Titans of Justice Unlimited # 64 – “World War Justice Part 2”
Written by: Scotty2Hotty
Edited & Maxi-Micros by: Power Guy



“Julia Ryder reporting with a WGBS exclusive. Just moments ago, the Titans of Authority government liason, Tom Tressor, served the Titans of Justice walking papers. That’s right viewers, the Titans of Justice have been shut down. In another surprise, the jewel thief known as Kitty Kat has been revealed as a government agent working alongside the Titans of Authority. After a brief confrontation, both teams disappeared. We assume they have gone to the Hall of Justice to start packing or to sort this unbelievable turn of events out.”





“AGGGGGGGGGGGHHHH!!! HAHAHAHHAAAAAHAAAA!!!!!” Punchline laughed hysterically as he smashed the television with his large, green mallet. “Betrayed! Betrayed by the Kitty Kat!”





“I can’t believe it. She was using us all along!” Baron Vertigo said.





“I never trusted her.” Ebeneezer Faust chided.





“We aren’t going to just let her get away with this are we?” Briar Rose demanded.





“So, there was a kitty kat in the hen house……betrayed us all…..but so beautifully played out….HOHOHOHAHAHAHAHA!!!!” Punchline laughed as he ran his fingers through his green, greasy hair. “I couldn’t have executed such a plan any better myself! So beautiful!”

“What are you talking about? Who knows what she’s telling them!” Bonfire screamed.





“Probably telling them how to find us and our captives!” Dr. Natas said, frantically.





“Oh…oh what will we do???” Punchline said in a fake crying voice, pinching his cheeks.

“Well, I for one have had enough of this foolishness.” Bonfire said, crossing her arms. “I’m not waiting around for the Titans to raid this place!”

"SILENCE! All of you!” Punchline said in a very serious tone. “Gather our guests from the lounge.” He said, pointing towards the torture chamber. “It’s time to move to our summer home.”

***

The Hall of Justice…

“It’s iron clad.” Starman announced. “They have every right to revoke our charter. I can’t believe this.”







Starman held the document in his fist and stared at Nemesis as well as several of his former teammates. He started to speak, “What is the meaning of this? We’ve helped out more times that I can count. Saved the world, helped where needed. And now, you decide to shut us down?”

“Not me. You’ll notice that declaration is signed by the President himself as well as the leaders’ council of the United Nations. You’ll notice that several countries have asked that you not set foot on their soil as well.” Tom replied. “I have no personal issue with any of the Titans of Justice. This is just business.”







“Just business? Well why don’t you wipe that smug expression from your face then?” Corporal Marvel shouted.







Black Adam stepped forward. “Watch your tongue, boy. Before I rip it from your mouth.”







Isis got between the two arguing wielders of the power of Shazam and yelled, “Both of you, enough!”







Flash spoke up. “What about your little band, Mr. Tressor? Kitty Kat is a wanted criminal and she’s a member of your group?”







“Kitty Kat has been invaluable to the Authority Initiative. She has a full pardon for her crimes.” Tom said.

“Hmph. I’m sure she’s only out for herself. Just what did you have to promise her to get her on your side?” Black Vulcan questioned.







“That my dear, is none of your business.” Kitty Kat smiled.







Totem stepped forward. “Starman…all of you….I never thought I would have found myself in this position. But, after seeing what the Gored Ox did to my father….I…held his hand while he took his last breath …” Totem teared up.







“Rachel, I know that was horrible to endure. But, this….this eye for an eye…it’s not what your father would have wanted.” Green Lantern gently said.







“Oh stuff it Padre.” Jo Jo Gardner spat, smacking his gum. “If it were up to you all the baddies would be preached to death. We take action. Your kind of super-heroing is out of date, expired. In other words, not needed.”







“Watch how you talk to him, Streaky!” Goldbug retorted. “Green Lantern is one of the best…one of the bravest.”







“He certainly is. And I can tell your team over there is hanging together by a thread. I can tell there’s animosity among your members.” Supergirl added, noticing Superboy roll his eyes when Jo Jo spoke.







“And we trust each other and we work hard TOGETHER. We follow the rules. Our justice system may have its flaws but that’s not for us to decide. You all operate like it’s the old West.” Sonic Boom said, glaring at her brother.







“Oh? Is that a fact?” Tom said. The Huntress grew uncomfortable as he spoke. “Huntress, why don’t you tell your teammates just how tight you all are.”

“Tom, this is not the time nor the place….” The Huntress said backing away from her teammates.







“Huntress, what is he talking about?” Hawk Warrior demanded. Magno narrowed her eyes towards her.







Power Guy and Sonic Boom walked over to the Huntress. “Is there something going on here?” Power Guy asked.







“You…you’re not mixed up with them are you?” Sonic Boom quietly asked.

The Huntress was silent. Finally she said, “None of you were there that night. Barbara Gordon…” she erupted into tears. “She blames me for what happened to Knightvision and Batgirl and in a way she’s right. We were supposed to protect each other and I failed. Don’t you understand? I failed them! Me! This is all my fault!” she sobbed.

Green Lantern approached her. “Huntress, you didn’t fail them. What happened was horrible, I was there. Even if you had been there, you still may not have been able to help them.” Realizing the burden his friend had been carrying for months.

Kitty Kat held back tears as she watched the Huntress break down.

Sonic Boom hugged her. “Huntress, let it out. Let it all out. None of realized…none of knew how badly this affected you. I’m sorry…I’m sorry.”

“She still hasn’t answered the question. Have you been helping the Titans of Authority?” Magno said in a very flat tone.







The Huntress pulled herself together. “Yes. Yes, I have. I’ve been helping Tom by giving him information from my contacts.”

“That night in the alley. You were there spying for Tom!” Champion said, remembering seeing the Huntress at the alley crime scene where the Gored Ox had murdered several prostitutes.







“I don’t expect any of you to understand and I don’t regret what I did. It’s the least I can for Knightvision and Batgirl. And for Barbara. That woman has suffered enough.”

“How dare you?” Sonic Boom snapped at Tom Tressor. “How dare you prey on her grief to manipulate her?”

“I helped willingly.” Huntress said, regaining her composure.

“Why didn’t you tell me? I could have helped you. I had no idea you were going through such a rough time. I should have been a better friend.” Power Guy said, putting his arm around the daughter of Batman and Catwoman.

Just then, two figures dropped from the overhead shadows. “It seems I trained her too well.” Came the Batman’s voice. “She kept this even from us.”







“Batman…Catwoman….” Corporal Marvel gasped.

The Huntress walked over to her parents. They embraced her.

“I’m sorry….I let you down…” she whispered.

“Look at me.” Catwoman smiled. “I’ve never been more proud of you. In your heart, you were doing this for your family.”







Batman drew his daughter close. “I understand. Especially after seeing Barbara’s reaction that night. Come on, we’re taking you home.”



Before the Bat-Family could exit, the main door opened and Hal Jordan, Green Arrow, and Black Canary entered. Hal Jordan walked over to his son and shook his hand. Dark Arrow, Sonic Boom, Green Arrow, and Black Canary all embraced. Sonic Boom noticed her parents stood at Dark Arrow’s side.

“Welcome to the Hall of Justice.” Starman said with respect.

“Dad, what are you doing here?” Daniel Jordan asked his father.

“We all saw on the news what happened. I came down here to support my son.” The former Green Lantern smiled.







“And we came to support our children.” Black Canary smiled.







“Even if your children have opposing views?” Sonic Boom asked.

“We raised you both to have your own opinions and to be steadfast in them.” Green Arrow said to his daughter.







The main door opened again and Superman, Wonder Woman, Wonder Man, and Jem all entered.

“Scott! Jerrica!” Champion cried running over to hug her brother and sister-in-law. “Thank Athena you are well. And where is Steven?”

“My sister and Murray are watching him.” Jem hugged her back. She saw Superboy and smiled at him.







Superman shook hands with Power Guy and Superboy. He hugged his daughter.

“Superman….I can’t believe it!” The Flash gasped. He was star struck at seeing the greatest of them all.

Superman approached Tom. “Tom, I’m concerned. Can the government just shut the Titans down?”







“I’m afraid so.” Tom and Superman discussed the President’s orders.

“Titans, your work is very important to us. Wonder Woman, Batman, Green Lantern, Green Arrow, Black Canary and I all served with the Justice League of America for years and when you all came along, we were excited—worried as parents, but happy to see you all carry on the tradition. However, your charter is governed by the United Nations and they have revoked your priviliges. Do you intend to comply?” Superman’s voice boomed through the halls.

Starman looked to his team. Each of them gave him a smiling glance.

“No. No we do not intend to comply. Something isn’t right with all this and we intend to find out what.” The leader of the Titans said.

“Here, here!” Goldbug cheered.

“Starman, please don’t do this. We have orders to arrest you all if you don’t comply.” Dark Arrow said.







“I encourage you to follow your orders, friend.” Starman smiled.

“Guys, please don’t make this any harder than it already is.” Wonder Man said.







“Wonder Man? You’re siding with them?” Black Vulcan gasped.

“I am. My son has been kidnapped….twice. If not for Apotheosis, Hera only knows what would have happened today.”

“Oh give it a rest, Wax-Man, you, and Ares, Circe, your family. Sounds more like a personal problem to me than a super-villain threat.” Goldbug smirked.

“Watch how you address my brother and my family.” Champion said. “Ares is no respecter of persons.”

“That’s enough Goldbug. Wonder Man and his wife were founding members of this team and I respect their decision.” Starman said looking to Jem.

“And I support my husband’s decision. Superboy is like a son to us and he helped save our lives and Steven’s. I stand behind his choice. Superboy, we love you and are so proud that you are part of our family.” the pretty pop star said.

“As a founder of the Justice Leauge of America, I endorse the Titans of Authority.” Wonder Woman spoke up.







“Mother--?” Champion said.

Wonder Woman took her daughter’s hand. “My daughter, my precious child. I know this must be confusing for you. For years I tried to veer you away from being a warrior, to try diplomacy first.”

“And I learned that you were right. My time with the Titans, my time in man’s world---it’s taught me the value of thinking things through…..”

“But, there are times when you must react quickly—to go with your gut feeling---a warrior’s feeling. Scott and Jerrica were nearly killed. My grandson—your nephew has been kidnapped twice. As I have gotten older and our family expanded, I have to change my stand.” She said, smiling at Superboy. “And I stand with the Titans of Authority.”

“Well Mother…..I must take a stand as well. I stand with my teammates in the Titans of Justice.”

“I would expect no less.” Wonder Woman said, touching her daughter’s cheek.

“If we are to choose sides, I choose to stay out of this.” Buffalo Brave said, his teammates shocked at his words. “Both teams offer good ideas, but it does not feel right…this government interference. Consider this my resignation from the Titans of Authority.”







“I agree with you Buffalo Brave.” Kid Comet replied. “When I first joined the Titans of Authority I saw it as a way to make a difference…a real difference. I don’t agree with the methods the team uses….but I also don’t agree with some of the ways the Titans of Justice handle things either. I choose to remain neutral.”





Batman spoke up, “The tactics used by the Titans of Authority are questionable. The goal of the group is a good one, however I do not endorse vigilante tactics. If we are choosing sides, I think the Titans of Justice have contributed to mankind and made sacrifices—probably sacrifices most of us will never know. As a veteran Justice Leaguer, I support the Titans of Justice.”

Catwoman looked at her husband. “We need to go, I want her out of here.”

“Before I go…..I’m not choosing sides. I think it’s best I stay out of it. I know my friends probably think I’ve lost my mind, but what I did….I did it for Knightvision and Batgirl. They’re never coming back…..”

“I wouldn’t be too sure of that.” Kitty Kat thought to herself, thinking of the Lazarus Pit and Tom’s promise to her.

All of the Titans watched as the Huntress left with her parents.

“Dad, I’m interested in your opinion.” Supergirl spoke up.

“Me too.” Superboy added.







“I think it’s best I stay out of this as well. Superboy, I understand your reasons for joining the Titans of Authority. I’m not saying a more proactive approach is best…..but I’ve been thinking about Ma so much since you returned. And I can’t help but think I somehow failed you.”

“Dad! What are you saying?” Supergirl said in disbelief. “By not choosing a side, you might as well side with them!”

Superman walked over to his daughter. “You never knew your grandmother. She was the kindest, gentlest woman I ever met. For her to die the way she did..” Superman fought back tears. “If I had found Luthor back then, if I had known what he did……”

Supergirl didn’t like seeing her father become upset. She gripped his hand, reassuringly.

Green Lantern looked at his father. “Dad what do you think?”

“No doubt son, I support you no matter what. Whatever I can do to help straighten out this mess, I am here.” Hal Jordan smiled.

Sonic Boom and Dark Arrow looked at their parents. “No need to say anything. I can tell already who you’re going to side with.” Sonic Boom said grimly.

“Now hold on there. We’re not picking one child over another. You weren’t there the day Bane nearly killed us both. And nearly killed your brother. If not for the Titans of Authority, we’d all three be dead and you would have returned from that God-forsaken Universe of Evil for three funerals.” Green Arrow said.

“Ollie, I have to say I’m a bit surprised.” Hal Jordan said. “Years ago you would never side with anything government related.

“People change Hal.” Black Canary added. “The threats have changed, the times have changed. When I heard about Diana’s grandson being kidnapped…..Barbara’s son murdered….all those people in Indiana killed by Major Force….it frightens me. The days of the Clock King and Crazy Quilt are gone. These villains….they’re animals, no morals. Someone has to stop them.”

Dark Arrow smiled at his mother. “Sonic Boom, please….this is tearing our family apart. We’ve always been close. Join us. Tom has the paperwork ready for you to sign.

Green Lantern watched Sonic Boom walk towards Tom. He extended a contract to her. She looked it over and promptly ripped it in half. “No thanks. I’m already part of a team.” She said, taking Green Lantern’s hand.

“Fine, break Mom and Dad’s heart.” Dark Arrow said to his sister.

“Your sister has made her choice. Respect it.” Green Arrow said to his son.

After more discussion, Wonder Woman, Wonder Man, Jem, Green Arrow, Black Canary, Hal Jordan, and Superman left the Hall of Justice. Sides had been chosen and the elder statesmen had offered their advice and assistance. As they left, Black Adam watched his wife. He could tell she was torn.

“I have to speak to my wife….in private.” He said. Both and he and Isis walked outside.

“How do you like that! Black Adam is about to bring his wife over to OUR side.” Jo Jo Gardner said, pointing to the Titans of Justice.

“Be quiet.” Lilith scolded him. Her mental powers were going haywire with the tensions and animosity in the room.







“I don’t like this one bit.” Flash whispered to Power Guy. “It’s almost like the Hatfields and McCoy’s. I mean, with everyone feeling like they have to pick a side.”

“I don’t like it either, Flash. Just stay cool.”

Moments later both Isis and Black Adam walked back in, hand in hand.

“My friends. My place is with my husband.” Isis said.

“Isis!? No way! You can’t join them!” Corporal Marvel said, surprised.

“Let my wife finish, boy.” Adam glared.

“My marriage is the most important thing to me. My beloved Adam offered to leave the Titans of Authority if I join him in neutrality. I gladly accept my husband’s offer.”

“Ha, looks like you lost one of your big guns!” Gold Bug teased. Starman shot him a look that said, “SHUT UP.”

“We understand, Isis.” Starman replied.

Black Adam and Isis left with the other neutral heroes.

“I hate that it has come to this. Titans, please gather your personal effects and vacate the premises.” Illumina started.







“No.” Starman said.

“What? Are you defying the decree?” Illumina questioned.

“The Hall of Justice isn’t just a building. It’s our home. And we are not giving it up. The technology used here is Kryptonian, Thanagarian, and other inventions of our members. The government doesn’t have a say in this.”

“Ah, sorry to burst your bubble.” Tom replied. “Actually the Hall of Justice was funded by a United Nations donation as well as the property being donated. In the charter the founding members all signed, there’s a stipulation that if the charter is ever revoked, the property reverts back to the U.N. I’m sorry.”

“Please….please just go. We don’t want a fight.” Storm Surge added.







“Despite what you may think of us, we really don’t want to fight.” Apotheosis said.







Goldbug had heard enough.” Well you got one!” he said firing off a bolt of energy at the Atlantean prince.

“Bug! Don’t !” Starman shouted.

“Don’t tell me you’re going to roll over like a good little dog for this crap!” Goldbug snapped.

“You dare strike at me?” Storm Surge said, anger in his voice.

“Yeah, I sure do!” Goldbug said firing another bolt.

Nemesis looked at his team. Each of them at the ready.

“Team, the first punch has been thrown. Execute the Authority Initiative!" Tom commanded.



TO BE CONTINUED!