a
jackhammer. Immediately, Booster began to see cracks appear in the concrete,
running through the even surface like the fissures from an earthquake preparing
to split the earth in two. Donovan delivered a second blow and the fissures
than ran across the length of concrete heaved in final protest before
shattering.
As
Booster and Donovan hovered above in safety, they watched as the concrete
ceiling collapse like a ton of bricks. When it finally crumbled, there was no
sound or warning, merely a strained groan of the floor as it crashed onto the
enemy below. Already weaken by the projectiles that had penetrated its
underbelly in a dozen places, the ceiling broke up into large chunks, partially
burying the Ani-Men who were attempting to use them for target practice.
"Not
bad for a rookie." Booster remarked with admiration. The Ani-Men below
were in varying stages of injury. Some where unconscious, others were merely
rendered immobile by broken bones but most were simply disorientated. Neither
Booster nor Donovan anticipated that this condition would last indefinitely, so
it was probably wise to depart immediately and resume their search.
"Thanks,"
Donovan grinned as they emerged from the torn ceiling. "I'm known for
bringing the house down."
Booster
groaned at the bad pun and made a face as if he had tasted something bad.
"We have got to work on our witty repartee."
II
It
was strange how old habits always surfaced once fed with the proper incentive.
For the better part of a decade, Beatriz De Costa had been one half of a double
act. Even when her code name was Green Flame, she was always spoken synonymously
with Ice Maiden. Later when duo had decided to make the name official with
change to Fire and Ice, it seemed perfectly natural. When Tora Olafsdotter had
died, Beatriz had believed she had lost the better part of herself. Ice was not
just an elemental contradiction in her life but it was also existed as part of
her soul. The hardest thing one ever has to overcome is the realisation that
things change, people move on and some even die.
And
then Sigrid emerged out of obscurity and suddenly Ice was not a dead friend but
a living hero. At first, Beatriz believed her to be an imposter. It took a
great deal of time for her to understand that Sigrid was not Tora, that in
assuming the mantle of Ice, she did automatically become Beatriz's lost half.
It was a difficult lesson to learn and it was a long time coming before Beatriz
was able to understand that Tora was gone and with her, the team that once Fire
and Ice.
Still
it was nice to feel the cool against her fire once again.
The
group had separated because the complex was vast and more ground could be
covered. Despite the dangerous potential of the enemy, Guy had decided that
this was the best way to proceed. He also knew that while Beatriz had the
experience to cope with any situation, Sigrid was a thinker. She was as cool
and deliberate in her actions as she was capable of freezing the air inside the
enemy's lung. They made a good team and he was learning how to exploit the
differing nature of his comrades to create a formidable fighting force.
Beatriz
understood his reasoning and thus it felt strangely comforting to feel the
blast of ice against her skin as they fought alongside each other. It was
obvious that Maximus had not anticipated the breach of this fortress for his
Ani-Men seemed to attack without proper direction. The two women were slowly
advancing towards the heart of the complex. Under such circumstances, it was
reasonable to assume that Lovecraft would be staying close to Maximus. The
doctor was a valuable resource and it was unlikely that Maximus would permit
him to be anywhere he could be harmed.
In
the instance that Maximus chose to make a hasty exit, Guy wanted Sigrid and
Beatriz to sever any alternate routes of escape. He expected Maximus to run and
if that happened, then Fire and Ice would cut him off before the rest of the
Crusaders closed in on him. Chances were good that Lovecraft would be in
attendance when this took place.
"Behind
us!" Beatriz shouted as another horde of Ani-Men engaged them in another
corridor. The place was maze of nondescript corridors and although Beatriz felt
somewhat claustrophobic as they encountered one corridor after another, she
could not help feel some familiarity about this place.
Beatriz
reacted before Sigrid had even turned around. The Norwegian looked over her
shoulder to see a powerful gust of green fire surging overhead towards the
Ani-Men. Like the others, they seemed reluctant to engage either herself of
Beatriz and their manner caused her mind to start racing. From the moment they
had left Section 22, they had encountered numerous groups of Ani-Men security.
Their attacks seemed uncoordinated, since they did appear long enough to be
seen but not enough to engage the two women.
Understandable,
Sigrid decided, considering Beatriz use of her powers could be fatal to them
had she truly intended it. On a basic level, they feared the fire. It seemed
ironic that fire was still man's greatest weapon against the savagery of
stronger predators. However, these Ani-Men were not all primitive life forms.
They possessed even in the most meagre portions, the intelligence of man.
"Come
on," Beatriz declared. "We don't want to hurt them more than we have
to." The veteran Leaguer urged turning down another path through the
catacombs of the complex.
The
corridor ended with a glimmer of sunlight in the distance. As they hurried up
the steel floor, Sigrid could feel the ground making a sharp ascent towards the
light. Obviously, this led outside. However, something did bother her about
this. No Ani-Men seemed to be following them. Throughout their journey here,
the Ani-Men had dogged their every step. Minutes could not pass without Beatriz
or Sigrid running into the creatures. Suddenly, they had chosen not to follow.
By
the time Sigrid began to ponder the reason for such strategy, they had reached
the top of the corridor that emptied into the outside compound. High electrical
wire fencing surrounded the large circle of land. It ran upwards and then
extended into a lattice work of steel that kept the sky from them. Whatever this
place might have been, it certainly was not for escape. For a minute, she
expected to see a goat tied up in the corner and a glass of water beginning to
shudder on someone's dash board.
"At
least its one way to get out." Beatriz landed close to her and forced the
flames around her body to quick submission. It was possible for her to burn her
way out but it would take time. In either case, she was not worried. Guy or Ted
could easily tear their way through this with little difficulty.
"I
don't like this." Sigrid remarked. She looked around the place. Although
it was quiet, she could feel its sinister purpose. The section of compound
against the structure of the facility revealed a small set of doors at regular
intervals. "My spider sense is tingling." Sigrid replied, approaching
the nearest door gingerly.
"Your
spider sense?" Beatriz looked at her. "You watch way too much
Buffy."
"Like
you don't." Sigrid returned her gaze sarcastically.
"I
occasionally glance at it." The Brazillian replied hotly. "Besides,
you gotta love Cordelia."
Sigrid
was not surprised. "Sorry," she returned. "I'm for
Beatriz
was not surprised either.
The
conversation froze when the two women reached the doors. Sigrid kept glancing
over her shoulder at the way they had come and it disturbed her that none of
the Ani-Men had yet to appear. The doors in front of them were small. For
either women to enter it, they would have to stoop and even then Sigrid was not
sure it could be done without getting on all fours. While the length of the
door way might be short, its width was another matter entirely. It was a good
metre and half across and Sigrid was at a lost to fathom its purpose.
Sigrid
walked right to the base of the metal doors and saw that it was controlled
electronically. The hinges on the entry way revealed that the door did not part
but rather slid upwards when activated. As she pressed her ear to the cool
metal surface, she could hear sounds behind it. She pulled back when she
realised the sounds were of something alive.
"Hey."
Beatriz exclaimed. "Look." She pointed to the cameras that were
mounted strategically against the walls.
"He's
watching us." Sigrid stated and then suddenly realised.
"Oh
damn." Beatriz met her gaze in wide eyes shock when both women reached the
same conclusion.
Almost
on cue, they turned to they way had come through to the courtyard and saw the
door that they had not seen earlier, snapped shut with sharp descent. The steel
dug into the dirt floor, kicking up a small pile of dust as it hit the ground
and sealed them inside the courtyard. Sigrid had taken a few steps forward in a
vain effort to reach it but it was futile. She never had a chance of reaching
it.
"I
guess we definitely underestimated them." Beatriz pointed out as her body
slowly burst into flames. "I'm going to burn us out of here." She
responded, leaping into the air and closed the distance between herself and the
lattice work in seconds.
No
sooner than she had spoken, both women heard the soft scraping of metal sliding
against metal. Sigrid turned around and saw immediately that strange doors were
sliding open. Instinctively, she stepped away from the multiple exit ways.
"Sigrid,"
Beatriz called out. "Make yourself some high ground!" She ordered.
She
need not say it twice. Sigrid was already in the process of freezing the air
underneath her to form a thick column of ice that lifted her off the ground.
The sounds she heard were becoming louder, as if the openings were the mouths
of long passageways that created echoes. She could not place the sound although
it sounded strangely familiar.
As
the column grew higher taking Sigrid away to momentary safety, the ground
became dark as the creatures spilled out of the doors like treacle moving
across a smooth surface. They quickly swept around the ice, filing the space of
the compound like the water from a broken damn. Sigrid watched them, her eyes
wide. Despite everything that she was, all the power that made her so
formidable, she stared at them with nothing less than terror.
"Oh
god," she heard Beatriz exclaim in a choked whisper. "What are
they?"
"Cicindilae."
Sigrid responded, recognising the breed almost immediately. She was unable to
take her eyes from them as she stared at their long mandibles tearing away at
the ice. After a second, she looked up at Beatriz.
"They're
better known as Tiger Beetles."
I
Zatanna did not believe in wasting time. Even though she was weak and her body
had yet to recover from Lovecraft's ministrations, she was riding an adrenaline
inspired wave of fury that forced her to ignore such limitations. Although Ted
had convinced her that killing the Ani-Men leader was wrong and in truth she
knew he was right, Zatanna still wanted retribution.
Instead
of prolonging their search throughout the complex for the elusive villains,
Zatanna called on her powers to bring the Crusaders to him. After that, she
would let Guy and the others deal with him. Maximus' near defeat of the League
years ago because he held the element of surprise but this was not the same
super group he was facing. The Crusaders were harder, less indecisive and not
tethered by the moral obligations that made the League vulnerable. When a
threat was exposed, they knew only to deal with it quickly and decisively.
Short of spilling blood, the Crusaders were extremely effective.
The
spell she had conjured to bring them face to face with Maximus placed the
Crusaders on the floor of the arena. There had not been much time to talk when
Booster had liberated her from the tanks but Zatanna knew that this was the
arena where Booster had gambled on his bid for escape. At the moment, the arena
was empty but Maximus had to be here. The spell would not have brought the
Crusaders here unless Maximus was present.
"This
feels like a trap." Guy declared as he looked at the empty stands above
their heads. Before arriving here, it felt as if they had fought an entire army
of Ani-Men. The sirens and klaxons were still screaming their warning
throughout the building and it seemed splitting up the group had thrown the
enemy into confusion. Maximus might have guessed that the Crusaders would be
after Lovecraft but he doubted the Ani-Men leader would anticipate that Guy
wanted Kevin rescued as well. To Maximus, Kevin was just another Omega for the
blood sport; certainly not important to warrant all this attention once the
Crusaders had learnt the identity of Kevin's abductors.
"Tell
me about it." Ted scanned the area with his X-ray vision. Some of the
walls of the in the structure was lined with lead that kept him from seeing
through it. It was still disconcerting to use this particular power because it
required so much concentration.
"I'll
just zip through the place." Ronnie exclaimed as he took to the air.
"Get
back here junior." Guy said sharply. "Not until Ted does a quick
visual recon."
"Aw
man," Ronnie complained making a reluctant landing. "It will take
only take a minute."
"So
will this." Ted answered, while he continued to survey the area. The range
of his X-ray vision was limited but he was still able to see some of the
Ani-Men closing in on them. Apparently, the Crusaders had done enough damage to
their numbers to warrant Maximus using the non-security Ani-Men in his stable.
"We've got incoming." Ted exclaimed as he stared through the far
wall. "Although I can't see through this section here." He pointed
towards the lead-lined wall only a few meters away. There were large doors
attached to it but Ted could not see through it either. It concerned Ted what
lay behind that wall for it seemed to run several meters beyond the range of
his X-ray vision. This was their only blind spot and Ted did not appreciate the
mystery. Zatanna's spell had brought them here for a reason. Although he did
not voice it, Ted was certain that this was where Maximus was hiding.
"Okay
hothead," Guy looked at Ronnie. "Go check it out but don't do
anything stupid."
"What
me?" Ronnie returned his gaze, looking a picture of innocence. Before Guy
could respond, the young man flew towards the wall and disappeared into its
dark surface. He looked as if he was diving into a pool of black water that
would not even create a ripple as he penetrated it.
"Boy
that kid reminds me of you." Ted retorted.
Guy
scowled at him as he focused his attention on Zatanna who had been quiet all
this time. Although her eyes were moving across the amphitheatre in meticulous
examination, both men saw that she was struggling to maintain her cool
demeanour. It was not difficult to see through her anger and no that she was
attempting to be strong even if she was exhausted.
"Zee,"
Guy spoke up. "I really think you need to leave." He said trying to
be gentle.
Zatanna whirled around and glared at him. "Not until I have him." She
said sharply, her eyes flaring with fire.
"Look,"
Ted entered the conversation knowing how determined she could be when she had
set a mind to something. "I know you want to be here and under normal
circumstances, I would feel safer if you were but," he paused as he
steeled himself for her anger. "These aren't normal circumstances. You've
been hurt and you obviously weakened. I'm going to tell you the same thing Guy
told Booster, you could be more of a liability than an asset in this
fight." He stepped forward and took her hands in his.
Zatanna
met his gaze and he knew his words had affected her even if she did not like
admitting. "I won't let him get away with what he's done to me and all
those others."
"He's
not getting away." Ted said firmly, having a personal stake in nailing
Maximus' hide to the wall. "I want him to pay what he's put you through.
You'll get your pound of flesh even if I have to cut it out him."
She
was about to respond to that when suddenly Ronnie emerged from the wall at top
speed. "Heads up! We've got company!"
The
huge doors screeched apart no sooner than the words had left his lips. Ted
turned to Zatanna and swept her into his arms. No matter how much she wanted to
stay and fight, Ted was not risking her life. She was exhausted and
overextended. He could see that in every movement she made. Before she could
protest, Ted was soaring towards the rafters. He did not look behind to see
what was emerging from the doorway.
"What
are you doing?" She demanded.
Ted
reached a wide beamed rafter near the ceiling. "I'm doing this for your
own good." He said preparing himself for an argument. Placing her on the
rafter, she was for the moment, out of harms way. He knew that if she needed to
get down, Zatanna was capable of using her magic to reach that end.
Instead
of protest however, he was greeted with agreement. "I know." She
answered and nestled herself on the safety of the beam. She was pushing herself
and she could deny neither to herself nor to him. Capturing Maximus was
important to her but not so important that she would risk her comrades' life by
becoming a liability they could ill afford. "Be careful Ted." She
placed a hand on his cheek as he hovered in mid air. Despite his bravado, Ted
was still recovering from his injuries.
"You just sit tight," Ted replied confidently. "For once, I'm
going to enjoy being able to enjoy kicking the crap out of these guys."
Ted
left her then and faced the ground once more. His eyes widened as he saw what
Guy and Ronnie were facing down below. The mutation that they had been subject
to did not seem at all like any of the Ani-Men he had seen so far. The animal
part of the collection was clearly porcine. He could see sharp tusks protruding
from either side of their snouts. They were heavy set, with protruding muscles,
no doubt steroid induced, with little in their eyes that could be considered
human, even though they walked upright and had hominid digits.
They
were wild boars; he realised as he landed next to Guy. The Australians called
them razorbacks and although they were in essence wild pigs, they were nothing
like their domestic cousins. In their original state, they were highly
aggressive, carnivores and were relentless when it came to downing their prey.
Now that those natural instincts had been tampered with, Ted was suddenly glad
he had invulnerability in his arsenal.
The
Razorbacks snarled at them. In the shadows behind the Ani-Men, Ted could see
Maximus looking on proudly. Ted immediately felt his senses stirring
uncomfortably. He was surprised that Maximus would overplay his hand so much by
placing himself in such a vulnerable position. He briefly wondered where
Lovecraft was during all of this.
"Maximus."
Ted said nodding towards the entrance behind the razorbacks.
"Okay,"
Guy said taking a deep breath. His broad chest filling up with more than just
air, Ted decided. The Vuldarian was getting ready for a fight. He met Ted' gaze
and then did not look over his shoulder when he addressed.
"You
ready junior?" He asked.
"As
I'll ever be." Ronnie responded. His own gaze was fixed on the enemy. The pause
between the moments was rapidly dwindling.
"Well,"
Guy almost smiled when he spoke. "Let's rock and roll."
***********
The
oversized swarm of tiger beetles surrounded the column quickly and beginning
attacking the ice that kept Sigrid aloft. For beetles, this particular genus
possessed extremely long mandibles. She knew from experience what they were
capable of doing with flesh. In universities, tiger beetles were used to strip
carcasses to the bone. Now, they were the size of large dogs and no less
efficient. Already, she started to see chips of ice flying in all directions as
the beetles went to work.
Sigrid
aimed a blast of ice at the base of the column. The beetles moved fast,
withdrawing almost when they felt the cold current coming towards them. She
snared some of them but most had escaped the gust of super cool air. They moved
fast, scurrying about so quickly that it gave her trouble trying to see each
beetle as an individual rather than a collective hold.
Beatriz was meanwhile working on the lattice work overhead. Although it was
easy enough for her to despatch the swarm, she was hesitant to kill them.
Unfortunately the effects of fire were permanent and producing more heat on the
ground would only compromise Sigrid's ice column. The metal lattice began to
turn red with head and she knew it would not be long before the metal started
to liquefy.
"Bea!"
She heard Sigrid call and turned around just in time to see a beetle flying at
her. Instinctively, she raised her arms but knew she was in little danger. The
insect moved through her body, bursting into flames as it passed through living
fire. Beatriz heard it emit an agonised squeal as it descended into the group,
trailing green fire behind it. The swarm immediately pulled back from its dying
comrade, creating an island of its burning body. Others began to take to the
air, their dark wings moving so fast that it seemed like they more like
hummingbirds then they were beetles.
However,
they did not seem to be flying towards Beatriz. Instead, they flew in Sigrid's
direction. The heroine known as Ice dropped to her knees as one flew overhead
but did not react in time to see two others coming at her in different
directions.
"Watch
out!" Beatriz shouted a warming and let loose a stream of green flames at
the insects. One was quickly engulfed in fire while the other fell on the
ground, crushing those beneath it under the block of ice surroundings its
exoskeleton. Their burning comrades sent the beetles into frenzy as all of them
began flying towards Sigrid, knowing that she was more vulnerable than Beatriz.
Sigrid
tried to stay on top of the column. Inevitably, one of the creatures knocked
her over the edge. She let out a short scream as she felt herself hit the
ground. Almost immediately, the beetles swarmed in around her. As she saw them
close in, Sigrid was almost paralysed with fear. Sharp mandibles snapped
audibly and large compound eyes stared at her in meaningless hunger. Beatriz
was sending gusts of fire in all directions, trying to force them away from
her. However, Beatriz could not send her flames too close to Sigrid without
burning her to a crisp as well.
Sigrid
let loose another gust of cold ice that for a few seconds forced the beetles
back. She rolled onto her knees and planted both hands on the ground. She did
not intend to be eaten alive by these things and there was no way for Beatriz
to intervene without placing Sigrid's life in danger. For this to end, it
required Sigrid to act. Her fingers dug into the ground and she concentrated
hard even as the cold air around her dissipated under the heat of burning
carcasses and Beatriz' attempt to help her. The sound of their snapping
mandibles was enough to unhinge her but Sigrid knew she had to act, no matter
what was creeping around her.
Think
cold, she told herself. Think super cold.
The
ground beneath her fingers started to ice up. From the air, Beatriz saw the
dirt suddenly frost over with white sprinkles of ice. The web of ice slowly
expanded in a growing circle of cold. She saw the beetles withdraw further as
the icy temperature and the growing frost underneath snaked towards them.
Beatriz had stopped shooting fire at them because she knew it would counteract
whatever Sigrid was attempting to accomplish. She could see the fear in her
friend's eyes and wished there were someway she could help.
In
an attempt to counteract Sigrid's action of freezing the ground around her, the
beetles began taking to flight, hoping to continue their attack in the air.
Some collided into her, knocking her off her feet but unaware that she was not
simply making freezing the ground. Her own body temperature had plunged below
freezing and anyone coming into contact with her skin would soon have reason to
regret it. Unlike Tora, whose formidable ice powers allowed her to create
formations so large that she could knock space ships out of the air, Sigrid's
power was possibly more refined. Her entire body acted as a conduit for cold.
When she became super cool, she not only created ice and drop temperatures but
was also able to freeze at a molecular level.
For
the beetles trying to escape the cold, they were only now starting to realise
that the temperature was the least of their troubles. Those who had not managed
to move out of its range were swept up by the onslaught of ice, as the fluid
between their cells began to freeze. The brittle corrosion of cell against cell
was fatal. Most remained trapped where they had fallen, like half-formed
sculptures against a river of ice. In desperation, the beetles took the air and
flew towards Sigrid, hoping to disrupt whatever she was doing. Although their
intelligence was limited, the part of them that had once been human and had not
become insane over the transformation knew that much.
Those
beetles unfortunate enough to touch her skin froze in mid flight. Freezing over
in seconds of contact, they crashed into the dirt, shattering into a thousand
pieces, as their bodies became brittle with cold. The super cold gases moved
over the fire and extinguish them with little thought, overcoming the burning
bodies of fallen beetles with little concern over the heat. Beatriz watched in
a mixture of astonishment and horror as the beetles became scrambling back to
the narrow openings, hoping to escape the certain death of ice.
Sigrid
was beyond reach now. Beatriz could see the ice in her hair, she could see the
frost glazing Sigrid's, narrowed in deep concentration. Sigrid's normally blue
skin had become translucent almost as if her entire body was becoming ice. The
beetles' attempts to leave the compound became fever pitched as the circle of
ground was encased completely in cold ice. Bodies trapped beneath the river of
cold, protruded from the smooth surface at regular intervals. Beatriz could see
carcasses through the clear sheet of ice.
The
Ani-Men insects began cramming themselves through the narrow passageway from
which they had emerged to escape the killing zone. Beatriz watched impotently,
as they climbed over one another in a desperate attempt to flee. Sigrid had yet
to stop and now the ice was snaking up the walls of the complex, forming ice
particles against the rough surface of concrete. Frost was appeared against the
mesh of the fence line, running up the lattice work design. Beatriz could hear
the groaning of stone underneath the intense pressure of its molecules grinding
against each other. The intensity of it was rapidly reaching breaking point.
She estimated it would take only a few more seconds before.
No
sooner than the thought had crossed her mind did Beatriz hear the loud crack
that suddenly tore through the air. Mighty fissures appeared in the sheer
concrete wall, racing across the stone surface and before climaxing in an earth
shattering explosion of sound that sent debris in all directions. Large chunks
and splintering shards of rock flew outwards like bullets. Beatriz saw the hail
of concrete and mortar rushing towards Sigrid.
"Sigrid!"
Beatriz cried out. "Look out!"
Sigrid
regained her senses as she saw the barrage coming down over her head. Without
thinking twice, she threw up a canopy of ice over herself like a protective
shield. The falling debris smashed against the ice, creating perilous cracks
that threatened to collapse the entire structure onto top of Sigrid. Beatriz
watched the scene unfold with her breath held. However, despite the violence
against it, Sigrid's ice shield held fast and protected her as the last of the
rock reached the ground.
"Help!"
Beatriz looked up and saw a man hanging off the side of the exposed complex.
Two levels had been ripped open like a can someone had taken to it with a can
opener. The man was holding onto a chair that was hanging precariously over the
edge. Its leg was caught up against a small ledge of broken rock and the man's
weight was pressing hard against that fragile hold.
The
rooms that lay exposed to them were filled with electronic equipment that
included monitoring screens and other sophisticated electronics. The man was
genuine terrified as he hung in the air like a puppet who was faced with the
knowledge that his strings would soon be cut. He was wearing a white coat that
swayed in the wind as he dangled and suddenly, Beatriz was struck with a flash
of insight.
"Lovecraft."
She called to him.
The
man reacted instinctively to his name. His eyes touched hers almost
involuntarily. Unfortunately, it was too late. His secret was out.
Unfortunately, for the moment, he did not seem to have any convenient escapes
readily available.
"Sigrid,"
Beatriz looked at her companion "You want to do the honours?"
"Sure."
Sigrid smiled. Her skin had returned to normal although Beatriz did not doubt
that the ice would keep away the beetles for a while at least. Insects as a
rule despised cold weather and tended to shrink away from it at all
opportunity. Obviously Ani-Men insects were now immune to this behavioural
trait of arthopodian life. Stepping over the debris as Beatriz landed on the
ground behind her, Sigrid stepped over the debris and went to the space beneath
Lovecraft's pendulous state.
As
the ice rose beneath her feet, it created a narrow platform under the doctor.
In a matter of seconds the platform had risen like an elevator carrying Sigrid
with it. She ceased the formation when the slab of ice had reached Lovecraft.
"Greetings
doctor." She said politely as Lovecraft let go of the chair and landed
safely before her.
He
straightened his coat and looked nervous. Straightening his laboratory coat, he
tried to maintain his dignity even if he did look like a frightened little man.
Sigrid expected just as much. While his victims were trapped inside their
forming tanks with no way to harm him, Lovecraft could indulge in his sickest
genetic fancies. However, right now his laboratory was far from here and he was
facing paranormals who can end his life with a thought.
"Impeccable
timing." He replied after regaining his composure. "I was not aware
that you were capable of freezing on a molecular level."
"I'm
glad I proved entertaining." Sigrid said coolly. This man sickened her.
His breed of science sullied every man and women who dedicated themselves to
pursuit of understanding and learning. It was these kinds of monsters that kept
the pursuit of scientific pursuit trapped in the darkness for so long. Even
now, the general public still viewed the scientific community with caution. Men
like Lovecraft only served to prove that such fears were justified. "I've
downloaded all your data on the mutations doctor," she spoke glaring at
him. "I look forward to your personal input."
Lovecraft's
eyes narrowed in hatred. "You do not steal my life's work and expect me to
share my knowledge with a freak of nature!" He spat viciously.
Sigrid
took a step forward. Suddenly, a dark shape appeared out of a shadowy corner.
It moved strangely, too many legs to be human and for a moment, Sigrid thought
this might be one of those beetles she had fought earlier. Instead, the
creature pivoted its head towards her and glared at her with blood red compound
eyes. Before Sigrid could react, the spider creature parted its mandibles and spat
a glob of clear fluid against her. It hit her like a wet blanket and set her
over the edge of the platform.
"Sigrid!"
Beatriz screamed as she saw the Norwegian fell to the ground. Flaming on, she
leapt in the air but the creature grabbed Lovecraft and disappeared through the
door. Beatriz was tempted to pursue them but her concern was for Sigrid. The
drop was not terribly dangerous but she had fallen badly against hard ice.
She
landed next to Sigrid who covered in the translucent goo and was trying to tear
it off her. Beatriz heard her groan as she moved and knew that Sigrid was
injured. The substance that had enveloped her upper body had the consistency of
glue and felt nauseating to the touch.
"Are you okay?" Beatriz asked and thought what a stupid question that
was.
"I
am okay," Sigrid grumbled fighting free of the sticky substance. "Did
you see that thing?"
"I
saw it." Beatriz replied trying to help tear the fluid from Sigrid's
struggling limbs. She wrinkled her nose in disgust as the brief image flashed
in her mind.
"Was
that what I think it was?" Beatriz asked.
"Yeah,"
Sigrid groaned, feeling her ribs throb where she had landed. She was certain at
least two of them were broken. "The biggest damn spider I've ever
seen."
"You
know something," Beatriz said with a weary sigh. "How come we always
get the bugs?"
CHAPTER
TWENTY FIVE
I
Across
the field of combat, opposing forces regarded each other before the call to
arms was finally sounded. There is a moment known only to the soldiers of the
front lines. It is the pause that exists before the charge, before the war cry
drove all sense from the world and the ensuing of bloody carnage. It is a
moment of reflection, where warring parties would await at the edge of the abyss
wondering if all roads leading to this conclusion could have been averted. For
some, the pause is breath taken, perhaps for the last time.
As
the Crusaders faced the Ani-Men army before them, the three men about to do
battle with an indiscriminate number of porcine-human mutants considered the
meandering path that had led them to this moment. The pause for them was
reaffirmation of the lives they had chosen to lead and the line they had drawn
to protect those who could not protect themselves.
For
the enemy, there were no reasons.
The
Ani-Men fought because Maximus commanded it. They could not understand the need
to sacrifice themselves for their Master because they were incapable of
comprehension. The tanks had destroyed their ability to question or consider
the path of disaster they were about to embark. All that was true in their
world was the singular directive that to be true to the master required a token
of blood to be spilt.
The
pause stretched for no more than a second but its length of time was enough for
both sides to understand that there was no way to resolve this conflict.
Already, other parts of the complex were falling into disarray. Maximus knew
that the bulk of his security forces were disabled and Section 22 where Dr
Lovecraft had once ruled supreme was compromised. Emerald fire was wreaking
havoc throughout the structure, destroying years of work more effectively than
any costumed threat.
The
superheroes Booster Gold and General Glory had demolished a great deal in their
battles with his wolf guard. On the other side of the complex, many of his
minions had fled into the jungle after the female members of the Crusaders had
gutted one side of the complex. Although their conditioning to obey was strong,
Maximus made their need for self-preservation stronger. He had bred them to
survive. Lovecraft had eliminated the flaw in the transformation process that
would have doomed them to revert to their animal forms. Maximus was assured
that even in the worst case scenario, some Ani-Men would escape before the
enemy reached them.
He
had one last card to play and it was a most important card. The Crusaders were
not aware of the danger yet but when the discovery was made, Maximus would be
well away from here. He would find his scattered flock and then disappear into
obscurity, as he had done once before. He would afford some time to reflect on
the mistakes made presently to eliminate them in the future. In any case, he
expected things would transpire quite well despite the losses today.
"Kill
them." Maximus spoke into his transmitter device. His words were carried
to the tiny audio implants hidden in the inner walls of his army's ears.
Guy
Gardner had no idea who made the step first forward but when it was taken, it
began fast and savagely. The world seemed to fill with a loud rush of air that
roared through the room when the momentary pause shattered into pandemonium.
Movement was everywhere. Bodies flurried by like vague flashes of colour and
sharp claws. There was no time to formulate strategy, just countermeasures to
keep from being torn apart. As he saw the Ani-Men bearing down on him, he knew
that this was going to get very bloody and reason had to be checked at the
door.
He
saw Ronnie and Ted take to the air almost immediately. Unfortunately, he had no
such protection. They swarmed around him first because he was the easiest to
reach. Guy closed his eyes curled himself inward. From above, he looked as if
he were in a foetal position until his limbs melted against each other and he
had become a single ball of muscle. The first Ani-Men that reached him had
caused to regret it. No sooner than he felt the contact of skin against his
body, sharp spikes tore through his skin and impaled the creature with little
resistance. He heard the Ani-Men squeal in retreat. Numerous others who
attempted to make contact followed its cry. The squealing superseded the war
cry throughout the room. In the background, he could hear the sharp discharge
of lighting bolts and the odour of burning flesh started to fill the air.
Ted
was right on cue. Guy smiled to himself.
Stretching
out his limbs during the few seconds as the Ani-Men wrestled with touching
again, Guy ran through the mutants and leapt into the air as he saw Ronnie
flying past.
"I
got you!" Ronnie Raymond yelled grabbing his arm and soaring upwards.
Suddenly,
a most curious thing happened. While he was in mid air, he felt the blast of
plasma against his skin. The heat took both him and Ronnie by surprise. For
less than a second later, both men crashed into the dirt again. Guy rolled
across the ground while Ronnie hit the area next to him, covering him in small
wave of dirt and sawdust.
"What
the hell was that?" He demanded looking up.
"Watch
out Guy!" He heard Ted shout. Ted was still in the air but he was dodging
blasts of plasma like a duck in a shooting gallery.
Guy looked up and felt his jaw drop. It couldn't be!
But
it was. The Ani-Men closing in around him and Ronnie were morphing into
familiar Vuldarian weapons. The blast that had taken him and Ronnie down came
from a weapon Guy had employed a dozen times before. The razorbacks were
transforming right before his eyes with a fluidity of change that was all too
recognisable to Guy Gardner, last son of Vuldar.
"Get
up!" He turned to Ronnie who was somewhat dazed.
The
younger man nodded mutely and groaned slightly as he got to his feet. Ronnie's
eyes widen as he saw the Ani-Men transform. There seemed to be a lot more of
them from a terrestrial viewpoint. Without thinking, he threw up a shield of energy
protecting Ted from the volley of plasma bolts. It gave his comrade time to
breathe. Ronnie caught sight of Maximus disappearing into the tunnel the
razorbacks had emerged. He wanted to give chase but unfortunately, the Ani-Men
leader had played another hand. The room began to fill with other Ani-Men
emerging from the multiple entrances to the amphitheatre. They came in every
shape and form. Bird, insect, reptile, mammal, Ronnie could not keep up with
them.
"I
think you better get the others here." Ronnie called out as he saw the
numbers around them escalate.
Guy
tended to agree as two Vuldarian juggernauts rolled towards him with thundering
fury. Cannons began to appear through their skins and Guy knew the ferocity of
its arsenal. He immediately morphed his skin into Vuldarian armour and ran
forward to meet the oncoming attackers.
"Okay,"
he said under his breath. "You want to play my games, let's play." He
leapt onto the side of one juggernaut and immediately felt flesh heave beneath
him. He looked behind him long enough to see Ronnie soar into the air before
firing a blast of fire at the second juggernaut. Guy did not waste time with
such methods. His hand turned into a giant prong with sharp tines and rammed it
into the thickest part of the juggernaut. He heard a screech of pain as the
form beneath him altered shape and the juggernaut became a razorback again. The
creature struck Guy off his body into a wall. He smashed into it at full speed
and fell concrete crumbled beneath his back but the pain hardly registered. Guy
landed on his feet and shook the effect off his body as easily as he shook
water from his back.
His
body melted around him. His limbs liquefied into a flowing column of silvery
fluid. The razorback coming towards him paused a moment, uncertain of what
danger a column of liquid metal could pose. Suddenly Guy launched himself
towards the creature. The force behind his form knocked the Ani-Men flat on his
back as Guy smothered it like a blanket. He could feel the creature choking
under him as Guy slowly suffocated the Ani-Man. Within seconds, the creature
stopped struggling and although Guy had stopped short of killing the Ani-Men,
he was confident that it would not be rising too quickly.
At
this point, he saw the numbers they were facing and decided that Ronnie was
right. They needed reinforcements. Although Ronnie and Ted were fighting
valiantly to hold off the Ani-Men coming from all directions, the sheer numbers
of the Ani-Men were nothing to underestimate.
"Everybody!"
He spoke loudly into his signal device. The transmitter was sent on a general
broadcast so that every Crusader present would hear him. "Get to the
amphitheatre! All hell's broken loose down here!"
Satisfied
that the others would soon arrive, Guy looked down the tunnel where Maximus had
disappeared.
Maximus
was not going to escape.
*********
Ted
Kord was feeling somewhat overwhelmed.
He
saw Guy disappear through the tunnel and hoped that the Vuldarian knew what he
was doing, going it alone. At the moment however, Ted had problems of his own
to contend with. Since he was generally considered the strongest these days in
the group, the Ani-Men were concentrating all fire on him. Although the plasma
blasts were powerful and they did hurt whenever he was unable to dodge one,
they were nowhere as intense as the blast Guy was capable of producing.
His
concentration had wavered with the arrival of the hawk creatures that Booster
had encountered over
The
hawk creatures had been attacking him from all directions, trying to wave his
concentration from the plasma being hurled at him from below. Ronnie was in no
position to give him any cover as the rest of the Ani-Men kept him busy. The
younger man was working laboriously to cage as many of the mutants as he could,
moulding strong enclosures out of whatever materials were present.
Ted
felt another talon dig into his face as one of the hawk men flew at him and
decided enough was enough. Taking a deep breath, he concentrated hard and fired
a full spread charge of electricity at the creatures flying towards him.
Electricity cackled through their feathered bodies and the air was filled with
their agonised squawking. He saw them jerk spasmodically in mid air before they
started plummeting downward. Ted watched them spiral downwards and shouted
after that. "I warned you Alice! To the moon!"
"Hey
Ralph?" Ronnie barked at him with annoyance. "You want give me a hand
here?"
Ronnie
was under some heavy fire himself with trying to deal with the razorbacks and
also his attempts to cage the bulk of the Ani-Men rampaging throughout the amphitheatre.
"Sure Norton." He replied flying towards the thickest section of
razorbacks. He had the power to subdue them and it was time that he started
using them. He was still thinking in terms of his previous abilities not the
powers granted to him by the scarab.
The
Chosen One was about to kick some butt.
They
converged on him when he was on the ground like a pack of dogs. Ted did not
waste any time with formalities and began throwing punches like a man
possessed. He knew how to hit and where to hit. Power enhanced a person. They
did not make him. Before he came into possession of the Blue Beetle scarab, Ted
had been an expert in unarmed combat. It was time to put that training to use.
Ronnie
looked up to see Ted sending Ani-Men after Ani-Men out of the area with his
powerful punches. One after another, they were sent sprawling as the crime
fighter pummelled them senseless. Most had started retreating, perhaps
realising that they were thoroughly outclassed. Ronnie was used to seeing Ted
inside the Blue Beetle Bug, protected by tonnes of steel. Ted was not only more
formidable with his new powers but coupled with his intellect and years of
martial arts training, he could certainly be considered one of the big guns
now.
And
they said the Blue Beetle would be player when pigs flew.
II
There
was nothing as relentless as a Vuldarian aroused by the heat of the blood rage.
It pounded in ones' ears until the sound became the universe and the thirst
became a void only an ocean could satisfy. The scent was thick in the air.
Subconsciously, Guy knew it was Maximus. His rage had sparked a memory and the
scent was imprinted on his mind. As he ran through the long tunnel, he also
knew that Maximus was leaving.
Whatever
shape or form super villains, would be conquerors and self-styled demi-gods
often arrived, they all shared common characteristics. The foremost of which
was usually self-preservation. They knew how to get going when the going got
tough. Maximus was no exception. While his subjects were properly fed to the
Crusaders as fodder, the great man himself was taking the opportunity to
escape.
Even
as Guy maintained his pursuit, he knew the tunnel was ascending. It was hardly
surprising when he saw sunlight break into the darkened passageway. Maximus no
doubt, had an escape route somewhere on the surface. Suddenly Guy paused. He
could smell the enemy scent close by. The passageway was all shadows and
although his Vuldarian senses were enhanced, they did not give him powers to
see through darkness. Yet he knew Maximus was very close. The smell of fear and
rage was unmistakable. It produced a salty odour that could not be ignored.
The
attack came from behind him.
He
saw a flurry of movement in the darkness and glint of teeth as they came
rushing towards him. Guy let himself fall backwards as Maximus landed on him
and rolled gracefully as he threw the Ani-Men leader of him. Maximus hit the
ground and landed on his feet with feline grace before roaring at him with
sharp teeth bared.
"Not
so fast kitty." Guy sneered. "You're not leaving the party just
yet."
"You
are not going to stop me." Maximus growled. His words sounding like
guttural reverberations in his throat.
"I'm
going to stop you." Guy said firmly without any trace of doubt.
"You're not escaping the hell I got in mind for you."
Maximus
sprung like a wound coil. His arms and legs moving so fast that it was almost a
blur. This time, the Ani-Man's attack was better co-ordinated and he landed on
Guy's chest. Guy hit the ground hard, feeling sharp claw dig into his skin
before he had time to strengthen his skin. The power behind those claws drew
blood even before Guy had time to cry out. He felt hot fluid spill over his
skin and sticky wetness seeping into his pants. Guy shoved his fist into Maximus'
torso and was about to fire a full load of plasma when the Ani-Man chose wisely
to disembark. He rolled out of the Vuldarian's reach and tried to sink his
teeth into the man's throat when Guy's body morphed into Vuldarian armour.
"Did
you like my razorbacks?" Maximus goaded.
Guy
let loose a hail of plasma that lit up the tunnel as the energy impacted off
the walls. Maximus dodged with feline agility, barely avoiding them as they
blasted rock to pieces behind him.
"Inferior
copies will never stand up to the original." Guy retorted. "They're
just wannabes, like you are."
Maximus
snarled at him and then shouted. "I suppose I should warn you about the
explosives."
Guy
stopped firing immediately and glared at him. "What explosives?"
Maximus
was breathing hard but he did not intend to show that Guy had given him cause
for concern. On the contrary, it was he who was about to bring understanding to
the superhuman at who was really in control of the situation. "The
explosives I have wired throughout the entire building. The blast radius will
wipe out a considerable amount of rainforest I guarantee you. I have to admit I
am curious to find out whether you super humans are capable of surviving a
nuclear detonation equal to 5 kilotons."
"You're
bluffing." Guy responded but knew Maximus was smart enough to take
precautions. Even if he was lying about explosives, Guy could not take the
risk. There were innocent people in this place that Sigrid might yet be able to
save but not if they were all reduced radioactive ashes. "You blow this
place up and you die with us." Guy countered hoping the gambit would work.
Maximus
produced a small detonator from his suit and the flashing red light had the
momentum of secret timer somewhere in the complex. "I will not live in a
cage. I would rather die than face that nightmare. If it looks like I will be
spending my existence is such a manner, I won't hesitate to kill all you freaks
with me!"
Guy
fought the urge to tear this creature apart but knew the few steps he took to
reach Maximus was ample time for the maniac to detonated the explosives. For
the moment, it appeared Maximus had the advantage. "All right," Guy
nodded begrudgingly. "You win."
"I
always knew I would." Maximus said confidently. He strode past Guy,
circling the superhero victoriously before moving towards the planned escape
route he had been taking before their confrontation. He walked backwards,
ensuring that Guy made no move to follow him.
Guy
Gardner watched him go with one thought in his mind.
This
is not over yet, Maximus.
**********
They
did not locate Kevin but they did find something almost as good.
Behind
them, the trail of destruction was evident. The wolf guards were still coming
but Booster and Donovan had the satisfaction of knowing that for every handful
that came in pursuit of them, the odds facing Guy, Ted and Ronnie would be
significantly reduced. They had yet to search Section 22 thoroughly when Guy's
emergency signal had come through. Abandoning their search, both Crusaders
hastily proceeded towards the amphitheatre, a route Booster was more than
familiar with. It was pure chance really, that caused them to stumble upon
Maximus' office.
Even
without the leader of the Ani-Men presiding over them behind his desk, the room
still felt sinister. Booster walked in cautiously; as if expecting Titus to
emerge from the shadows and scare the hell out of Booster like he had done
hours earlier. However, Booster shook such concerns from his mind. Titus would
not be foolish enough to remain here now that all hell had cut loose throughout
the complex. If the damage he and the General had accomplished was any
indication of how the others were faring, it was no wonder emergency klaxons
were screaming themselves raw throughout the complex. Booster was here for a specific
reason.
Maximus
had already removed everything of possible value in regards to his future
whereabouts. CD boxes were lying empty at the base of the computer screen and
the open drawers indicated that he had either removed or destroyed any paperwork
that might work in favour of his enemies. None of these interested Booster
because if all went well, Maximus would not escape for them to require the
information.
"I
found it!" Donovan exclaimed as the two men rifled through Maximus
belongings. The General held up gauntlets for which Booster Gold had been
desperately seeking. The products of 25th century technology seemed
no worse for wear despite their period of inactivity.
Booster
was across the room in two strides and reclaimed his weapons like a man thirsty
for water. Snapping them around his wrists, he suddenly felt like a member of
the team again and not a fifth wheel that required protection.
"Thank
Christ for that." Booster remarked. "I was getting really sick of
that gun."
"Speaking
of that," Donovan looked up at him. "Where did you learn to
shoot?" Being on the force had made learning to handle a gun a required
skill but Donovan wondered where Booster would have had occasion to learn to
use a gun, not when his arsenal was so completely different.
"7
11." Booster retorted. "Where else are you supposed to learn?"
Donovan
was about to respond when suddenly, Booster's head snapped to the open door and
without further warning, shot out his arm and fired. The blast struck the torso
of an Ani-Men wolf guard who had approached stealthily during their search. Had
Booster allowed him it the opportunity to shoot, the Ani-Men would have cut
them both down savagely. The creature felt backwards, its chest smoking. The
gauntlets were not meant to kill but they were designed to deliver enough force
to ensure that the Ani-Men would remain unconscious for the next few hours.
Booster
met Donovan's surprised gaze and grinned. "I'm back."
CHAPTER
TWENTY SIX
The
Beatriz
signalled her return with the sudden eruption of green fire encircling some of
the warring Ani-Men groups. It coiled around them like an emerald serpent,
forcing them deeper into the centre of the blazing ring of flames. Although the
Ani-Men had been created from the genes of two very different animals, the
basic fear of fire remained in their consciousness. Beatriz saw the group, a
collection of rhino, possibly alligator or a reptilian of some description,
retreating deeper away from the fire. Some of the birdmen had taken to
attacking her but gave up when they discovered that she was not simply able to
command fire but was could become it. Some had tried unsuccessfully to attack
had passed through her and set ignited their feathers.
Her eyes searched for Guy and saw that he was gone. However, Maximus was
nowhere in sight either and she assumed that he had given chase to the Ani-Men
leader. Now that she thought about it, Zatanna was nowhere in sight either. Of
all the Crusaders, Beatriz was most immune to the attacks. Although Vuldarians
had more than just plasma weapons in their arsenal, the razorbacks below had no
knowledge of that. Guy had told her once that part of his knowledge came from
the genetic memories that had been imprinted into his DNA. As a full-blooded
Vuldarian, he had complete access to all those memories but the Ani-Men did
not. They were able to use the powers they had seen Guy used and their minds
were too limited to imagine anything else more formidable.
In
the centre of the Arena, Ted was flinging razorback after razorback out of the
stone enclosures. The Ani-Men bodies were littered around the stands, knocked
senseless by their graceless landings and the pummelling they had received at
the hands of the Blue Beetle. Beatriz watched with some measure of
astonishment, never having seen Ted vent the full potential of his powers. It
was quite frightening actually to see him wielding such strength.
Despite
the ferocity of the battle, Beatriz knew the tide of it had come in their
favour. Even with the enhancements of Vuldarian genes, the razorbacks were
being beaten into submission and those who were not unconscious were being
trapped inside steel cages, courtesy of Firestorm. Ronnie was mopping up Ted's
leavings, altering the molecular structure of the air around them into
something more tangible. Although Ronnie could sometimes behave like a hot
headed teenager, it was evident that he was consummate professional. He still
reminded Beatriz of how Guy used to be during their League days, except Ronnie
was marginally tolerable.
She
turned her attention to what looked like a giant snake slithering towards
Sigrid. It was almost thirteen feet in length and sidled sideways like a desert
rattler. It was beyond comprehension how it was able to navigate through the
rows of chairs that made up the stands. It was almost three feet thick and
would easily crush Sigrid if it were fortunate enough to catch the Norwegian in
its coils.
Since
Sigrid was busy dealing with a number of Ani-Men wolf guards, Beatriz flew
towards the reptile. It must have noticed her approach because it stopped its
advance towards Sigrid and raised its massive head in her direction. Amazingly
enough, despite its enormous bulk, the creature was able to sit up quite easily
like a cobra. The crown surrounding its narrow head flared outwards, shuddering
like one of those Australian lizards she had seen on discovery. The snake
regarded her with its narrowed eyes before hissing at her, bearings its dual
fangs. She saw venom gleaming in droplets at the tips of its sharp teeth. It
drew its head back and then spat something at her.
Instinctively,
she backed away even though she knew fluid would have little effect on her.
Like everything else it would probably pass through her harmlessly. However, as
the venomous liquid passed through her body, it sizzled in the heat and thick,
noxious gas began rising around her. The scent of it burned her lungs and
caused to cough. Even though she was a being of fire, she still required oxygen
to exist. The sudden loss of it disorientated her and Beatriz felt the world
swimming around her as she spiralled towards the floor.
She
hit the stands hard, feeling bones snap beneath her as her form returned to
flesh. Beatriz felt aches in a dozen places as she tried to stand up. Taking
advantage of her momentary weakness, the snake slithered forward, making its
intent all too clear by his widening jaws.
"Need
a hand?" She heard a voice inquire as she was suddenly lifted off the
ground. Beatriz looked up to see Booster carrying her to safety inside a bubble
of his force field. Donovan flew past her and threw one focused punch into the
side of the creature's head. The snake barely had time to register the attack
before Donovan straddled the back of its neck and wrapped both muscled arms
around its neck. The snake bucked and for a moment, Beatriz had the absurd
though that he would probably do well at one of those country bars that Guy
liked so much.
"What
is it about women?" Booster asked mischievously. "Most of the time
you are perfectly intelligent things who have no trouble facing up to anything.
Put anything that crawls and slithers near by and you immediately jump on a
chair and start screaming."
Beatriz
glared at him with narrowed eyes and then remarked. "You mean like a wharf
rat?"
Booster's
smiled faded away and he frowned. "Touché."
Meanwhile,
Donovan was holding fast. The snake was struggling hard, lashing its tail from
side to side in a furious bid to unseat its unwanted rider. Donovan felt
powerful muscles trying to force him off but that only strengthened his
resolve. He could feel spittle and venom flying in all directions as the
creature tried helplessly to poison him with its noxious saliva. Some drops of
it did find his way onto his skin and Donovan flinched slightly as it burned
into his skin. However, the effect produced no more than a sting and he was
able to ignore it with a slight wince.
Plastic
chairs were dislodged from the stands as the snake's massive tale smashed the
seats with powerful blows. Some had been forced free of the steel rivets
holding them in place and were flying through the air with the speed of deadly
projectiles. Donovan hung on, starting to feel the creature's resolve weaken.
The fight was starting to drain out of it and its struggles were getting
weaker. Donovan had no intention of killing the beast but his taut grip on its
wind pipe would ensured its submission was only a matter of time
"Ride him cowboy!" He heard Ronnie declared from the air. Donovan
glanced upward long enough to see the superhero go to Sigrid's aid. With
Donovan and Booster having joined the other Crusaders, the rest of the wolf
guard were able to join the battle and their numbers beyond the dozens.
The
snake struggled for only a few more minutes until its muscles started to
slacken and Donovan could feel the exhaustion in every futile attempt to
dislodge him. Eventually, the venom stopped flying, although evidence of its
presence could be seen on every surface. Hissing white threads of smoke where
the corrosive fluid had began eating away at anything it had landed on, began
rising into the air. The creature focussed all energy into one last heave
before collapsing on the ground, in utter exhaustion.
Snakes,
he shuddered as he let go of the unconscious animal, had always given him
nightmares. He wondered if this could be considered therapy.
**********
Except
for the newly arrived wolf guards, Sigrid felt she had been handling these
Ani-Men quite well. She was trying hard not harm any of them permanently. With
Lovecraft's data in her possession, there was a good chance that she and her
colleagues at Star Labs may be able to decipher his transformation process and
reverse the effects on these Ani-Men. She knew it was imperative for Zatanna's
sake that she discover the secret to returning the humanity back to these
creatures. She would have preferred to have Lovecraft's input but obviously
that was no longer possible since the good doctor had made his escape.
She
had been moving steadily through the Ani-Men, preferring to encase them in ice
rather than Beatriz's method of using fire to subdue them. Right now, the area
beyond the stands of the amphitheatre looked as an ice museum with Ani-Men
trapped in blocks of ice. In their frozen state, they looked more like displays
than prisoners. Between Beatriz and herself, they had managed to neutralise the
bulk of the Ani-Men group until the sudden arrival of the wolf guard.
Bullets
ripped through the air and she had to jump behind the plastic seats to avoid
being hit. Unfortunately plastic was little resistance to the projectiles and
very soon, Sigrid was running again, trying to keep some distance between
herself and the bullets before she was able to attack. As she saw a wall
rushing towards her, Sigrid realise that her time had run out and she swung
around, creating a curve of thick ice in front of her as she moved. The wall of
ice formed like a wave before her with less than a second to spare as the
bullets impacted against them. She saw fissures appear immediately and knew
they would not hold from a sustained hail of fire. Producing a column of ice
beneath her feet, she decided she would go up if she could not go forward.
When
she peaked the top of the ice wall she had created to shield herself, she saw
the advancing wolf guard, still bombarding the wall with ice. Sigrid sent a
blast of cold towards them and froze the creatures in their tracks. Their skin
iced up as a thin film of ice trapped them in place. Behind them, the rest of
the guard had retreated but were not withdrawing. She saw them fan out around
her as they recalculated their strategy. Sigrid looked around to see if she
could spot Beatriz because she could sure use the assistance about now.
However, it appeared Beatriz had trouble of her own as she was in the midst of
confronting a large snake.
Great,
first bugs and now snakes. Beatriz was going to be into a terrific mood when
this was all over. Despite the urgency of her own situation, she tried to see
if there was any way she could reach the Brazilian. Fortunately, less than a
second after that thought had crept through her mind, Booster Gold and General
Glory had made a timely arrival. Booster had spirited Beatriz away to safety
and Donovan was dealing with the colossal reptile.
The
shattering wall beneath her brought Sigrid's attention back to her own
situation. The Ani-Men were closing in on her like a ring of steel. Their
strategy gave her cause to think quickly. Obviously, they meant to charge her
at once, knowing that she could not possibly freeze them all at once. Sigrid
saw a way out of this but it required split second timing that she was not
certain she was capable of producing. Spinning around on the tips of her toes,
the ice formed as her body twirled. For a moment, she seemed like an ice skater
in one of those Winter Wonderland revues. The bullets flew the instant she
began moving and despite the speed in which the shield was forming around her,
Sigrid realised with a sinking realisation that some of the bullets would reach
her. She prepared herself to feel the sting of bullets.
Which
never came. There was a moment of confusion when the ground seemed to disappear
under her feet and she felt arms around her. Sigrid looked up and saw Ronnie
was carrying her away from the torrent of bullets that was tearing her ice
shield apart. Chunks and splinters were sent in all directions as bullets hit
the rock hard surface. The fissures became cracks and the entire structure
crumbled spectacularly.
"Thanks."
She said letting out a sigh of relief.
"It
was a good try." He commented glancing over his shoulder at the wall she
had tried to build. "You might have made it if there wasn't so many of
them."
"I
owe you one." She offered him a warm smile.
"You
can make it up to me with dinner." He said offering her his most charming
smile, the one that made him a poster boy on so many billboards. "How
about it? Dinner by candlelight and I've got a great Elton John collection for
the smooching afterwards."
Sigrid's
eyes flew open. Oh Dear. His timing was unique, she had to give him that. Only
Ronnie Raymond could bring up a most delicate subject at the most inopportune
time. "I'm flattered by the offer," she stammered wishing she was
still facing the Ani-Men instead of having this particular conversation.
"However, I think there's something about me you ought to know."
Sigrid confessed unhappily.
"What?"
He looked at her curiously.
Sigrid
let out a frustrated groan before leaning over and whispering in his ears.
Ronnie
stared at her in a mixture of shock, dismay and ultimately embarrassment.
"You're kidding."
"I'm
afraid not." She shrugged unhappily. Sigrid had been in similar situations
before and the number of times did not diminish the awkwardness of the
situation.
Unfortunately
all Ronnie could do was shake his head with that stupefied expression on his
face. "But its such a waste!" He paused a moment and then added.
"I've been told that I'm worth changing for."
Sigrid
rolled her eyes and slapped her hand on her forehead in resignation.
"Ronnie, shut up."
II
"Where
the hell have you been?" Ted shouted at Guy as he emerged from the tunnel.
"I
was trying to get Maximus!" Guy retorted as he leapt out of the way of a
stunned razorback flying at him. The space around Ted was littered with the
unconscious bodies of Ani-Men enhanced by his Vuldarian genes. Ted had single
handedly managed to take most of them on his own. Guy had to admit he was
impressed.
"Where
is he then?" Ted demanded, understandably annoyed. He was not a violent
person by nature and these powers had shown him just what he was capable of if
he set his mind to it. While he was better equipped to handle these Ani-Men
than anyone in the group, with the possible exception of Guy, he did not like
the scene before him. These Ani-Men were almost mindless with rage. Even though
many of their comrades had fallen and were being immobilised by Booster and the
others, those still standing were still coming at him, oblivious to the odds
against the success of any attack.
"He's
got the entire place rigged to blow." Guy retorted as he launched himself
at an approaching Ani-Men and slammed a hammer shaped fist into the creature's
snout. Guy felt muscle heave under his fist as the razorback squealed in protest.
It retaliated however by shaping its arms into sharp blades. It made an attempt
to impale him but Guy grabbed both its arms and produced a sledgehammer through
the centre of his chest. It connected with the creature's jaw and sent it
sprawling.
"What
is to say he isn't going to do it anyway?" Ted yelled as he threw a flying
kick at another razorback sending it through the air like the winning kick at
the next Superbowl.
Guy
managed to make his way alongside Ted. The number of razorbacks had dwindled significantly
but it appeared they intended to fight to the very last man or Ani-Men in this
case. Fatigue was starting to show in Ted's face even though he was trying to
hide it. "You think he'd blow this joint up?" Guy asked.
"He
is prone to the extreme when he feels threatened," Ted responded letting
loose another discharge of electricity.
Guy
joined his fire with a burst of plasma. The razorbacks were scattered and
uncoordinated. Guy had started to suspect that their purpose was never to
defeat the Crusaders at all more likely to delay them while Maximus made good
his escape. "Damn, I knew I should have pounded him into dust."
"You
did the right thing!" Ted retorted, shouting over the sound of razorbacks
screaming in pain from the mild electrocution. They were jerking about like
marionettes, with tendrils of blue electricity bouncing off their skins. The
smell of burning flesh was becoming pronounced and Ted knew they could not take
much more. Eventually, their hearts would give out unable to suffer such abuse
even though it was meant to immobilise, not kill.
The
group in front of them cease to become threatening. It was evident that the
razorbacks would not stop despite the eminence of defeat. Programming would
force them to continue until they were rendered unconscious or seriously
injured. Neither Guy nor Ted had the stomach to inflict any more suffering on
these creatures who were twisted into parodies neither human nor animal,
through any fault of their own.
"Firestorm
get over here!" Guy shouted into his signal device. Already, the
razorbacks were struggling to their feet. Some had succumbed to the battle but
there was still enough of those refusing to admit defeat.
"Yeah
skipper?" Ronnie's cocky voice answered through the signal device.
Guy
winced at the word skipper but decided taking issue with it could wait.
"Get your ass over here." He said through hissed teeth.
"Sure
Skipper." The young man quipped knowing perfectly well how Guy felt about
being referred to in such a way.
Guy
bristled once again and glared at Ted who was enjoying his chagrin immensely.
"I'm going to kill whoever told him about that."
"Oh
come on," Ted teased as he saw Ronnie appear overhead. "You used to
love it when it was Jonn."
Guy
merely scowled at him before turning his attention to Ronnie who was
approaching them quickly. "Hey Junior, think you can turn the air around
these guys into knockout gas?" Guy glanced at the razorbacks that were
preparing to launch another attack. Guy knew what Vuldarian genes could do to the
unprepared. Whether or not they were acting under Maximus' instructions, the
blood rage would keep their aggressive instincts fired even if their bodies had
sustained terrible injuries. Guy had once gone head to head with Superman when
his instincts had gone berserk. Only an image of Tora was able to quell that
rage and return him to reason. He would spare these Ani-Men that. Whatever they
had done in Maximus' name, they were not responsible.
"No
problem Skipper!" Ronnie grinned.
Guy turned his attention to Booster. "When he gets going, get us out of
here!"
"You
too?" Ted asked innocently, the infamous Blue Beetle humour never far
away.
"JUST
DO IT!" Guy barked.
Ted
said nothing but the smirk he was wearing on his face was enough to raise Guy's
ire. The Blue Beetle grabbed his arm and immediately started gaining altitude
above the scene of the battle. They looked down long enough to see a cloud of
smoke rising around the disorientated Ani-Men. At first none of Ani-Men could
understand what was going on as the odourless gas entered their lungs. However
by the time their limbs had started to buckle beneath them, it was too late to
escape.
"God
I hope we can help them." Guy whispered under his breath as he watched
them succumb to the gas with its sedative properties.
Ted
understood the sentiment all too well. Suddenly, he remembered something and
his eyes darted to the rafters where he had left Zatanna. With the battle
following their arrival here, he had completely forgotten that he had left
alone supposedly out of danger. However, as his eyes reached the place where he
had left her, he saw that it was empty.
"Where's Zee?"
************
After
his last encounter with paranormals, where he had almost been transformed into
in his animal form permanently, Maximus was pleased with the manner in which
things had progressed this time around. With the enemy properly subdued and
aware of the consequences if any attempt was made to capture him, Maximus was
well on the way to making good his flight from justice. The means of his escape
waited patiently for his arrival in a clearing only a few meters ahead.
Only
he was aware of the secret landing field that housed a perfectly ordinary
wooden shed with a helicopter hidden within for his disposal. Not even
Lovecraft was aware of its existence and Maximus had kept it that way for a
reason. Although, Maximus was reluctant to leave the doctor to the
ministrations of the paranormals, he knew that such things had to be for the
survival of the fittest. He briefly wondered what had become of the doctor but
guessed Lovecraft was most likely in the hands of the Crusaders by now.
Nevertheless for all their bluster, they had a code of conduct that would not
allow them to harm Lovecraft. Therefore, wherever the doctor was incarcerated
later, it would be an easy matter of retrieving the man.
The
Bell helicopter was state of the art and did not require a proper landing pad.
From the air, it appeared to be little more than a cleared patch of forest. He
emerged from the thickness of jungle shrubbery into the clearing and looked
behind him one last time. A billowing cloud of grey smoke rising into the skin
indicated the destruction of his efforts the past few years. Maximus tried not
to feel remorse. When he was inside his chopper and far away from here, he
might have consider whether or not he would detonate the explosives inside the
structure. Of course that was hardly feasible with Lovecraft and the bulk of
his Ani-Men still inside the complex.
He
looked around and saw little signs of life. He did not expect that there would
be anyone around. His Ani-Men had cleared out any human settlement that
remained in this remote corner of South American jungle. The complex had once
belonged to Ira Quimby, an eccentric scientist who had believed in cultivating
an aggression serum for military applications. Ironically, the Justice League
had also put an end to that dream and Quimby was now languishing in a prison
somewhere in the continental United States. The complex had been abandoned
until Maximus and Leo Enterprises had bought it for virtually nothing. He
mourned the lost potential the complex would never produce but knew it was just
a place. Like everything else, it was easily replaceable.
"Going
somewhere?" He heard a voice in front of him. Maximus had been so intent
on looking over his shoulder that he had forgotten the path ahead of him.
It
almost did not surprise him when he found himself face to face with her.
Somehow, he knew only Zatanna would have the courage to call his bluff. She
stared at him with such intense hatred in his eyes that for the first time,
Maximus reconsidered his earlier actions. Zatanna was easily the most powerful
member of the Crusaders and the gleam in her eyes was one he knew all to well.
Vengeance.
"I
applaud your escape." Maximus remarked, his eyes darting towards the shack
that seemed only a breath away. "I take it you will be handing me in to
the proper authorities." He knew he could not escape her. It was pointless
to try and he was not so stupid to know that he was walking upon a knife's
edge. She could go either way at this point so it unwise to provoke her. There
was plenty of time to escape later because undoubtedly, he would be placed in
the custody of normals and they were inordinately inferior.
"That's
a good plan." She said coldly. "However, I find a flaw in your
logic." Zatanna's eyes narrowed.
Maximus
met her gaze in surprise. "I was not aware that you were a mind reader.
Obviously my dossier on you was incomplete."
Her
mouth curled up to form a sardonic smile but there was little humour in her
eyes. It was cold and full of hatred. There was no situation that Rex Maximus
could not fight his way out of or talk for that matter. She was a hero this one
and like all heroes, she was easily manipulated.
"By
the way," she replied glancing at the belt around his body suit where the
detonator had been. "If you're thinking of blowing up this area with your
little explosives, I would rethink that strategy."
Instinctively, he glanced at his belt and saw the device gone.
"Don't
bother," Zatanna retorted. "Its gone. Right now, it making its way to
the bottom of a pool of quicksand about three miles north of here. Either way,
it will do you no good."
"So
what happens now?" Maximus looked at her impatiently. "You take me
into custody?"
Zatanna
almost laughed. "You think its so simple don't you?" Her eyes flared
as she spoke. "You were warned about the consequences of gaining my
wrath." Her octave of her voice began to rise steadily as she spoke. The
fury in it was becoming very evident. What he saw in her eyes made him shudder
with fear. "You almost made me into one of your creatures and you did the
one thing that I swore none of your kind would ever do. You made me feel fear!
So I pass my judgement on you Rex Maximus. Until the day you die, you're going
to spend every minute of your life from this point on, regretting that."
Maximus
started to run. Zatanna made no move to stop him. She could feel the terror
exuding from his mind like a tonic that gave her the strength to continue. As
Rex Maximus made a desperate bid for freedom, Zatanna watched him with a cold
smile and whispered to herself.
"Your
life is only begining, king of the beasts."
*********
After
the fighting had concluded, Guy had left things in Ted's capable hands for a
search of his own. Although Booster and Donovan had to cut short their search
for Kevin Sharpe, now that the Ani-Men were more or less taken care of, Guy
could now focus on finding the boy himself. He walked through the corridors of
Section 22, through the floor covered with debris, unconscious wolf guards and
in some places, raging fires. Throughout this entire affair, Guy had never lost
sight of recovering Kevin. If not for the young student, the horrible secret of
the Ani-Men army might have remained hidden and god knows how many other
innocents would have transformed into monsters.
Booster
had given him detailed instructions regarding which rooms they had searched so
when Guy finally reached the bastion of Lovecraft's twisted genetic
manipulations, he knew exactly where to go. Kevin was alive. He had to believe
that or else none of this would matter. There was no victory in an outcome that
would see a promising young man with a future before him, destroyed beyond
recovery. It was more than even Guy's hardened demeanour could handle.
The
first few rooms produced little success but Guy knew it was too soon to be to
consider the search a failure. This wing of the complex had virtually dozens of
rooms and not all of them had been investigated in any detail. He kept
reminding himself of this fact as he moved through the place, all the while
forcing the image of his vague memories of the boy when Guy had been Maximus'
prisoner.
The
moment he passed through a set of doors that looked no different from any
other, he was overcome with the smell the acrid odour common to most zoos. The
room was dark mostly because it was windowless as all others in this place and
in spite of the light globes on the ceiling. Guy rectified that quickly enough
and saw the lines of cages appear as light filled the room with powerful
fluorescent rays.
The
cages were all occupied and the creatures within were all feline. Among the
inhabitants, he saw cougars and panthers, a number of lionesses and one
cheetah. As he saw the cheetah in its cage, Guy found himself running toward
it. The animals seemed agitated at his presence and some had taken to growling
and snarling, as if noise alone could scare him away. Under the circumstances,
he supposed that was all they had in their arsenal to frighten would be
predators away, since being trapped in cages robbed them of any ability to
protect themselves.
The
cheetah was not growling however and Guy felt hope flutter in his chest. The
possibility that this was Kevin was remote. Guy knew that. After all, Ted had
seen a cheetah. It did not mean that the same creature could be Kevin Sharpe.
However, Guy dared himself to hope as he knelt before cage. The animal regarded
him with sad eyes and took a step towards the mesh. There were scars on its
once flawless pelt. Guy could see the remnants of fading wounds against its
magnificent coat. It was almost male.
"Kevin?"
Guy spoke. His voice was almost a whisper. He had no idea if there was anything
left of the young man who had been the star of his track team and for whom Guy
felt responsible.
Dark
eyes met his and a slight purr escaped the animal's throat. There was almost
sorrow in its soft cry and Guy clamped his eyes shut knowing without doubt that
this was Kevin. Guy slipped fingers through the mesh and was rewarded with the
cheetah nuzzling up against his skin instead of losing them altogether. If
there had been any shred of doubt in his mind, they disappeared with that one
action. Kevin was communicating in the only manner left to him.
Guy
took a deep breath, trying to keep the emotion from making him completely
useless to the boy. "Its okay kid," Guy tried to smile. "Its
going to be okay now."
*********
The
Ani-Men threat was over.
When
Zatanna returned to her friends, all there was really left to do was the
mopping up process. The gas that Ronnie had produced with his power of atomic
manipulation had put and end to the Ani-Men enhanced with Vuldarian genes. She
arrived in the amphitheatre to see Sigrid tending to the wounds incurred by all
the Crusaders, including herself. Guy was missing but she suspected it was
mostly due to his concern for Kevin Sharpe. No doubt, he was searching for the
boy at this moment.
Zatanna
was exhausted.
She
had the used the last of her strength to deal with Maximus and knew she would
require rest for the next few days. Normally her usage of power over the last
hours would scarcely require such recuperation but she was not herself. Lovecraft's
procedure that tested her body in ways she had not known possible. Even now, it
was difficult to maintain the glamour that was hiding the illusion of her
unblemished humanity from the others.
"Zee!"
Ted rose to his feet. He had been resting on the seats surrounding the arena
when she transported into the amphitheatre and sent him running in her
direction. Even as he approached, she could see the fatigue in his face and
reminded herself to remember that he too, had been through much the past few
days. His needs had to be tended to as well. The bandage around his injured leg
was stained with blood from reopened wounds. He needed to rest more than any of
them.
They
met in a warm hug Zatanna was pleased to savour and the few stolen second
engaged in his embrace, did much for her spirit.
"Where
were you?" He asked quietly.
"I
had business to take care of." She answered enigmatically but they all
knew what that meant.
"Maximus?"
Booster asked before Ted could reply.
"Yes."
She nodded. "Maximus."
"Where
is he?" Ronnie inquired cautiously. The Zatanna he knew was no killer and
he hoped Maximus' actions had not turned her into one. "You
didn't...." He could not even bring himself to say it.
"No." She shook her head. "I did not kill him, although I wanted
to." She confessed looking at Ted's face as she answered because his
belief in her was important at this moment. What she had done to Maximus was no
better than death and in the days to come, she would wrestle frequently over
her actions this day. Ted's eyes indicated that he did believe her although he
still wanted answers.
"Zee,"
Donovan spoke up. "Sigrid managed to get all of Lovecraft's data, I'm sure
she and those guys at Star Labs can return you to normal."
Sigrid
shrugged at the vote of confidence because she did not feel she deserve so much
faith in her. Her scientific skills had been getting a workout lately and
although she knew she was good at what she did, it was often that others
recognised it. "Let's just review the data first." She remarked, not
wanting to disappoint Zatanna if she failed.
"You
can do it." Beatriz grinned, having none of that modesty from Sigrid when
it was so richly deserve. "You helped Guy, didn't you?"
"I
have faith in you." Zatanna smiled at the younger woman and sensed the
emotion welling up within Sigrid at having so much support from friends like
this. It was not so long ago that she had lived a life completely alone.
"Thank
you Zee," she swallowed hard. Like the former Ice Maiden, Sigrid was no
good at keeping her emotions under check when she was genuinely touched. She
was almost glad when Guy made his appearance because it took the attention away
from her while she composed herself.
"I
found him." Guy announced. There was a collective sigh of relief
throughout the group but Guy's was noticeably absent. "You were right
Ted," he met Ted's gaze. "It was Kevin in the arena."
"Is
he still alive?" Ted asked, wondering otherwise by the look on Guy's face.
"Yeah
he's alive," Guy nodded. "But if he ever becomes human again, I don't
know how grateful he'll be."
"What
do you mean?" Beatriz asked, recognising the pain in her lover's eyes and
immediately captured a premonition of some terrible news he had yet to impart.
"His leg is wrecked. There's a lot of muscle damage. It probably happened
when he was fighting in the arena." Guy admitted reluctantly. "He'll
never run the way he used to, not again."
"That
bastard." Donovan found himself swearing viciously, knowing what that
would mean to kid like Kevin who came from the slums, who would only ever have
once chance of escaping it. Now that chance was gone forever, thanks to
Maximus. "I hope they lock him forever!" They all knew to whom he was
referring.
"If
it makes you feel any better," Zatanna said with an expression of darkness
in her face. "I guarantee it he'll be begging to die for every day of his
life."
Judging
by the look in her eyes as those words escaped her lips, none of the Crusaders
doubted it.
I
"You
might have told me." Ronnie grumbled as he and Donovan rode the lift
towards Booster's penthouse apartment weeks after the Ani-Men threat had ended.
Donovan
was laughing so hard he could barely answer. He supposed he should not be so
merciless at his friend's expense but the opportunity was too rich. Ronnie
bristled visibly as Donovan made some half hearted attempt to stifle his
guffaws.
"Will
you cut it out already?" Ronnie glared at him.
"I'm
sorry," Donovan straightened up and cleared is throat. "I supposed, I
should have told you that Sigrid was gay but you never asked."
"I
still can't believe it." Ronnie said bewildered. "How does a
beautiful woman like that go down that road? I mean, it's almost
sacrilegious."
Ronnie's
reaction to Sigrid's admission made the whole situation all the more amusing.
Donovan knew he should not be laughing but Ronnie Raymond went through life
believing that his looks were meant for making womanising so much easier. It
supposed it must have been bruising to the ego to believe that there were just
some women on whom his charm failed.
"To
each his own." Donovan said as he managed to regain his composure.
"She told me about it the first time we went to dinner."
Ronnie
turned to him quickly. "You mean you asked her out on a date too?"
"No,
it was nothing like that." Donovan replied. "Sigrid and I are just
friends. I like it that way. We go out to the movies and dinner sometimes.
There's nothing romantic about it. Its just she doesn't know that many people
in New York and me…." He paused as he inadvertently came upon a
subject he did not like discussing ordinarily. However, he and Ronnie had
developed a deeper understanding of each other since their talk at his
apartment. Further more, it would not be premature to say they were becoming
close friends in light of their tragic backgrounds.
He
met Ronnie's gaze. "My friends don't know how to treat me now that I'm in
a wheel chair. I have to admit they tried fitting me into the group after the
shooting but it just didn't feel right and since I can't tell them I'm General
Glory, its best to just keep away."
"That's
rough." Ronnie responded understanding completely how that felt. When he
had discovered his body was riddled with cancer, most of his friends had
similarly dissolved. Ronnie understand that their behaviour was due to their
own inadequacies on how he should be regarded because they feared offending
him.
"Besides,
being with Sigrid is easier than actually dealing with a relationship."
Donovan admitted.
"How
so?" Ronnie looked at him curiously.
"Let's
face it." He sighed depreciatingly. "I'm not that much of a catch am
I? Who would want a guy in a wheel chair?"
"Now
its you whose being shallow." Ronnie stated firmly. "You shouldn't
underestimate women that way. You'd be surprised how many women value an honest
relationship over demi-gods like myself who think monogamy is a bad word.
Believe me, I ought to know."
Donovan
rolled his eyes in sarcasm but understood that Ronnie was probably right. At
the moment, he had difficulty believing it was right to inflict his erratic
lifestyle on any woman. Especially one he cared for deeply. General Glory was
his body while he still wished to make a difference in this world; it was not
his to use for his own selfish ends. He knew that stance was over simplifying
matters but at this time, it was how he felt. "Anyway," he said
getting back to the issue at hand. "Sigrid and I have a good friendship
where there's not pressure of it leading to anything more intimate."
Ronnie
let out a frustrated sigh. "I still think it's a hell of a waste."
*********
Despite
the damage down to the Ani-Men complex, there was still enough of Section 22
intact for Sigrid and a number of her Star Labs companions to descend upon it
with a mission. More than a dozen minds that were experts in the field of
molecular biology and genetic biochemistry, were presented with the problem at
hand. The scientists took Lovecraft's data apart in order to understand the
scientific theory that had allowed him to perform his genetic experiments in
Ani-Men evolution.
Although
the task had seemed daunting at first, Sigrid refused to give up because it was
imperative that a solution be found. Lovecraft's equipment was still
functioning and if they could decipher the data before them, she had been
confident they would find their answer. It had taken several days and nights of
burning the proverbial midnight oil as learned minds studied the information
like a scourge from god.
When
it seemed as if success was a remote possibility, Sigrid had found the answer
but learnt quickly that it was not a complete victory. In the end, Lovecraft
had managed to defeat them even if it was a minor triumph. Recovery for Zatanna
and Kevin was within the realms of possibility. However, for those who had been
in their mutated forms for an extended period of time, the process was
irreversible. To attempt such a thing would have ensured severe cellular damage
and neither Sigrid nor her colleagues were willing to take the risk.
The
Central American government on which the complex resided had no choice but to
take matters in their own hands. Allowing the Star Lab contingent to restore
the Ani-Men that could be saved, the government turned their attention to those
who could. The Crusaders were forced to watch helplessly as trucks and
containment vehicles loaded with the mutant captives disappear into uncertain
territory. Later on, the super group discovered through Oracle's vast network
of information that the specimens had been given a humane death. Sigrid could
not understand how any death could be considered human but neither Star Labs
nor the Crusaders were in any position to do anything. The Ani-Men complex was
outside US territory and that also took their welfare out of American
jurisdiction. All that was left for them to do was lodge an official protest
that was all but ignored.
"So is there any word on Lovecraft?" Beatriz asked.
It
was the first time the group had been together on a social occasion since their
departure from Central America following the conclusion of the Ani-Men
incident. Zatanna had been discharged from the ministrations of Star Labs a few
days ago and had been recuperating at Booster's penthouse for the time being
until she was ready to return home to New England. Although many of them had
felt their accomplishments in Central America had been a hollow victory, a
small celebration was still in order, if just to boost everyone's morale. It
was even better when they had the presence of an unexpected guest.
"None
that Oracle has been able to find." Jonn Jonzz replied. "She's been
using League resources to the fullest. Wherever the man is, he must have fallen
off the face of the planet."
"We'll
keep an eye out for sure." Guy declared firmly. "Scum like that
usually rises to the surface after a while." He reached for a slice of
pizza on the nearby coffee table and took a bite before turning his attention
to Ted. "By the way, thanks for the scholarship."
Ted,
who was sitting on the floor against the sofa where Zatanna was lying down,
shifted uncomfortably at the remark. Although Kevin Sharp's chances of getting
to college with a track scholarship had been destroyed thanks to the Ani-Men,
Ted had come to the rescue by means of Lightspeed. The company had donated a
number of scholarships to Guy's high school, with the provision that one of
those boons go to Kevin Sharpe. Ted hated the idea of letting Maximus get his
way, even in this. "Its tax deductible." He replied.
"Like
hell it is." Booster countered good-naturedly. "Basically Ted went to
our accountants and ordered them to get it done or else."
"Thanks
a lot buddy." Ted scowled at him
"My
pleasure," Booster grinned. "He's just a big softy."
"Well,
I appreciate it." Guy replied honestly. "Learn to take a compliment,
will ya?"
Ted
tried not to seem embarrassed but he was. He handled very few things well
without the benefit of humour to bolster his confidence. What he had done was
nothing extraordinary and after what he and Donovan had seen of that
neighbourhood, he believed those kids needed all the breaks they could get.
"So
how are you feeling Zatanna?" Sigrid asked, moving the subject away from
Ted because she could tell he was uncomfortable with all the attention. After being
showered by similar praises all week herself, she could understand his
discomfiture all too well. She wished her friends would understand that
restoring Zatanna and the others was not a solo effort on her part. She had the
assistance of Star Labs best minds to help her understand Lovecraft's
transformation procedure. She did not want to take credit for everything when
it was by no means a solo performance.
"I'm
alright." Zatanna said shifting in the sofa to a more upright position.
She still felt sore after the treatment she had been enduring the past weeks
but felt better just knowing she was back to normal. Her scrambled DNA had been
purged of the Ani-Men contaminants and just being able to look in the mirror to
see her own face without the benefit of any glamour was gratifying. "I'm
taking my pills and Ted's making sure I'm not exerting myself any more than
necessary." She responded dutifully, offering Ted a tender smile as she
spoke.
"Good,"
Sigrid replied, pleased by the woman's progress. "I'll expect to see you
on Saturday before you head back to New England."
"Will
do." Zatanna saluted her obediently.
In
the meantime, Jonn and Guy had slipped away from the main group for a private
exchange. Although Guy had nothing to hide from his comrades, he did wish to
speak to Jonn privately. It was hard being around the Martian without reverting
to some old habits. To all of them in the room, Jonn would always be a picture
of authority. During their League years, Jonn had been friend, adviser,
sometimes parent and disciplinarian to almost everyone in the room. It was hard
to forget all that history just because they were no longer teammates.
"Jonn
I want to thank you." Guy said quietly.
The
Martian who was probably reading his intent directly from Guy's unguarded mind
did not seem surprised to hear his gratitude. "Thanks are not needed,
Guy." Jonn spoke into that often infuriatingly calm voice. "The
Crusaders are your team, not mine."
"I
know." Guy nodded. "But I still want to thank you anyway. I know you
wanted to help us with the Ani-Men but I also know you held back for a
reason."
Jonn
let out a heavy sigh. "You didn't need my help Guy. Things have changed
for you, for the better definitely. There's not a person out there who doesn't
feel that you earned their respect. I'm proud of you."
There
was a time not too long ago, when those words would have been meaningless to
Guy Gardner. He knew during his days in the League, he was barely tolerated by
the majority of its members. Jonn included. Guy could hardly blame them for
that opinion, considering he was boorish, almost psychotic and down right
arrogant beyond belief. Guy knew he had gone a long way to changing those
opinions about him in recent times. Still, hearing it from Jonn gave him a
sense of accomplishment that was all too infrequent in his life.
"Thanks
Jonn," Guy said trying not to show that the Martian's words had affected
him deeply. There were still some things about the Guy Gardner image he wanted
to maintain. He took a deep breath to shrug off the moment before replying.
"Come on Skipper, we'll break out the Oreos."
"And
then again, I might have spoken too hastily." Jonn retorted.
"Its
too late now." Guy grinned.
"Hey
is this a party or what?" They heard Ronnie's voice announcing loudly as
he and Donovan made their arrival.
Guy
glanced at Jonn with a knowing smile. "Come on Jonn," he nudged the
tall Martian in the ribs as someone turned up the music and belted out Cher's
latest throughout the room. "Admit it, you missed us." The Vuldarian
grinned at him, full of mischief.
Jonn
did not answer and rolled his eyes in resignation. "That's one way to put
it."
*********
He
could not see but he could hear the movement in the darkness.
Somewhere
nearby, he could hear the repetitious plinking of water droplets on stone. He
could not crane his neck to see which direction the sound was coming from. He
hung suspended in the filament, unable to move, unable to run. All he was
allowed to do was scream but it seemed no one could hear him.
Lovecraft
tried to remember how much time had slipped past since he began his
imprisonment in this shadowy dungeon. He remembered Titus taking him to safety
when it seemed capture by the paranormals was eminent. Titus had been one of
Maximus' most loyal subjects and the doctor naturally assumed that Titus would
deliver him to the Ani-Men leader. However, Titus had not brought him to
Maximus and as the giant spider creature carried him away from the complex,
Lovecraft was almost grateful. He had not relished falling into the hands of
the authorities he was certain, would not understand the nature of his work.
However, Titus had not released him and despite Lovecraft's pleas, the Ani-Men
continued through the rainforest, journeying continuously for the next two days
through harsh, unyielding terrain. He had screamed at Titus to let him go until
his vocal cords felt like knotted pieces of leather and still Titus continued
travelling. At some point, Lovecraft had finally succumb to exhaustion and
allowed himself to sleep in Titus' unfailing grip.
The
journey came to an end in a cave far beneath the earth. Although Lovecraft had
not been awake during the descent below ground, he knew they were nevertheless
deep beneath the surface. He heard no sounds of life in this place. Not even
insects would dare venture into this domain. Even if Titus was no ordinary
spider, the other insects recognised him for what he was and wisely kept their
distance. Lovecraft could not understand what reason motivated Titus to squirrel
him in such a dismal place and more importantly, where was Maximus?
Lovecraft
knew with complete certainty that Maximus was too smart to allow himself to be
captured by the paranormals. However, if Maximus was free, then why had he not
come to deliver his faithful servant? Without Lovecraft, Maximus had no
Ani-Men. Only he understood the work and only he was capable of creating a new
army for Maximus' grandiose plans. However, as the days passed there were no
signs of Maximus and no indication that Titus intended to let him escape. The
Ani-Men had him bounded to the uneven walls of the cave with the thick residue
normally reserved by arachnids for the production of their elaborate webs.
Although Titus was much too large to undertake such a construct, the resin kept
Lovecraft trapped as any fly snared by a web.
For
a brief period of time, Lovecraft actually entertained the notion that Titus
may actually intend to use him as food. Despite the subservience all Ani-Men
were naturally programmed to possess, that obedience was only to Maximus.
Lovecraft never believed it would be necessary to program such safeguards.
Nevertheless, for days, he wrested with the fear that sooner or later Titus
would see him as a source of nourishment, instead of a remnant of a past existence.
However,
that opinion soon disappeared as Titus began bringing him offerings of food.
Lovecraft assumed they were still in the rain forest because the food consisted
mainly of fruits, berries and an assortment of nuts. Whatever purpose Titus had
in mind for him, Lovecraft was relieved to know that Titus intended to keep him
alive. Occasionally, Lovecraft would draw conversation from the gigantic
arachnid. The more isolated Titus had become, the further his linguistic skills
seem to deteriorate. Eventually, Lovecraft could get nothing from him except a
loosely strung series of words that could be considered a sentence if one
listened closely enough.
When
he did speak, it was difficult to understand Titus. Lovecraft understood enough
to know that it was the future that mostly preoccupied Titus' thoughts now that
he was no longer apart of the Ani-Men hierarchy. He sometimes made reference to
being a host but the manner in which he expressed himself was getting harder to
understand with each passing day. The scientist in Lovecraft came to the
conclusion that the further away the Ani-Men was disassociated from normal
human behaviour, the faster they descended into the animal alternative.
Lovecraft wondered how long it would be before Titus forgot that his prisoner
was no longer a guest but food.
One
day, the Ani-Men had remained in its cave for most of the day. Usually, Titus
would go foraging for Lovecraft's food, but on this particular day, he had not
left the confines of the dark enclosure. Still pined to the wall in the web
like substance that Titus was diligent enough to reinforce daily, Lovecraft
watched helplessly as the creature heaved and groaned laboriously. Titus
survival was his survival and Lovecraft had feared the worst. However, the incident
had come and gone with Titus returning to normal and falling back into familiar
patents the following day.
Today
however, Lovecraft heard something new in the usual silence of his prison. He
could not identify the sound but it almost sounded like tearing. He could not
even imagine what there was in this dismal place to tear but Lovecraft was
certain of what he had heard. Something was moving inside his dungeon and it
was not him.
Suddenly,
he saw them. Small and nimble, they ran across the stone floor, their
exoskeleton frames tapping lightly against the ground as they moved. There were
so many of them he could barely count where one creature began and another
ended. With stark horror, Lovecraft suddenly recalled what kind arachnid DNA he
had used to transform Titus into an Ani-Men. He remembered that the particular
species was capable of asexual reproduction and it now dawned on him that Titus
was subject to such characteristics.
"I'm
sorry it has to end this way doctor." Titus' voice suddenly filled the
cave.
Lovecraft
could not see the Ani-Men for Titus was speaking from the entrance way of his
birthing chamber. There was still enough humanity left in Titus for him to
mourn what was to come. However, not enough for it to be of any use to Doctor
Lovecraft.
"Titus!"
Lovecraft started to panic as he saw the stunted horde of spiders quickly
advancing towards him. "What is this?"
"The
Master always told us that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the
few." Titus continued, his raspy voice seemed inordinately sad. "I
have enjoyed your companionship Doctor, but I must yield to the needs of my
children."
"Needs?"
Lovecraft stammered as he saw the first of tiny arachnids climbing up his toes.
The swarm of spiders leapt unto him from the ground, driven by hidden purpose
that the good doctor was only now starting to comprehend. Realisation brought
to surface blinding panic as he struggled desperately to escape the webbing
that had kept him trapped, awaiting a grisly fate. "What needs?" He shouted
as the spiders began to swarm. Their dark bodies moving so fast and so many
that Lovecraft could see nothing else. As he began to scream helplessly, he
heard Titus' final answer.
"My
children must feed."
********
In
this business, it paid to have connections.
There
was no way a man could call himself a legitimate theatrical agent without
having at least some contacts at his disposal. It was because of these
connections that Jeff Sloane was called on to do a small favour for one his
prized clients and closest friends.
Although
there was no reason to be here, Jeff Sloane found he could not keep away. He
supposed a sense of longing had brought him to this dilapidated old circus. The
establishment was well past its prime and been so for many years now. In this cynical
day and age, dancing clowns, acrobats and performing animals were no match to
compete in any fashion with Nintendo games and Spice Girls. In its more
glamorous past, all the greats had played here at one point or another. Houdini
had once been a headliner of the Davis Circus, not to mention a young lady
magician by the name of Zatanna Zatara who was just beginning to perfect her
craft. In those days, the air was always filled with the sounds of happy
children and the smell of buttered popcorn and colourful cotton candy lifted
the spirits the way nothing else could.
At
present, Zee had confessed no desire to return to the entertainment industry,
despite her continuing popularity. Jeff had lost count of how many times he was
forced to turn down requests by dozens of venues for a comeback performance.
Unfortunately, Zatanna had moved beyond the need to perform parlour tricks for
a paying audience. She was not only a major player in the superhero community
but the woman had also taken control of her personal life in way she had never
been able to do before. Although it was not in his habit to keep abreast of
such things, the New York gossip columns and superhero tabloids had been
diligently reporting the ongoing romance she was having with Ted Kord. Not only
was the new man in her life the CEO of up and coming Lightspeed Entertainment
but was also known as the Blue Beetle. Personally, Jeff felt she could do
better but felt it was not his place to say. No matter how much history there
was between them, Zee would not take the intrusion kindly.
"Jeff
Sloane!" Al Davis exclaimed as he saw Jeff walking through the less than
crowded paths meandering through the circus stands. It was easy to identify one
man when the crowds were less than prolific these days.
"Hey
Al," Jeff grinned, genuinely pleased to see the owner of the Davis Circus.
"How's it going?"
"Not
so good." Al said honestly, gesturing to thinning crowds throughout the
place. "But we're hanging on."
"I'm
glad." Jeff replied truthfully. Despite the drop in business, there was
something about a circus that still warmed his insides. He was reminded of his
youth where he and Tommy Cutter would sneak in through the fence to see the
lions of the circus travelling through their town in small town USA. It was one
of the reasons why Jeff had always tried to secure as many decent acts as he
could for the Davis Circus. These days, circus acts were far and few but he
still tried to the best he could for Al. Despite the years of questionable
prosperity, Al still looked the same. He was a distinguished looking man, who
cut a fine image wearing his red ringmaster's suit against his ebony coloured
skin. Even though his dark curly hair had become snow white, Al still appeared
as imposing.
"By
the way," Al replied. "Thanks for the package. With these
environmental people the way they are, circus animals are hard to come
by."
"Don't
thank me," Jeff confessed. "Thank Zee. It was her gift."
"How
is that little girl these days?" Al asked remembering the young girl
fondly.
It
was easy to forget that Al Davis had been in the business when Zatara the
magician was still doing the circuit across the country. Al had known Zatanna
since she was a little girl, tagging along behind the great Zatara. In those
days, she was Zatara's assistant, practising his famous tricks in secret and
hoping, someday, she would be just as good. Jeff wondered what it was like to
have known her then before the world had passed through her eyes.
"She
great." He answered although he had not seen her face to face for some
months now. "Can I see him?" It was still an hour before the curtains
went up in the big top. Jeff knew Al was the person to ask not simply because
the older man was the ringmaster but also because he was the owner of the circus.
"I
don't see why not." He led Jeff towards the tents behind the big top.
"How
is he doing anyway?" Jeff inquired as they moved through the sawdust
streets and a group of children all sufficiently armed with candy and peanuts.
Judging by their excitement, it was the elephants for them. In the distance,
Jeff could see Jenny Layton guiding the circus' performing elephant (named
Leela) around a patch of green, with a child riding on its back. He made a
mental note to call on Jenny later.
"He
was a feisty animal I'll tell ya," Al admitted as they passed through the
tent flap that led to their destination. "Kit's not one to use the whip
but he didn't have much of a choice with him. I swear, I don't know who had a
worse time of it."
As
a rule, circus performers using animals did not like using physical force
during training but Jeff knew history behind this particular animal so he did
not pass judgement on the practice. Thus, he said nothing as they reached the
large cage inside the tent. The acrid smell of soiled hay greeted his nose as
he entered the enclosed space. Animal sounds could be heard from within.
"There he is." Al regarded the creature glaring at them through the
bars. The lion paced up and down the narrow length of cage that made up his
enclosure, its tail swinging lethargically from side to side. Its eyes hardly
left them as he moved across the hay floor, bearing teeth that glistened with
saliva.
"So
it is." Jeff smiled, staring into the creatures' eyes, wondering if it
knew what he had been once or if Zatanna had been callous enough to let it keep
those memories. Somehow, Jeff knew instinctively that she had. The malevolence
he saw in the creature's eyes did not seem at all animalistic but human in its
intensity. "You kept the name." He turned to Al, deciding he did not
want keep the creature's gaze any longer. Looking at it, made him
uncomfortable.
"Yeah,"
the older man nodded. "I followed your instructions, just the way Zee
wanted it."
"Good,"
Jeff replied with approval. His eyes moved to the wooden plaque hanging from
the top of the cage with its stencilled lettering.
REX
MAXIMUS
KING
OF THE BEASTS
He
had one more thing to do for Zatanna. During their conversation earlier that
afternoon, she had made him promise even though Jeff had found it strange until
she explained the truth behind her gift to Al Davis' collection of performing
animals. Jeff stared at the creature for a moment and then took a deep breath.
The creature's eyes unsettled him. Leaning closer towards the cage, he was far
enough to avoid injury should the lion decide to react and close enough to be
heard. As he stepped forward, it seemed as if the animal knew that Jeff was
about to speak.
"Zatanna
has a message for you Maximus." Jeff said softly. "For the rest of
your life."
THE
END