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Post by Stranger on Nov 17, 2015 7:33:28 GMT -5
Monitor Duty is not one of the more glamorous perks of being in the Justice League. Chuck knew this when they invited him to be a member in his guise of Hawkman. The job was an important, yet mostly boring one. However Chuck came to enjoy the solitude. It allowed him to get up-to-speed on JLA procedures and mission archives, and maybe watch the Grand National Surfing Tournament every year. Hawkman took the job seriously when it was his rotation. This particular night, he would get a surprise. The JLA monitored all transmissions within the solar system. While sifting through Earth transmissions, Hawkman heard a very faint signal that he couldn’t quite pinpoint. Reducing the strength of the normal comm traffic, he realized the transmission was coming from his helmet, which was sitting on the console next to him, and not the JLA equipment. He pulled on his helmet and listened closely. It was a very faint signal, but the language was unmistakable, the message was a Thanagarian dialect! Hawkman recorded the transmission to his helmet software, it was a set of coordinates. He would investigate when his shift was over. Hawkman decided he would not inform the JLA immediately because he felt he should check it out first. A few hours went by and an alert appeared on the screen that his relief had just teleported in. A tall female in a dark uniform appeared.
“Batwoman, I stand relieved,” Hawkman said. “I hope Gotham can spare you for the rest of the night.”
“Don’t worry, Hawkman,” she replied, “I always know what’s happening in my city.”
“I’m sure you do,” Hawkman replied sarcastically.
Even with a full face mask, he could tell Batwoman smiled at the little joke.
Hawkman went to the teleporter and set the destination for the coordinates he intercepted on his helmet communicator. The coordinates sent him to an alley in St. Roch, Louisiana. Carter Hall had lived in St. Roch for many years. In fact, Chuck kept an apartment here as well. Hawkman decided to fly to his apartment and grab some more gear. As he flew off, a lone figure in a black robe stepped out of a nearby doorway. When Hawkman was far enough away, black wings unfolded from underneath the robe as the mystery figure effortlessly lifted into the air.
Hawkman kept a leisurely pace, as St, Roch was a beautiful city. He banked right to turn down the Rue de L'épervier (Street of the Hawk). At that moment, the attack came from above. Sharp metal blades stabbed into Hawkman’s shoulder blades. He spun around to see the black winged form diving toward him. Hawkman barely dodged another attack, this time from the bladed boots of his attacker. The pain had clouded Hawkman’s reaction time. He lost control and crashed into a small park below. His attacker landed and removed his robe. The male figure was dressed in a black uniform. He had sharp blades attached to his gloves and boots, a belt held several knives as did his harness, which also supported black birdlike wings. The helmet was feathered with a sharp straight beak. Hawkman recognized the uniform of a Raven, the assassin of the Highest Levels of Thanagarian society.
"Well, I must have attracted some high level attention, » Hawkman stated. « Who on Thanagar would want to bother with little old me."
His attacker responded, " All you need to know, is you must die."
With that the Raven leapt towards Hawkman ferociously. Hawkman countered the lunge with a kick to the stomach and flipped the Raven onto its back. Hawkman jumped up and pulled the katar he strapped between his wings and assumed a defensive posture. The Raven rose quickly and launched a series of darts from his gauntlets. Hawkman deflected all but one dart. The dart penetrated the muscle in his right thigh. Now angered, Hawkman attacked. He thrust forward with his katar and succeeded in slicing his opponent’s ribs. The Raven made no indication that he felt any pain. The two men atatcked and countered each other’s moves for quite a while. After a successful block, Hawkman began to feel naseous, his head began to spin. The dart that got through had poisoned him. He fell backward, his vision blurred, his muscles felt like jelly. The Raven unstrapped a large blade from his belt and casually walked towards Hawkman. The Raven was about to deal the final blow, when a golden light appeared next to Hawkman. A figure emerged. The figure was dressed in a long dark blue tunic with golden gauntlets, belt and collar. The most striking feature of this new arrival, was his distinct golden helmet.
The mysterious man spoke, "I give you one chance to surrender, assassin. If you do not, you will face the wrath of Doctor Fate."
The Raven chuckled and lunged at Fate. Fate murmured an incantation as the Raven was enveloped with eldritch energies. The Raven tried to break free, but to no avail. The Raven screamed ass the spell seemed to pull him apart. The Raven vanished as the energies seemed to collapse upon themselves. With the Raven gone, Fate reached out for Hawkman’s belt and activated his JLA signal device. Fate placed Hawkman in stasis until his teammates could arrive.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2015 11:30:50 GMT -5
Very interesting and a nice introduction to Fate. Lots of vivid detail and I like the scene with Hawkman and Batwoman. Raven gave Hawkman a very tough time. I hope Hawkman gets to plant his mace square on Raven's head! Nice reference to St. Roch as well. Well done!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 17, 2015 18:31:47 GMT -5
I just loved your descriptive of Doctor Fate and the use of very few characters as well. I also like the way Hawkman handled himself and showed the tenacity that he had. I loved the way Raven chuckling at the end of the story and I loved the reference point of St. Roch as mrjupiter pointed out in his post.
Great Story ...
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Post by justicefreak on Nov 18, 2015 18:03:00 GMT -5
Not bad. i like the little interplay between this new Hawkman and Batwoman. Like the mysteriousness of Dr. Fate. he almost seems like a combination of Fate,Spectre and Phantom Stranger. For some reason this whole set up reminds of of when the Justice League reformed after Crisis on Infinite Earth's happened. it has that same sort of vibe.
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Post by Stranger on Nov 18, 2015 18:10:02 GMT -5
Alright here's the next installment:
Chuck began hearing voices.
"How is he? “a female voice asked, “ Did the antidote help?"
"Yes, it did. We’re lucky we had the Thanagarian tech necessary to counter the poison," the male in the room responded
Chuck opened his eyes. There were three others in the medical bay at the JLA Satellite. A tall muscular man was wearing a distinct red and blue uniform with a red cape that gave him almost a regal stance. The woman had long blonde hair and was dressed in white leather and a white mask. The third figure was a mystery to him.
Hawkman spoke, "Superman, White Canary, what happened? I was fighting a Thanagarian assassin and next thing I know, I’m here. Who’s our new guest?"
"I am Dr. Fate," the third person spoke, "I was on an investigation when I came upon your battle. It was fortunate that I found you.
"Doc, I’m glad you were there," Hawkman admitted. "But what you were doing in St. Roch? It can’t be a coincidence."
"I’d ask you the same question, Hawkman," Superman chimed in."Your monitor duty logs showed a faint, alien transmission was intercepted and you didn’t report it. Why is that? "
"Well, let’s go to the Monitor Room and I’ll try to explain," Hawkman answered almost sheepishly.
Batwoman was still on Monitor Duty when the others appeared. She didn’t even flinch when the stranger in the helmet of Nabu came with them. She recognized the helmet and gave the man his due respect. Hawkman took a seat at the auxiliary console and punched up several files.
"Ok gang, here it is," Hawkman began. "I first heard the transmission on my helmet communicator. I didn’t realize the JLA Satellite’s systems had intercepted it as well. I immediately recognized it as a covert Thanagarian code. I thought that maybe it was a glitch because it was coming from St. Roch, possibly from some of my own equipment. I thought it was my responsibility because it was Thanagarian, and I have ties to Thanagar. The man that attacked me was a Raven, a Thanagarian assassin. I thought the sect was long gone, this only means that there are some high level Thanagarian citizens that still hire Ravens. I’m not sure why I was attacked. So Fate, what were you doing in Louisiana. "
Dr. Fate began his story, "I have noticed a shift in energies on our plane of existence for a few months now. I have been sifting through the different energies and trying to pinpoint what was different. Nth Metal, which Hawkman’s gear is made from, gives off a unique signature. It has magical and technological properties. There was a rise in Nth metal emanations on the earthly plane. I was tracking a large spike in those energies that led me to St. Roch. That’s when I found you."
"Dr. Fate can you detect those emissions, now?" Superman asked.
Fate responded, "Certainly, it will take some preparation. Is there a place where I can meditate?"
"Follow me, “White Canary offered, "I’ll take you to the Observation Deck, it’s beautifully quiet there."
White Canary leads Fate to the uppermost deck of the Satellite. The Observation Deck was an idyllic place filled with vegetation, and had a park like atmosphere. The ceiling was a huge transparent dome. Dr. Fate thanked his escort and began his meditation. Fate closed his eyes and reached deep within himself to tap into the mystic energies he has just only begun to understand. Jared remembered the first time he donned the helmet of Nabu. The assault on his mind, from Nabu trying to dominate him, was overwhelming. After a five year mental battle, Nabu had been banished from the helmet. Jared had to learn how to master these powers on his own. Fate was ready to reach out and search for the Nth Metal. He used the communication panel to summon the team to his location to begin the incantation.
While Fate was preparing Superman called some more support. Batwoman joined the group once Aquaman relieved her for Monitor Duty. The other new addition to the current group was a man dressed in scarlet and gold with a winged helmet. The group gathered around Dr. Fate while he began his spell. Strange bluish energies reached out from Dr. Fate’s hands and Hawkman’s helmet and wings began to glow the same color. The energies passed through the transparent dome and floated in space before moving again. The energies flowed closer to the dark side of Venus. Fate was alarmed.
"Focus your scanners towards Venus!" Fate exclaimed.
Superman barked an order through the comms, "Focus all scanners towards Venus! Maximum power!"
Aquaman responded back, "Superman, there’s a group of about twenty ships that was hiding within Venus’ magnetic fields. Great Neptune! They’re Thanagarian!”
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Post by Deleted on Nov 18, 2015 19:28:55 GMT -5
Your description of the Observation Deck is beautifully written. Looks like an invasion story about to be assaulted on the Satellite of the Justice League of America. Well written 2nd part and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I was surprised to see a 2nd part so soon.
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Post by Stranger on Nov 20, 2015 17:01:49 GMT -5
Here's the epic conclusion:
Superman initiated a team-wide alert. All active and reserve members were activated. The teleport chammels hummed with activity. The greatest heroes of Earth appeared one-by-one. The Roll Call was the stuff of legends : Superman, Batwoman & RedBird, Aquaman, Green Lantern, Flash, Hawkman, Black Canary, White Canary, along with reservists Wonder Man and Jem, as well as Dr.Fate. Assignments were handed out : Jem and Batwoman’s partner, Redbird were assigned to The Satellite to monitor defenses. The team recommissioned three Javelins to approach the Thanagarian fleet.
“ OK, team, ” Superman began. “ We will approach the Thanagarians in good faith. We will try diplomatic channels first. But, be prepared for the worst. There hasn’t been an alien fleet this deep into the solar system in many years. ”
Hawkman interjected, “I’m not sure which of the ruling families conscripted assassins to come for me. They want something. I don’t know what they’re after. Hopefully, they’ll listen to reason. ”
“ I agree with Hawkman, ” the Flash responded. “ I’ve dealt with these assassins before. They are no joke. If they have more, they may be conditioned to take on each one of us. ”
Dr. Fate added, “ I will cast a spell that should help us determine if they are telling the truth. I wish J’onn J’onzz was still on Earth,his telepathy could ascertain what they want. ”
Superman gave the order to approach. The three sleek ships rocketed from the hangar bay and veered towards Venus. Superman, Wonder Man, and Black Canary piloted the vessels. It was safer to split the team in case one Javelin waas compromised, they still had a substantial presence. As they neared the flotilla, they saw two large battleships surrounded by several support vessels. Superman’s ship broke from the group and headed towards the armada. He came nose to nose with one of the immense battleships.
Superman opened the communication channel, “ This is Superman, speaking for Planet Earth. We request a formal audience with your commander. Please respond. ”
“ Earth vessel ”, the communicator responded. “ We welcome your delegation. Please transport to the following coordinates. ”
The Thanagarians transmitted teleport coordinates. Hawkman, Superman, and Dr. Fate prepared to transport from their Javelin. Just prior to transport, Superman sent a coded message to the rest of the team. Hawkman strapped on a few extra weapons as a precaution. Dr. Fate mentally prepared to divine the truth. The teleporter emitted that familiar hum that the JlA has come to know. As they materialized on the battlecruiser, the welcoming party shimmered into view. Two heavily armored troopers with metallic wings flanked a tall, graceful man dressed in white and red robes with a winged headband and white feathered wings. Hawkman and Superman recognized the trappings of the man’s office. They were addressing the High Mor of Thanagar, their chief spiritual official.
The High Mor addressed the group, “ I am Vat Galnor, High Mor of Thanagar. I welcome you to our vessel. We are grateful that you reached out to us. ”
Hawkman restrained himself brfore he spoke, “ We are honored too be given an audience Lord Galnor. We humbly accept your welcome and hospitality. ”
Dr. Fate quietly cast the spell that allowed him to feel if their hosts were sincere. He could tell that they were hiding something. He also sensed a strong mystical energy that was blocking some of his senses.
Superman spoke up, “ High Mor, why do you have a fleet hidden in our solar system ? If this were a peaceful mission why did you not use proper diplomatic channels ? ”
Dr. Fate suddenly had a realization, “ Superman, The High Mor’s family crest is the same as the emblem on the assassin ! The Raven was conscripted by the High Mor ! ”
The heroes took up a defensive posture, Hawkman pulled a blaster from his belt and swung his mace in the other hand. Fate raised an energy shield between the Thanagrians and his group. Superman dug his heels in and prepared for the worst.
The High Mor just smiled as several Wingmen poured into the room, “ Thank you for bringing Hawkman to us. We wanted his Absorbascon, it originally belonged to Katar Hol, it has all the information we need to destroy your race and bolster our own powers ! ”
Superman responded, “ How can you do that ? Hawkman is here, but his absorbascon isn’t. Why start a war ? ”
Hawkman added, “ Well, actually……….I modified it to fit inside my helmet so I could protect it at all times. Maybe that wasn’t such a good idea. ”
“ Code Emerald Seven ! ” Superman barked over his communicator as he gave a disapproving glance over his shouldrer to Hawkman.
As that transmission was received, the space around the Thanagarian flotilla began to glow green. A contingent of Green Lanterns immobilized the fleet. They also jammed communications and Thanagarian transporter signals. Superman’s earlier transmission alerted the Green Lanterns to the invaders breaking interstellar law. So the High Mor could not get any more help. An instant later, six more League transporter signals touched down on the fore deck of the High Mor’s ship. The High Mor’s smug disposition turned to disgust as he fled the room and ordered his troops to destroy the Justice League.
Dr. Fate tried to seal the room but was not fast enough to keep the Mor from escaping. However, he prevented other troops from entering the room. The Thanagarians were about to experience the training and tactics of the world’s greatest defenders. Like a well oiled machine, Black Canary set loose her sonic scream to stun the first group of Wingmen. Next up, Flash sped to the rear to take out the Heavier weapons. Batwoman and White Canary vaulted into the fray. Superman and Aquaman charged forward with superhuman strength to mow down the stunned troops. Green Lantern used her ring to help supplement the magicks of Dr. Fate, she and Fate kept the room sealed and the fray contained. Hawkman flew over the first group holding Black Canary and they both dropped into the fight.
Aquaman and Superman used their brute force to take down the soldiers. Aquaman materialized his trident and would throw troopers towards Superman. Superman used his heat vision to destroy the blaster weapons in order to force hand-to-hand combat. Superman clashed two helmets together as Aquaman used his trident to vault behind the Man of Steel to incapacitate the Wingman sneaking up behind his teammate.
White Canary, Sarah Lance, didn’t share her sister’s sonic scream, but she was Black Canary’s better in martial arts. She stood back-to-back with Batwoman and surgically disabled each of her foes as they came at her. Watching Batwoman and White Canary was like watching a deadly ballet. Their moves were beautiful and brutal at the same time. Neither woman gave any signs of slowing down. Batwoman was running low on batarangs. Canary noticed and removed some from the closest fallen foe. Sarah backflipped towards batwoman and handed the weapons back to their owner. Without missing a beat, the two spun around and continued to face their opposition.
There was a small squad of Heavy Assault Troopers at the back of the group. The Flash appeared as a ghost to them. The heavy weapons fire was difficult to dodge, even at the Flash’s speed. He ran behind one wingman and destroyed their power supply. He easily dispatched the trooper with a flurry of punches. Another soldier fired his assault cannon and Flash barely dodged it. Flash decided to change tactics. He zig-zagged through all the assault troopers and was able to grab one of their weapons. He began running in a circle to create a vortex and fired the cannon in rapid succession, disabling the Assault Troops.
Hawkman fought like a man possessed. His mace denting helmets and breaking jaws while his blaster took out other Wingmen. Black Canary, Dinah Lance, danced around Hawkman with her fighting skills and every few breaths unleashed a sonic attack. These small screams disoriented the Wingmen long enough to knock them unconscious or have Hawkman bash them with his mace. Dinah fought with her escrima sticks as well, calculating the right series of blows to take down her enemies.
After what seemed like an eternity, the main force of Wingmen had been dispatched. As per their charter the League killed no one. They did, however, put a serious beating on the Thanagarian soldiers. Green Lantern and Doctor Fate unsealed the room and the League proceeded tu hunt for the High Mor himself. Hawkman was familiar with this class of ship, so he knew where the Panic Room and escape shuttle were. The team split up and Dr. Fate followed Hawkman. They followed the corridors to the Panic Room. There they found the High Mor. Hawkman couldn’t help but laugh at what he saw. The High Mor was being held by his feet, suspended in the air by an old friend of the League, Commander Kilowog of the Green Lantern Corps.
“Don’t worry about this poozer, ” Kilowog stated. “His command crew and him will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of Intergalactic Law. You sure you don’t want a shot at him before I haul him away ? ”
Hawkman chuckled, “That’s alright, I think he’s had enough. ”
With the Thanagarians defeated, The Justice League of America had a special task to perform. The heroes gathered in the Great Hall on the Satellite. Superman held the cloak of the Crimson Avenger, Earth’s first known costumed hero, in front of Dr. Fate.
Superman spoke, “As chairman of the team, I must ask you, Dr. Fate, if you will uphold the sacred trust and traditions of the League. Will you use your great powers to protect the Earth and its people from threats beyond their ability to counter. Will you swear upon the cloak of the first of our kind to be admitted as a member of the Justice League of America. ”
“Superman, ” Fate responded. “I swear upon the cloak of the Crimson Avenger, that I will dedicate my life to safeguard our world and our people. I accept membership in the Justice League. ”
The team held a reception for its newest member and in accordance with their charter, Dr. Fate began his first Monitor Duty as the rest of the team went back to Earth.
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Post by justicefreak on Nov 20, 2015 22:01:31 GMT -5
Very well done. I liked the breakdown into smaller groups to take out the Thangarian troops. The description of Batwoman and White Canary was on point and one could visualize their fight scene as a ballet as described. The whole take was very reminiscent of the classic Justice League of America stories. And Dr. Fate accepting membership to the JLoA was the icing on this chapter and seems to be a very welcomed addition.
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Post by Stranger on Nov 20, 2015 23:09:10 GMT -5
Thanks for all the feedback gang! It was really a fun story to write.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 21, 2015 7:51:21 GMT -5
Wow what an epic conclusion here and I just loved it very much ... I will comment more later on!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2015 12:03:58 GMT -5
Enjoyed this very much! I loved the fight scenes and the way you utliized the characters. Great to see Fate join the JLoA and a nice touch for the new members to immediately assume a shift of monitor duty! Well done, fun, classic!
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Post by Deleted on Nov 23, 2015 14:55:43 GMT -5
Stranger, I like the way you break it down into groups and I loved the way you handle the apparent crisis and all. I also was surprised to see Doctor Fate being accepted in the ranks in the Justice League of America and most importantly the interaction of Hawkman with the Thanagarians Fleet. I loved Kilowog and glad that the Green Lantern Corps were able to assist the JLA in this crisis.
Great Story and looking forward seeing the next installment.
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Post by Deleted on Dec 7, 2015 17:21:29 GMT -5
COMING SOON.....
The next chapter will focus on the younger set in Titans West and some familiar faces from DC's past presented in a new way for our fan-fiction's continuity. Stay tuned!
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