Titans of Justice Unlimited #45 – “Uproar Part 1”
Main Story Written by: Power Guy
Tales of the Titans Back-up Story Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy


The Hall of Justice…

The weekly meeting of the Titans of Justice was in session. After a few routine subjects were discussed, the floor was open for questions and Dark Arrow wasted no time in demanding what the plan of action was regarding the Legion of Doom.

“Nobody wants them apprehended more than I do,” replied Power Guy, firmly. “It’s just that other events have come up that have taken precedence such as Wonder Man and Jem’s baby being kidnapped and Lilith’s encounter with the Phoenix Force. Plus, it seems like every time we corner some of the Legion, they use that device of theirs to disappear into thin air but the Huntress is working on a…”





Dark Arrow stood up and interrupted the Kryptonian, “The Huntress has been a pale shadow of herself ever since Knightvision and Batgirl were killed! She’s obviously shaken up. Heck, she didn’t even show for today’s meeting!”





“Cut her some slack, Robert,” Sonic Boom said, defending her close friend. “Try and remember how you felt when you thought I had died after the Sting Ray blew up S.T.A.R. Labs a few years ago. It’s true, Helena’s been distant and keeping to herself a lot but she’s still here when it’s critical.”





Champion then captured the group’s attention, “As tragic as Knightvision and Batgirl’s death was, they weren’t the only ones who suffered at the Legion’s hands. Storm Surge is still recovering from the injuries he received from Solomon Grundy. I feel terrible about this given that the whole ordeal was initiated by that imposter posing as Priscilla Rich. Whoever she is, she seems to hate my family and friends just as much as Priscilla did with my grandmother’s loved ones. There is no-one here that feels more responsible for what happened than myself and I will not rest until Priscilla and all of her cohorts face Amazon justice!”





“Whoa, sister….,” urged Sargona. “Amazon justice? I’m not sure exactly what that’s all about but from the rumors I’ve heard, that sounds like something that would make a firing squad look like a more lenient option.”





“If my grandmother were still ruling Themyscira, you would be right but my mother would not allow such a thing so rest assured, as harsh as their punishment would be, execution would not be the end result.”

“Champion, that’s enough,” ordered Power Guy. “As much as I respect your people, we will not be handing over the Legion to them for judgment. The Legion committed their crimes on U.S. soil and therefore will face justice by the American court system.”

Apotheosis, who typically was quiet during most meetings piped up, “These villains seem to face justice by our court system only to escape and commit similar, if not worse crimes over and over again.”





“The new guy has a good point,” agreed Dark Arrow. “How many times have we locked horns with Grundy, Sting Ray, or Sultana only to put them away and find out a few months later that they’ve broken out of prison. I think since the law can’t seem to even apprehend these guys let alone hold them for long, we should be the ones to decide their sentencing.”

“Rob…….we have an example to set. We don’t kill,” reminded Green Lantern, looking his best friend straight in the eyes.





“The word kill didn’t come out of my mouth,” pointed out the emerald archer. “All I’m saying right now is that the Legion needs to be caught and given a sentence that will prevent them from ever hurting anyone again.”

“If you’re not talking about execution then what are you talking about?” asked Corporal Marvel as he stroked the back of his pet tiger who was lying on the floor beside him.





“With everyone that’s a part of this group whether it’s active members or reserve members like myself, we have access to resources that no government on this planet does,” explained the son of Green Arrow and Black Canary. “We could lock them in the Phantom Zone, put them away on Champion’s island, have Nuclearstorm turn them into statues, or in the worst case scenario when it’s down to the Legion’s lives or someone else’s, then we take them out permanently.”

“What happened to no killing, Rob?” demanded Sonic Boom.

“You mean like you did to Dr. Light?” reminded the sibling of the blonde bombshell.

“HOW DARE YOU!” screamed Di Di Queen as she stood up and slapped her brother across the face. “You, as well as everyone else here, knows I was under the influence of that power-ring from the Universe of Evil.”

“Yeah, we all know that, Di Di, but are you sure that there wasn’t even a small part of you that was happy he could never hurt another woman again like he did with Lian?” Dark Arrow asked as he rubbed his stinging cheek. “Look, sis, I wasn’t trying to be a jerk. I’m just pointing out that besides when Light came back as a Black Lantern, we haven’t had to worry about him any more and I’m sure every woman on this team is grateful for that.”

Sonic Boom turned to the leader of the team, “Power Guy – get him out of here! He’s obviously lost his marbles!”

“While I can’t fully agree with Sonic Boom’s second statement, I do believe it’s best if you left and thought things through a bit more. Some of your suggestions are a bit extreme for people with our kind of responsibility.”

“Are you really sure you want me to leave?” questioned the amazing archer from Star City. “I had a government official offer to sanction a splinter group of the Titans utilizing the type of methods I proposed.”

“This sounds like something Waller would cook up,” guessed Sargona.

“Nope…..but some of you do know him, especially Champion,” revealed Dark Arrow.

It didn’t take the daughter of Wonder Woman long to figure out who the emerald archer was referring to, “It’s Nemesis, isn’t it?”

“You know your new IADC partner pretty well already, don’t you?” smirked the bowman.

“This is insane!” howled Champion. “Since my time in man’s world, this team has taught me the virtue of restraint when it comes to dealing with wrong-doers. For the longest time, I had believed my grandmother, Hippolyta, was right in her strict stance on those who harm others but lately, many of you in this room have made me realize that my mother’s more diplomatic way of handling things is a better choice in most cases.” She then looked directly at Dark Arrow and continued on, “Tom worked with my mother for years in the Department of Meta-Human Affairs. I can’t believe he would support a team like the one your trying to put together. I am going to go speak with him at once!” The woman also known as Mindy Trevor took off for the hanger to board the Invisible Jet, leaving the other meeting participants quiet for a minute.

Dark Arrow surprised no-one in being the one to re-ignite the conversation, “Am I really the only one in this room that thinks a more aggressive branch of the Titans is a good idea?”

A few hearts in the room began beating rapidly, waiting to see if anyone would respond to Robert Queen’s question.

Hawkgirl was the first to respond, “No, you’re not. What you’re proposing is much more in line with the justice system I’m used to on Thanagar. On my planet, if a man commits rape, he’s castrated. I must stay that the leniency that many of this planet’s governments show their criminals has been underwhelming to me. I will gladly join your team, Dark Arrow.”

“As will I,” Black Orchid said, surprising a few individuals in the room.





“Venus, you can’t be serious?” asked a shocked Sargona to her close friend.

“I am, Esmeralda,” confirmed the human-plant hybrid. “During my time in both A.R.G.U.S. and the Suicide Squad, I saw too many sickos and pyschopaths find their way back onto the streets due to red tape or a government’s inability to hold them. Plus, I still think about what the Floronic Man made me do when I was under his control. Maybe all of those heroes wouldn’t have died had he been dealt with more strictly for his previous crimes.”

“I also support Dark Arrow’s position,” Apotheosis said, adding himself to the ranks of the archer’s team. “As many of you know, my father was the super-villain known as Paragon. I can’t even tell you how many times the Justice League put him away only to see him escape and terrorize more people, including my mother and I.”

“Ok, we’re up to five. Anyone else?” Dark Arrow asked, surveying the crowd of heroes in the room.

“Five?” repeated Green Lantern. “Hawkgirl, Black Orchid, Apotheosis, and yourself only make four.”

“Actually, I visited Storm Surge before the meeting and he was all to eager to sign up,” explained the battling bowman.

“No offense, Arrow,” began Sargona, “But the last team you put together didn’t last very long.”

“That’s because we folded in with you guys once Di Di and the others were revealed to be alive plus I quickly learned not to trust Waller, who was pulling our strings that time around.”

Sonic Boom was both embarrassed and upset over this turn of events. She got up, walked to the door, opened it up and announced, “Get out – Team Arrow. You’ve worn out your welcome here already!”

“Di Di…..settle down,” advised Power Guy. “While your sister may not have said it in the nicest way, I do think it’s best that………uh…Team Arrow leaves for now so we can all take some time to digest this.”

“Fair enough,” agreed Dark Arrow. “I’ll be in touch to let you know who else joins us as there are several reserve members who didn’t make today’s meeting.” The archer allowed all of his new team members to go ahead of him and then stopped to ask, “Di Di, Daniel – it’s not too late to come with us.”

“Thank you but no thank you, Rob,” Green Lantern answered, calmly.

“Mom and dad would be so disappointed in what you’re doing,” replied Sonic Boom with a look of disgust on her face.

***

IADC Headquarters…

Mindy Trevor came storming into Tom Tressor’s office, slamming the door behind her. “Tom, what is the meaning of this team you and Dark Arrow are putting together?”

“Do you really have to ask, Mindy? I just found out I was manipulated by a bunch of super-villains into conceiving a child with your mother and then I had another super-villain kidnap my grandson for the sole purpose of ruining your our lives! All of those years I’ve lost with your brother……………….Can you imagine how much that hurts?”





“But Tom, while I haven’t known you a long time, I can tell that you’re a good, honest man. Don’t you think this idea is a bit extreme? Superheroes have an example to set.”

“First of all, this came from way higher up than myself. I simply volunteered to head the project once I found out about it. As for setting an example, that’s for you and your team to do. Let Dark Arrow’s group handle the ugly, sticky situations.”

“And what happens when your team of superheroes becomes as feared by the people as the supervillains they’re supposed to protect them from?” asked Mindy.

“Right now, I’m thinking we’ll cross that bridge if and when we come to it,” the man also known as Nemesis replied, dryly. “Now, I’ve got to figure out the budget numbers for the team so if you’ll excuse me?”

Without saying a word, Mindy Trevor turned around and exited the large, cluttered office.

***

Several Days Later in an Undisclosed Location…

“Welcome, everyone, to the first official meeting of the Titans of Authority,” greeted Dark Arrow, smiling at his new team.


TO BE CONTINUED!

***

Tales of the Titans Starring: Green Lantern & Lilith


Donna Troy and Lilith Clay headed to the Hall of Justice. The women had enjoyed a lunch and now were ready to do some investigating.

“I wish I knew why I kept seeing that mansion in Maine and what it has to do with me.” Lilith sighed.





“All of our old files, even Mr. Jupiter’s are stored at the Hall of Justice. After the original Titans split up, Mal kept our case files. When the Titans of Justice formed, he stored them here in case they ever needed them.”





“Mal. We need to visit him and Karen soon.” Lilith smiled, looking up at the Hall of Justice. It was a grand building. Lilith remembered when the Titans were based out of Mr. Jupiter’s lab and later the Tower, but this building was something special. Donna swiped her access card and the ladies were admitted. Down the hall they walked where pictures of everyone who ever served on the team were displayed. They stopped to look at Wonder Man’s photo. It was very different from the rest. It had been retouched and his teeth were beyond white. Lilith and Donna both got a chuckle out of that.

They were greeted by Magno, who was on monitor duty. They tried to chat with the Freedom Fighter for a few moments before they realized he was not interested in engaging them or anyone else in non-essential conversation. Magno was still struggling with his humanity after being turned into living metal. The girls then headed to the archive room and started pouring over files.

In the training room, Green Lantern was struggling with a massive headache.

“Power Guy wants me to complete this training module, but I feel so sick.”





Ever since the Phoenix crisis, Green Lantern had noticed his ring not functioning correctly. Sometimes his constructs had not manifested as he intended, hence the extra training. He made his way to the locker room and splashed cold water on his face. He noticed his eyes were both a fiery orange.

“Dear God, what is happening to me…..” he gasped.

Back in the archive room, Donna and Lilith looked over old case files and photos.

“So far nothing. This is hopeless. I’m sorry I wasted your time Donna.” Lilith said.

“You are not wasting my time. That vision means something and we are going to find out what it is. I may not be a detective like Dick, but you and I are more than capable. We will find a clue, somewhere. I am sure of it.” Donna smiled at her friend.

“Mr. Jupiter was always so secretive about his past. I wonder if he—“ Lilith’s sentence was cut short as an alarm sounded. She felt an intense heat welling up in her heart. “Donna, I don’t feel so good….”

Donna Troy gasped as Lilith was consumed in flames and started floating in the air.

“Lilith! Great Hera! Lilith!” Donna shouted.

In the training room, Green Lantern felt as if his skull would split open. He felt sick to his stomach and doubled over in agony. He noticed the training room was consumed in flames, but nothing was burning up. His vision blurred, but he could see a fiery figure levitating near him.

Both Magno and Donna Troy followed.

“Any clue what this is about? I heard all about what happened with the Phoenix, and this certainly looks like a sequel.” Magno said.





“I don’t know…this feels…different. Non-threatening…” Donna replied. Just then the Phoenix form emerged from Green Lantern’s mouth. He had doubled over as fire expelled out of him, leaving him gasping on the floor. Magno ran to his side. The phoenix-shaped fire consumed Lilith and within seconds all the flames were extinguished.

“Green Lantern…are you ok?” Magno asked.

“I….yes, I’m fine. In fact, I feel great.” Green Lantern said, noticing his headache was gone.

Donna Troy took Lilith’s hands. Lilith looked a bit out of it. Donna was hoping that Lilith was not possessed again.

“I’m ok Donna….the Phoenix….left me this gift…..My ESP….it’s like never before, whoa I need a glass of water.”

“Here, I’ll get you a bottle.” Magno offered. To his surprise, a bottle was already levitating towards Lilith.

‘Lilith! Did you see that?” Donna gasped.

“I did! I’ve never been able to do that!”

Just then Lilith went into a trance. Minutes later, she woke up.

Green Lantern, Magno, and Donna Troy all sat around her, concern on their faces.

“I’m ok. I’m me.” Lilith smiled. “I understand now. The Phoenix left me a gift for all the trouble it caused. When it was leaving this world, it was sorry for mistaking me for Jean Grey. I think in its own odd way, it gave me powers like hers. Telekinesis, heightened ESP.”

“I don’t understand.” Green Lantern said. “What did I have to do with all this?”

“When it was leaving, you were nearest to it. I think the Infinity Gauntlet had weakened it a bit and the gift was transferred to you. All I had to do was get near you, and the gift would find its true recipient, me.”

“That explains why I felt so sick lately and why my ring wasn’t doing what I willed it to do.”

Days later, after being examined at S.T.A.R. Labs, Illumina explained Lilith’s test results.

“It is unbelievable. You went from a mid-level mentalist to a full-blown telekinetic. Plus our tests show that your psychic powers have at the very least, doubled.” Illumina said.





“Sometimes I never wanted my power, but this is pretty cool. I can do lots of good with the heightened ESP. and the telekinesis.”

“I’ve never seen anything like it, how do you feel?”

“I feel fine, never better!”

In the waiting room, Lilith joined her best friend, Donna Troy.

“Everything’s cool. I’m fine!” Lilith smiled.

“That is awesome. Now, how about that mansion in Maine!?”

“You know Donna, I feel like that can wait now. I feel at peace, happy. Despite not knowing where I really came from. I’m pretty lucky. The Clays are a great family and I have great friends. Now, I am getting a vision….you…me…happy hour!”

Both girls laughed as they left S.T.A.R. and headed off for an evening of drinks and fun.


The End!